Album Info
| Artist: | Dead Kennedys |
| Album: | Bedtime For Democracy |
| Released: | USA & Canada, 2003 |
Tracklist:
| A1 | Take This Job And Shove It | 1:24 |
| A2 | Hop With The Jet Set | 2:07 |
| A3 | Dear Abby | 1:10 |
| A4 | Rambozo The Clown | 2:25 |
| A5 | Fleshdunce | 1:29 |
| A6 | The Great Wall | 1:31 |
| A7 | Shrink | 1:45 |
| A8 | triumph Of The Swill | 2:18 |
| A9 | Macho Insecurity | 1:30 |
| A10 | I Spy | 2:30 |
| A11 | Cesspools In Eden | 5:55 |
| B1 | One-Way Ticket To Pluto | 1:38 |
| B2 | Do The Slag | 1:37 |
| B3 | A Commercial | 1:38 |
| B4 | Gone With My Wind | 1:43 |
| B5 | Anarchy For Sale | 1:18 |
| B6 | Chickenshit Conformist | 5:59 |
| B7 | Where Do Ya Draw The Line | 2:38 |
| B8 | Potshot Heard 'Round The World | 2:12 |
| B9 | D.M.S.O. | 2:08 |
| B10 | Lie Detector | 3:41 |
Info About Buying Vinyl From Our Record Store
- We are a small independent record store located at 91 Plenty Rd, Preston in Melbourne, Australia (North of Northcote, between Thornbury & Reservoir)
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- Happy Listening!
Description
"Bedtime for Democracy" is the fourth and final studio album by the American punk rock band Dead Kennedys, released on November 19, 1986, through Alternative Tentacles. The album is a significant entry in the punk rock genre, known for its aggressive sound and politically charged lyrics, which reflect the band's disillusionment with the American political landscape of the 1980s.
The album's title, "Bedtime for Democracy," is a play on the 1951 film "Bedtime for Bonzo," starring Ronald Reagan, who was the President of the United States at the time of the album's release. This title sets the tone for the album's content, which is heavily critical of Reagan's administration and the broader political and social issues of the era.
Musically, "Bedtime for Democracy" continues the Dead Kennedys' tradition of fast-paced, hardcore punk. The album features 21 tracks, with a total running time of approximately 48 minutes. The songs are characterized by their rapid tempos, abrasive guitar riffs, and Jello Biafra's distinctive, sardonic vocal delivery. The band's lineup on this album includes Jello Biafra on vocals, East Bay Ray on guitar, Klaus Flouride on bass, and D.H. Peligro on drums.
Lyrically, the album addresses a wide range of topics, from the disillusionment with the American Dream to critiques of consumerism, censorship, and the military-industrial complex. One of the standout tracks, "Chickenshit Conformist," criticizes the punk scene itself for becoming what it once opposed. Another notable song, "Rambozo the Clown," takes aim at the glorification of war and violence in American culture.
"Bedtime for Democracy" also includes a cover of "Take This Job and Shove It," originally by country singer Johnny Paycheck. The Dead Kennedys' version transforms the song into a punk anthem of worker discontent and rebellion.
The album's production, handled by the band and engineer John Cuniberti, captures the raw energy and intensity of the Dead Kennedys' sound. The recording quality is intentionally rough around the edges, which complements the band's aggressive musical style and the urgency of their message.
Upon its release, "Bedtime for Democracy" received mixed reviews from critics. Some praised the album for its uncompromising political stance and energetic performances, while others felt that it did not quite match the impact of the band's earlier work, such as "Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables" or "Plastic Surgery Disasters." Despite the mixed critical reception, the album has since gained recognition as an important document of the 1980s punk scene and a testament to the Dead Kennedys' enduring influence.
"Bedtime for Democracy" marked the end of an era for the Dead Kennedys. Shortly after the album's release, the band disbanded, partly due to internal tensions and legal battles, including a high-profile obscenity trial over the artwork of their previous album, "Frankenchrist." Jello Biafra went on to pursue a solo career and became a prominent spoken word artist and political activist, while the other members continued with various musical projects.
In conclusion, "Bedtime for Democracy" stands as a powerful statement from one of punk rock's most politically engaged bands. Its raw sound and incisive lyrics capture the spirit of dissent and resistance that defined the Dead Kennedys' music. While it may not be as universally acclaimed as some of their earlier albums, it remains a vital piece of punk history and a compelling listen for fans of the genre.
