Strange to think that in 1983, R.E.M's Murmur and The Violent Femmes eponymous debut record were truly neck and neck as the most important records of the year they both came out. Perhaps not so strange, as they're still listed thirty three years on as number one and two on the Best Ever Albums site in the poll for that year. Murmur just wins by a head.
The Violent Femmes record though, was and still is very, very, very good. As perfect a distillation of hormonal teenage rage and angst as could ever be imagined. Here it's actually realised. With Gano always at the heart of it. A screaming, maniacal, slightly scary, eternal adolescent. But oddly a lovable one. With the Femmes next album, Hallowed Ground he turned vicious, Gothic and evil. It was a good record too but this is how they will be remembered as they didn't hit a wrong note here. Teenagers tell certain truths!
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