Dead Kennedys - Frankenchrist

Dead Kennedys – Frankenchrist (2013 Reissue)
Album: Studio Album | Released: 1985 (Original), 2013 (Vinyl Reissue)
Genre: Punk Rock, Hardcore Punk

Dead Kennedys’ Frankenchrist is one of the most controversial and iconic albums in the history of hardcore punk. Originally released in 1985, this album marked a departure from the band’s earlier sound, embracing a more diverse, experimental, and politically charged approach to punk rock. In 2013, Epitaph Records reissued the album on vinyl, providing both long-time fans and new listeners the opportunity to experience Frankenchrist in its original, unaltered form. The 2013 reissue includes high-quality remastered audio and packaging that pays homage to the original release, making it a sought-after collector's item.

Background and Context:

Frankenchrist was Dead Kennedys’ third studio album and the first released after Jello Biafra’s departure from the band's primary creative direction. The album is widely recognized for its satirical social commentary, political messages, and boundary-pushing content. With Frankenchrist, the band expanded their musical horizons, incorporating elements of surf rock, psychobilly, and even mock jazz into their punk style.

One of the most controversial aspects of Frankenchrist was the inclusion of the “Penis Landscape” artwork by H.R. Giger, the Swiss surrealist artist famous for designing the creature in Alien. The artwork featured a depiction of a series of genitals in a distorted landscape, which led to legal issues for the band and the album’s distributor, Alternative Tentacles. Despite the controversy, the album went on to become a significant part of the Dead Kennedys’ legacy, solidifying their position as one of the most provocative and intelligent bands in the punk scene.

Track Listing:

1. "This Could Be Anywhere"
2. "Hellnation"
3. "Government Flu"
4. "Trust Your Mechanic"
5. "Policeman"
6. "Frankenchrist"
7. "MTV Get Off the Air"
8. "Jock-O-Rama (Invasion of the Beef Patrol)"
9. "Chicken Farm"
10. "One-Way Ticket to Pluto"
11. "Goons of the Apocalypse"
12. "Riot"
13. "Take This Job and Shove It"

Album Highlights:

• "Hellnation"
  One of the standout tracks on Frankenchrist, "Hellnation" is a searing critique of consumerism, corporate culture, and apathy. It has the fast-paced aggression of classic Dead Kennedys, but with more melodic undertones that set it apart from earlier, more straightforward punk anthems.

• "MTV Get Off the Air"
  A clear target of Jello Biafra’s lyrical fury, “MTV Get Off the Air” is a mock protest against the commercialization and homogenization of music by the cable TV network. Biafra’s distinctive voice delivers an anti-corporate message over an upbeat yet angular rhythm, which blends humor with the band’s signature satire.

• "Trust Your Mechanic"
  This track is both ironic and jarring, embodying the chaotic nature of the album. It’s a criticism of blind trust in authority figures, with Biafra’s vocals delivering the message with his usual biting sarcasm. The song’s driving rhythm and jittery guitar work create a tense atmosphere, which suits the song’s paranoia-laden message.

• "Jock-O-Rama (Invasion of the Beef Patrol)"
  A humorous yet critical take on American masculinity and the stereotypical “jock” culture, this song is a prime example of Dead Kennedys' ability to blend humor with sharp political insight. The track’s ironic undertones are matched by bouncy rhythms and mock-patriotic instrumentation.

Sound and Production:

The reissue of Frankenchrist in 2013 preserves the album’s original, raw energy while offering a more polished and dynamic sound compared to its initial release. The remastered audio brings out the nuances in the band’s diverse mix of influences, from the surf rock inspired riffs in "Take This Job and Shove It" to the more experimental jazz and psychedelic touches found in "One-Way Ticket to Pluto."

While still retaining its punk core, the album introduces a broader range of sounds, showing the band’s ability to experiment while maintaining their rebellious spirit. The mix also allows Biafra’s snarky, satirical lyrics to stand out more clearly, which is essential to understanding the political and cultural jabs scattered throughout the album.

Controversy and Artwork:

The original release of Frankenchrist made headlines due to its cover artwork by H.R. Giger, which featured a surreal and disturbing image of phallic imagery blended with bizarre landscapes. While the album was praised for its musical content, the cover generated legal troubles when distributors and record stores faced backlash, with some refusing to sell the album due to its provocative nature.

In fact, the band’s label, Alternative Tentacles, even had to deal with legal battles over the cover, which led to some versions being sold with a sticker covering the controversial image. Despite this, the artwork remains a vital part of the album’s legacy and speaks to the Dead Kennedys’ ethos of pushing boundaries and challenging norms. The 2013 reissue stays faithful to the original design, preserving the unapologetic nature of the band’s work.

Critical Reception:

Frankenchrist received mixed-to-positive reviews upon its original release, but over the years, it has gained a reputation as a definitive Dead Kennedys album. It is seen as a bold move into more diverse musical territory while still maintaining the band’s core punk ideals. The 2013 reissue was particularly well-received by fans, who appreciated the remastered audio and the opportunity to own the album in its authentic form.

The album’s satirical content and its willingness to tackle taboo subjects (ranging from consumerism to jingoism) still resonate today, particularly as an artifact of 1980s punk rock. Frankenchrist is viewed as one of the band's most ambitious albums, not just because of its musical evolution, but also for its controversial themes.

Conclusion:

Frankenchrist remains a key moment in the career of Dead Kennedys. The 2013 reissue brings the powerful message and musical innovation of this album back to the forefront of the punk rock conversation. The album showcases the band at their most experimental, melding aggressive punk with elements of surf rock, jazz, and psychedelia, all while maintaining their trademark sharp political critique.

For fans of the Dead Kennedys, Frankenchrist is a must-have, offering an honest and provocative reflection of the band's desire to challenge authority and push the envelope in every aspect of their music and visual identity. It’s a timeless classic that continues to resonate with listeners today, providing a perfect example of how punk rock can be both entertaining and thought-provoking.