California Uber Alles - Dead Kennedys
1979
Mabughay Gardens, San Franciso, California

Next month I celebrate my 20 year high school reunion. It has inspired me to seek out my favorite music from that time. Dead Kennedys were definitely a big part of that. In fact, DK was in a special class for us; they rocked AND had something important to say. There was a lot of that in the 80s and I don’t see it much any more. It’s sad. Where is our modern day Jello Biafra? Our Bono? Aren’t there any bands out there who can raise our voice for things that matter? As I’ve gotten older I may not share as many views with Jello Biafra, but some…and regardless I still respect him. I remember an episode of The Today Show when some ladies were on reading quotes from “I Kill Children” and “Kill the Poor,” appalled at the lyrics. And you know, this is right when I’m reading “A Modest Proposal” in English class. Surreal.

Here is classic DK. It cannot be more political. It is an outright lyrical assault on then California Governor and presidential hopeful, Jerry Brown. This isn’t the best audio among the songs from this show but its rawness is exquisite. What’s with the green rubber glove? And Jello looks like a graduate from the Charles Manson School of William Shatner Method Acting. Check the Goose Step > Zen Mediation bit at the end which sums up the whole song perfectly. And how bad does it suck when your mic chord pops right at the first chorus?! That’s live DK 1979, baby. That’s good shit.

P.S. Check out this hilarious cartoon version.