Sunday, 2 May 2010

Praising the Dead

There can't be many albums known purely by their catalogue number, but to mark the ocassion of their one hundredth release, Jello Biafra's Alternative Tentacles Records decided to announce that fact to the world, so this compilation of Dead Kennedys' tracks by a stunning array of various artists became simply titled Virus 100.

But no mere sampler or greatest hits this, no, this varied and eclectic collection of interpretations of Dead Kennedys' songs is all homage; an extremely worthy celebration and fitting tribute to a greatly influential band; and collectively, the band's have really done 'em proud.

Interestingly, it's the tracks that move furthest away from the original genre that are the real stand out numbers: Faith No More's cajun take on 'Let's Lynch the Landlord'; No Means No's a capella rendition of 'Forward to Death'; Napalm Death's nasty, nasty version of 'Nazi Punks'; Kramer's downbeat take on 'Insight'; and Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy's transformation of 'California Uber Alles' into a classic piece of agit-prop hip hop.

But truthfully, there's not a weak track on here.
I mean, how could there be?
They're all Dead Kennedys' tracks.
Nuff said.

Various Artists - Virus 100 (1992)

Police Truck - Didjits
Too Drunk to Fuck - Evan Jones & His H-Bombs
Halloween - Alice Donut
Let's Lynch the Landlord - Faith No More
Nazi Punks Fuck Off - Napalm Death
Forward to Death - No Means No
Chemical Warfare - Steel Pole Bath Tub
Saturday Night Holocaust - Neurosis
Moon Over Marin - Les Thugs
Ill in the Head - Victims Family
California Uber Alles - Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy
Winnebago Warrior - Mojo Nixon & the Toadliquors
Drug Me - Sepultura
Insight - Kramer
Let's Lynch the Landlord - L7
Holiday in Cambodia - Sister Double Happiness

Excellent vinyl rip @320kbs
Celebrate a dynasty here

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Kramer's 'Insight' Definitely on my fave list of tracks, like the understated volume and the eerie fairground like organ sound combined with the lyrics of alienation. In fact i want it played at my Funeral!!!!
HKHackenbacker

roy rocket said...

Well, I'm sure it could be arranged...
Yeah, Kramer's track is great, but for me, No Means No performing their a capella 'Forward to Death' is the chops.
Maybe that could be played just before you croak. Ha!
Regards, roy