Celebrating four decades of the seminal self-titled debut album by the Violent Femmes, the 40th Anniversary Deluxe Edition offers a comprehensive and immersive journey into the raw, unbridled energy that defined folk punk in the early ’80s. In celebration of forty years on from the release Craft Recordings is reissuing the iconic album in various formats a deluxe 2-CD, digital release, and a limited-edition 4-disc vinyl box set, this commemorative collection is a must-have for both devoted fans and newcomers eager to delve into the roots of an iconic band. The original album and single discs are cut from the original analog tapes, while lacquers for the complete set were cut by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio. Both the CD and LP editions will feature an expansive book with new liner notes by journalist and Rolling Stone senior editor David Fricke, complete with interviews with Violent Femmes members Gordon Gano, Brian Ritchie, and Victor DeLorenzo.
The remastered audio breathes new life into the original tracks, enhancing the distinctive charm of classics like “Blister in the Sun,” “Please Do Not Go,” “Gone Daddy Gone,” and “Add It Up.” The clarity and richness of the sound bring out nuances that may have been overlooked in previous editions, allowing listeners to rediscover the brilliance of Violent Femmes’ groundbreaking sound. Disc one faithfully preserves the original album’s tracklist, reminding us of the enduring impact of these timeless compositions. From the infectious energy of “Kiss Off” to the introspective musings of “Confessions,” the album’s diversity showcases the band’s ability to seamlessly blend folk, punk, and pop elements.
However, it’s the bonus material on disc two (or 2 and 3 on vinyl) that truly sets this anniversary edition apart. Featuring over a dozen demos, B-sides, and live performances, this disc offers a glimpse into the creative process and evolution of Violent Femmes’ early works. Standout tracks like “Girl Trouble (Demo)” and “Breakin’ Up (Demo)” provide a rare insight into the band’s formative stages, highlighting the raw talent that would soon captivate audiences worldwide. It’s impressive that most of the demo versions are almost fully formed visions of the finished versions. This is most evident where “Blister in the Sun” sounds similar to the album version but without the “sneer” in Gordon Gano’s vocals. The live recordings, especially those from Beneath-It-All Café in Milwaukee and Folk City in New York, capture the band’s untamed energy and stage presence during their early years. The inclusion of “Gone Daddy Gone / I Just Want to Make Love to You (Live)” recorded in 1983 at Folk City adds a thrilling dimension to the collection, with a complete verse from Willie Dixon’s “I Just Want to Make Love to You.” The live performances also serve to show the band’s progression in the years leading up to releasing their debut album. Many of the live tracks here didn’t make it onto their debut LP and it’s great to hear early versions of songs like “Country Death Song” and “Never Tell” that would ultimately end up on their sophomore release, Hallowed Ground.
The vinyl box set, limited to 5,000 copies worldwide, is a true collector’s gem. Housed in a lift-top box with a die-cut window detail, the set includes three 180-gram LPs, each dedicated to the original album, demos, and live material. The addition of a replica 7-inch single (“Ugly” / “Gimme the Car”) adds a nostalgic touch, making this edition a tangible piece of Violent Femmes history. Violent Femmes’ 40th Anniversary Deluxe Edition is a lovingly curated tribute to a groundbreaking album that shaped the landscape of alternative music. With its meticulous remastering, rare demos, and electrifying live performances, this release ensures that the band’s influential debut continues to resonate with fans old and new for generations to come.
