BBC Live

RELEASE
June 21, 2005
LABEL
Hux Records
GENRES
Pop/Rock, Alternative/Indie Rock, New Wave, Alternative Pop/Rock, Post-Punk, College Rock, Punk/New Wave

Album Review

Recorded live in the Summer of 1991 at London's Town & Country Club, the Hux label's BBC Live captures all of the volatility, humor, and wounded sarcasm that the Violent Femmes bring to each and every predictably unpredictable live show (bassist Brian Ritchie traditionally dictates the set list in real time). The group had just released Why Do Birds Sing?, a return to the snarky guitar/bass/snare drum attack that fueled their classic self-titled debut nearly ten years before, and were experiencing a bit of a comeback with "American Music" and its accompanying video. The crowd is rabid and knowledgeable, belting out each and every word, which makes for an interesting juxtaposition between the sentimental strains of "Good Feeling" and the murderous "Country Death Song." The group's ability to mix devout Christianity with sex, drugs, and rock & roll without seeming the least bit contrived has always been both a virtue and a hindrance. The Violent Femmes have always been a polarizing band, but you wouldn't know it listening to a gaggle of British girls yell out ""Jesus Walking on the Water"" during the guitar intro to "Kiss Off." Great stuff for longtime fans.
James Christopher Monger, Rovi

Track Listing

  1. Look Like That
  2. Promise
  3. Out the Window
  4. Country Death Song
  5. Prove My Love
  6. Fat
  7. Flamingo Baby
  8. Good Feeling
  9. Ugly
  10. Gimme the Car
  11. Blister in the Sun
  12. American Music
  13. Kiss Off
  14. Life Is a Scream