Bedtime for Democracy Songs Ranked
Bedtime for Democracy is the fourth and final studio album by the American punk rock band Dead Kennedys. Released in 1986, songs on this album cover common punk subjects often found in punk rock lyrics of the era such as conformity, Reaganomics, the U.S. military, and critique of the hardcore punk movement. The album’s title refers to the 1951 comedy film, Bedtime for Bonzo starring Ronald Reagan and also reflects the band’s weary bitterness from the trial they were undergoing at the time over the controversial art included with their previous album. By the time recording of Bedtime for Democracy had begun, the Dead Kennedys had already played what would be their last concert with Jello Biafra and announced their breakup immediately after the release of the record, whose opening track is a cover of David Alan Coe’s “Take This Job and Shove It.” Here are all of Bedtime for Democracy songs ranked.
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10. Lie Detector
“The incredible swirling of government vultures, the obscenity lawsuit, a hardcore scene becoming increasingly violent and personal/professional drama would have been a toxic brew for most bands, but the Dead Kennedys let loose one last time with massive doses of societal satire “
9. Potshot Heard Round the World
“By far the best DK album. This was my first DK album and still the best. Some many poignant songs full of bitter sarcasm stabbing in the eye of the state of the union. Sure, Jello has an irritating nasal voice and can’t carry a tune in a bucket. “
8. Chickenshit Conformist
“This album makes social statements that are even more relevant today than they were when it was released. It’s in the lyrics that the beauty of this work shines; powerful social commentary for a people who have been taught from childhood to admire the screwed up system that oppresses us.”
See more: Dead Kennedys Albums Ranked
7. Gone With My Wind
“This album is the pinnacle of the DKs creative expression. Tight, fast-paced performances are highlighted, and the lyrics on this disc put Jello Biafra among the elite of lyrical genius alongside the likes of Roger Waters, Jim Morrison, Bob Dylan, Frank Zappa, Ian Anderson, Neil Peart. “
6. Do the Slag
“The great artwork included in the other dk albums are missing but are you buying this cd for the artwork or the cd? Well I hope your buying it for the cd. A lot of people don’t like this cd but I personaly think it is a great cd.”
5. Cesspools in Eden
“Bedtime for democracy is similar to “in god we trust inc.” It is fast and hardcore. Some people say this this is dk’s worst, but i think it is one of their best. This is dk’s last studio album also.”
See more: Dead Kennedys Songs Ranked
4. Macho Insecurity
“Bedtime for democracy is similar to “in god we trust inc.” It is fast and hardcore. Some people say this this is dk’s worst, but i think it is one of their best. This is dk’s last studio album also.”
3. Shrink
“Bed Time for Democracy is one of Dead kennedys best releases I mean in no way is this weak ,most who think so haven’t read the lyrics or are too narrowminded for this. If you do not own this get it punk.”
2. Fleshdunce
“The first time you listen, it will all sound like one really boring song, but with time you’ll latch onto specific bits in all the songs and realize that they’re simply too fast to be dull. Jello stopped being funny long before this album, but the Kennedys were still a fantastic hardcore outfit when they wanted to be.”
1. Dear Abby
“A high energy final release from the DK’s. All around pretty similar to their early sound. I must admit though Jello’s lyrics tend to get on my nerves. To cheese ball political punk for me.”
