Hallowed Ground by Violent Femmes
Style: Cowpunk, Folk Punk
Release: June 1984
Length: 39 min.
Round: Folk Punk
I've already heard their debut and their most recent one. With this inclusion of cowpunk in the mix (country punk), Hallowed Ground sounds like their most effective and engaging album, and it's a reminder of how much of a shame it is that this was their last great album: their second one.
Upon the first note, I noticed the cowpunk inclusion and how smart it was to bring country into the folk punk sound. Violent Femmes knew they could do it. “Country Death Song” is the opener, and it should be titled “The Agony and the Ecstasy,” because it's such an energetic song wt seriously depressing lyrics. The next song, I Hear the Rain,” has a more punk based rhythm but seems to have just as much meaning without the emotion, possibly being a better song. “Never Tell”: is one of the coolest sounding songs on the album, letting the music be dark and engaging while the singer repeats the same lines with real meaning. They end up shouting pointlessly, but it seems as if that pointlessness also carries a lot of hidden anger. Plus, the song ends with a pretty cool, faster-paced solo. “Jesus Walking on the Water” has the essence of a great country song. “I Know It's True But I'm Sorry to Say “ feels like a sad song, but the vocal compositions need some work. “Hallowed Ground” is lead by a piano riff backed up by a quiet guitar riff and a loud bass. Again, the vocal compositions need work. ”Sweet Misery Blues” sounds like the Beatles decided to go country blues and write a good song. “Black Girls” is a more hyper song, one where Violent Femmes. I really like the instrumental at the end, but what's with the horns?
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“Finally comes the song, “It's Gonna Rain.” Now, they have a really good album here. And It's Gonna Rain is pretty good. But I don't think it's a proper ending to a great album, despite the overall cheery essence.
I think this album is very well worth it. Second best Violent Femmes album, you know it. Second best folk punk album? Maybe not.
87/100. Might vote it off, might not. I think this is the first of the chosen folk punk albums I've heard.