This band was political as hell, or at least Jello is. Some critics have slammed the musical ability of DK, but I've never had any complaints, myself. They get the job done, and they do it fast and furious - most of the tracks will make you want to slam dance in your living room. My favorite tracks are "Kill the Poor", "When Ya Get Drafted", "Let's Lynch the Landlord" (my absolute favorite), "Chemical Warfare", "California Ueber Alles", "Stealing People's Mail", and of course "Holiday in Cambodia", which sometimes makes me think of Bauhaus, in terms of the music. On top of everything else, you get a nifty mini-poster collage inside. I hope they still include that.

You can race through this album in no time at all; it's not even 33 minutes long. DK just dove in, got down to business, and moved on, in classic punk style.


Truly a punk classic   August 14, 2001
Jonathan Henry (Boston, MA USA)
8 out of 8 found this review helpful

I'm not an expert on the Dead Kennedys, but what I do know is that I like this disc a lot. The Kennedys are probably one of the most influential and famous American punk bands in history, and this CD will let you know why.

"Holiday In Cambodia" remains possibly my favorite DK song of all time, and combined with other great ones like Kill the Poor, Viva Las Vegas and Chemical Warfare, it makes for one killer album.

Some people take offense at their lyrics, but you just have to realize the DK are one of the most sarcastic, say-the-opposite-of-what-you-mean bands ever. They obviously aren't advocating blowing up the poor or lynching the landlord. Just listen to Jello's (heck, just look at his name) voice, it's obvious.

Anyway, this is a great CD and belongs in the collection of any punk fan.


Spitting Venom...   October 28, 2004
J. Brittman (Long Island, New York)
9 out of 10 found this review helpful

THE landmark debut from Jello Biafra and Co. takes on all comers. Biafra spews fire on classics California Uber Allies and Holiday in Cambodia challenging right wing politicos and second year college students to find some semblance of a soul in this modern society. "Your a star-belly sneech you suck like a leech You want everyone to act like you, Kiss ass while you bitch so you can get rich, But your boss gets richer on you", you just can't find any more potent or eye opening lyrics than Biafras. No one has written better lyrics with more sarcasm or wit, just check out I Kill Children or Kill the Poor. "I kill children, I love to see them die, I kill children, And make their mamas cry, Crush 'em under my car, I wanna hear them scream, Feed 'em poison candy, To spoil their Halloween." In sheer terms of accomplishment, this is the best album that DK ever put together, it's also their most consistent piece of work. Some standout tracks (other than the aforementioned) are: Stealing People's Mail, Funland at the Beach, Chemical Warfare and Let's Lynch the Landlord. This is a punk album that any self respecting fan should own, it is vital and essential stuff. Eventhough the music may sound dated, the fury and passion of Biafra's lyrics make this stuff timeless. Highly Recommended.



definitely one of the best albums ever   August 22, 2001
g cooper (New York City)
6 out of 6 found this review helpful

god bless the dead kennedy's, jello biafra especially. with this debut album, they were not only able to make some killer sounds, but they pretty much re-defined punk music for generations to come. with strange, theremin-esque vocals and some hilarious songwriting, 'fresh fruit for rotting vegetables,' never lets up.

this is partially because, even though the dead kennedy's were a punk band, they had a twisted pop mentality. songs like, 'kill the poor,' 'let's lynch the landlord,' and, 'california uber alles,' all have bouncy rhythms and are valiantly anthemic; insane odes to biafra's favorite subject matter, politics.

it's true that parts of this album sound a bit dated, and this is most evident on one of the albums most amazing tracks, 'holiday in cambodia,' a true landmark for music in general. the sneering, embittered vocals blend surprisingly well with the heavily distorted guitars.

listen to me. i sound like a complete jerk. this album really does not need to be analyzed. it has it's imperfections, but don't let those prevent you from buying a life changing listening experience.


Masterpeice of punk/hardcore, plain and simple.   July 15, 2000
Rahshad Black (Moreno Valley, CA)
8 out of 9 found this review helpful

The brilliant, biting left-wing lyricism of Jello Biafra and the dark surf styled guitar-work of East Bay Ray first exploded onto the underground scene with this gem, "Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables". Although the politics are refined, they aren't as prevalent as on other albums, with topics ranging from drugs, "Drug Me", to boring people "Your Emotions", to violence and mayhem, "I Kill Children", "Chemical Warfare" and "Stealing People's Mail". However, many of the political songs are as biting as the Dead Kennedys get until "Bedtime for Democracy". "California Uber Alles" is a brilliant indictment of Brown-era California politics with an excellent guitar riff. Some are very direct, like "When Ya Get Drafted", while the point of "Forward to Death" or "Funland at the Beach" might be more evasive. The musical variation is less, but still works in some areas. "Ill in the Head" shines with complicated art-rock styled instrumental tangents and "Drug Me" adds keyboard to the madness. "Kill the Poor" has a classic rock feel to it, and the cover of "Viva Las Vegas" is musically crass and annoying. With the exeption of the poorly excuted closer, this is a very strong album that runs at an extreme pace and is sure to entertain and maybe even enlighten.