Violent Femmes

The Violent Femmes were my first introduction to protest music (thank you President Reagan), and they, much like the bands I listed below, played a large role in my exploration of alternative music in my senior high school years.Their music was an innovative combination of American folk, gospel, blues, and punk rock, which became known as "folk punk". The group quickly gained a following that never veered into mainstream commercialism. A few songs that gained recognition include "Add It Up", "Blister in the Sun" and "Kiss Off".  Always popular on college radio, their self-titled debut album went platinum 8 years after its release.

"Blister in the Sun" has been posted below to give you a sample of the unique sound that is the Violent Femmes.

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