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One of the most distinctive records of the early alternative movement and an enduring cult classic, Violent Femmes weds the geeky, child-man persona of Jonathan Richman and the tense, jittery, hyperactive feel of new wave in an unlikely context: raw, amateurish acoustic folk-rock. The music also owes something to the Modern Lovers' minimalism, but powered by Brian Ritchie's busy acoustic bass riffing and the urgency and wild abandon of punk rock, the Femmes forged a sound all their own. Still, the main reason Violent Femmes became the preferred soundtrack for the lives of many an angst-ridden teenager is lead singer and songwriter Gordon Gano. Naive and childish one minute, bitterly frustrated and rebellious the next, Gano's vocals perfectly captured the contradictions of adolescence and the difficulties of making the transition to adulthood. Clever lyrical flourishes didn't hurt either; while "Blister In the Sun" has deservedly become a standard, "Kiss Off"'s chant-along "count-up" section, "Add It Up"'s escalating "Why can't I get just one..." couplets, and "Gimme the Car"'s profanity-obscuring guitar bends ensured that Gano's intensely vulnerable confessions of despair and maladjustment came off as catchy and humorous as well. Even if the songwriting slips a bit on occasion, Gano's personality keeps the music engaging and compelling without overindulging in his seemingly willful naiveté. For the remainder of their career, the group would only approach this level in isolated moments. ~ Steve Huey, All Music Guide
more albums by this artist
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- Add It Up (1981-1993)
- Released 1993
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- Permanent Record: The Very Best Of The Violent Femmes
- Released 2005
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- Why Do Birds Sing?
- Released 1991
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- Viva Wisconsin
- Released 2005
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listener reviews
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One of the Greats
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- By MildMildWest
- 7/24/2009 13:33:11
- Largely acoustic, the self-titled freshmen release of the Violent Femmes goes down in the annals as one of the greatest all time albums. Showing great range and versatility Gordon Gano and gang treat you to an amazing line up of songs that are both entertaining and intricate. Blister In The Sun can be considered to be a true anthem of the 80's, Add It Up is also a classic that will have you singing the bridge over and over again. Gone Daddy Gone was eventually covered by Gnarls Barkley - though the cover was good, it seems more a tribute than a remake. For anyone who appreciates a good acoustic set or is a fan of the 80's, the Violent Femmes - Violent Femmes is a MUST own.
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