The Jello Biafra/Gangster Rap Connection

[The Postmaster General]

I was reading an interview with Jello Biafra, and this was during the senate hearings on gagnster rap -- He said his name was mentioned several times.

I know that back in the day, Dead Kennedys were attacked the same way as current rappers are scrutinized -- Biafra, in particular, was accussed of adding to "urban decay."

Does anyone know more about this - want to strike up a topic about this kind of thing. I've always been a proponent that every form of music has to undergo this sort of public disproval. Rock music (sex fiends), jazz (drug addicts), and even modern (Hollywood) country got the proverbial boot at first.

Any thoughts?

[The Heart Collector]

The Dead Kennedys stood trial for obscenity over the album "Frankenchrist" and its artwork (by HR Giger. I think it was a mosaic of cocks shoved in assholes). I think they were the first band to actually be sued for things like that. They won. The band broke up, though. That's all I know.

And, of course, that it's stupid.

[The Postmaster General]

I've seen that cover. It seems so tame compared to just what's on MTV. Well, it is pornographic.

Biafra has always interested me. Do you know much about him - Have you heard him speak before. He spoke with Ralph Nader and MIchael Moore at a convention I went to during the 2000 election campaign. Biafras a good thinker, but a lousey speaker. I wonder if there's transcripts out there of his trails, or did only the record label represent?

[Dehydrator]

One one of Ice T's records (I think it's Freedom of Speech) Jello Biafra speaks the intro of one song which is about censorship - you can find this track on the edited (means there's no "Copkiller") version of Body Counts debut album.

[JohnTheHenchman]

Bubba, have you ever heard any of Biafra's spoken word stuff? He actually is a pretty good if unconventional speaker. I suggest picking up one of his spoken word albums.

http://www.alternativetentacles.com/bandinfo.php?band=jello

this bio may give you some greater insight into his life and times

[The Postmaster General]

Yeah, I heard his recorded spoken word stuff is more focused than when I saw him speaking live with Nader and Moore. Then he just sounded like he was rabid, and there was an auditorium full of people all just looking back and forth at each other --- He was maniacal and not clear at all. On the car trip home the Bifra-literate one in the group was saying it was nothing like his spoken word stuff, which apparently was more clear. We were wondering if maybe he was just extra stoked about the venue, or maybe just an off night....

I've always adored DK, totally because of the lyrics, sometimes for the rifffs --- but always for the lyrics. I wish there were more bands with this level of wit and smarts -- at least more modern ones. Oh god, I'm doing the cranky old guy bit again....

Thanks for the lead, John. That's a well laid out page. Lots of good info that everyone should check out.

966-68 - Biafra idolizes Batman villains while his classmates want to be baseball players, nurses and policemen.

And that's fucking great!

[JohnTheHenchman]

That's what I love about dk their sarcastic yet relevant lyrics and excellent fucking instrumentation.

Are you familiar with the story behind the song Pull My Strings?

[The Postmaster General]

All I know about it is that they played it at a concert where they were billed as a new wave act, and that's the only time it was ever heard. That, and it skewers pop music - rips off My Sharona with My Payola - haha! That one is my probably my favorite -- holds up even better today! I think I posted the lyrics in here before. The song is so ironic -- especially in how catchy it is. I'm sure Biafra intended that. Is that what you meant about the story?

[JohnTheHenchman]

Haha yes!

[The Postmaster General]

I actually love that lounge version of California Uber Alles from (I think) Bedtime for Democracy (sorry - being lazy not searching to see if I'm right on the title. I think I am....)

Last call for alcohol
Last call for your freedom of speech!
Drink up, happy hour is now enforced by law.


Great stuff. Good to see some more fans on the boards. This is one band that should not be forgotten, and IMO the world needs now more than ever. I'd like to see Biafra on The Daily Show or something. I saw off the alt. tentacles site mention of a recent show. Are they still playing??

[JohnTheHenchman]

Dead Kennedys have played shows these recent years but without Biafra as front man.

[The Postmaster General]

Damn. That's like having the RNC with no one named Bush. :p


Who is fronting them, do you know off hand?


And am I the only one aching at the lack of DK interest? Especially when that Green Day thread is prospering. :o

[JohnTheHenchman]

Brondon Cruz, who played Eddie in the tv show "Courtship of Eddie's Father" I'm not kidding. He also fronted the band Dr. Know.

Yeah I never understood why more people weren't more interested in the roots of punk rock, when everyone goes crazy over shit today that's influenced by it. Makes no sense to me.

[JohnTheHenchman]

whoops

Jeff Penalty now does vocals