The best thing Jello Biafra has done post-Dead Kennedys and likely a good indication of what that band could have sounded like had they stuck around or properly reformed. He may be up there in age but he still is one of the best punk singers around.
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Jello Biafra and the Guantanamo School of Medicine – White People and the Damage Done – LP
Alternative Tentacles
I don’t think there is any more well-known front man in punk rock than Jello Biafra. For well over three decades he’s been a household name to punk fans in a variety of capacities. Whether leading the legendary Dead Kennedys, teaming up with Al from Ministry in Lard, his spoken word appearances, his involvement in indecency lawsuits or lawsuits with his former band mates, Jello has kept busy and been quite prolific in his career. He is easily the most outspoken punk rock figure probably of all time. Jello made be up there in age these days but it sure hasn’t slowed him down as he has returned once more with his latest musical offering with his latest band, The Guantanamo School of Medicine, a band that features some excellent musicians.
The band plays mid to fast tempo punk/rock with some interesting tempo changes and catchy choruses. The songs are all around five minutes long and have punchy guitars and a lot of sing along vocal deliveries. It’s hard to hear a band based on a punk rock foundation with Jello singing and not make comparisons to the Dead Kennedys. There are times that this sounds like the DK’s would have likely sounded like had they stuck around or properly reunited to write new material. Jello’s voice and vocal delivery haven’t changed at all in the 30+ years he’s been performing and that’s a comforting fact because if you are a fan of any of his previous work it is a safe bet you will really enjoy this album. Jello’s lyrics also are faithful to what he has become known for where they incorporate political and social issues with a little sarcasm and satire. The album contains 10 songs.
The LP is pressed on black vinyl and is in a full color standard jacket. The record is housed in a full color printed inner sleeve and there is a big fold out poster insert with lyrics and images on it printed on both sides. It also comes with a download card so you can have the digital version for when you are on the go. Overall this is a fine album from one of the legends of punk that will surely appeal to fans of the Dead Kennedys and is well worth picking up.