Violent Femmes

Add It Up

Greatest Hits

Review Score:

(10/10)
To anyone over the age of 16, the music of the Violent Femmes may seem childish and unprofound. But somehow, that same simplicity and level of immaturity is why their music is loved by people of all ages. And on top of that, it's just about the catchiest stuff you'll ever hear. The Femmes had their heyday in the 80s, but their music is far from sounding like it belongs in that decade. In fact, the Violent Femmes created a style all their own, proving that punk rock could be made on an acoustic guitar. And in the process of being so simple, they ended up making quite a profound cultural and political statement -- and developed one heck of a cult following.

Not surprisingly, this album of greatest hits touches on all aspects of their sound. Touches of punk, folk, gospel, country, and regular rock and roll can all be heard on these songs. None of these songs, other than the overplayed "Blister in the Sun," ever had any substantial radio play. So if you've never heard most of these songs, that's okay. They're all good. Gordon Gano's voice screams "teenage rebellion" with every whiny note. He sounds like a horny high school kid who hates his parents, but you somehow can't help but listen.

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