Let Them Eat Jellybeans

Infobox Album |
Name = Let Them Eat Jellybeans
Subtitled = 17 Extracts From Americas Darker Side
Type = Album
Artist = Various Artists


Released = 1981
Recorded = Various Dates
Genre = Hardcore punk
Length = 37:43
Label = Alternative Tentacles
Producer =
Reviews =
* Allmusic Rating|4.5|5 [http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:43rn286i05oa link]
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"Let Them Eat Jellybeans" , subtitled "17 Extracts From Americas Darker Side", is a compilation album released by Alternative Tentacles in 1981. It was one of the earliest compilations of underground music in the United States and its original release included an insert of all of the punk bands known to be playing in the U.S. and Canada at that time. The first side of the LP features songs by a number of bands that formed the canon of American hardcore punk in the 1980s, while the second side features more of an art rock sound.

The album's title comes from the phrase "Let them eat cake" (supposedly said by Marie Antoinette). The use of the word jellybeans is in reference to Ronald Reagan, who was known to consider them his favorite candy.

At least two of the cuts on the punk side of the album have never been issued in the same form heard on "Let Them Eat Jellybeans". The version of Black Flag's "Police Story" heard on "...Jellybeans" was recorded during the sessions for the "Six Pack" EP and features Dez Cadena on lead vocals, although the album's insert features the then-current "Damaged"-era lineup with Henry Rollins. Also, the version of Dead Kennedys' "Nazi Punks Fuck Off!" is a wholly different recording than the versions heard on both "In God We Trust, Inc." and the "Nazi Punks Fuck Off!" single.

The album has been in high demand for reissue from fans who have either worn out their original vinyl copies, or never got to hear the original compilation. However, Alternative Tentacles Records admitted in their website's FAQ section in 1999 that licensing issues with Black Flag and what is referred to as "a falling out" between Jello Biafra and one of the other acts on the record, although no names are given, have prevented them from reissuing the compilation. Biafra would not re-release the album unless it is in its full, original form. [" [http://www.alternativetentacles.com/faq.php Alternative Tentacles Frequently Asked Questions] ". "AlternativeTentacles.com". Retrieved July 8, 2008.]

Track listing

Side One:
#"Ha Ha Ha" - performed by Flipper
#"The Prisoner" - performed by D.O.A.
#"Police Story" - performed by Black Flag
#"Pay to Cum" - performed by Bad Brains
#"Nazi Punks Fuck Off!" - performed by Dead Kennedys
#"Paid Vacation" - performed by The Circle Jerks
#"Prostitution" - performed by Really Red
#"Jesus Entering from the Rear" - performed by The Feederz
#"Slave to My Dick" - performed by SubhumansSide Two:
#"Isotope Soap" - performed by Geza X
#"Persecution-That's My Song" - performed by BPeople
#"An Object" - performed by Wounds
#"Everyone's A Bigot" - performed by The Offs
#"Corporate Food" - performed by Anonymous
#"Fun Again" - performed by Half Japanese
#"Joke's On You" - performed by Christian Lunch
#"Sleep" - performed by Voice Farm

Influence

The compilation influenced many 1980s independent labels to release similar collections. In what may or may not be an homage to the song, a similar guitar solo to the one heard at the end of Black Flag's "Police Story" can be heard on Metallica's "Kill 'Em All" album.

ee also

List of punk compilation albums

References