The Dead Kennedys' 'Live At The Deaf Club' is a raw and unbridled live album that captures the band's energetic performance at the iconic San Francisco punk venue, the Deaf Club, on 3 March 1979. This recording, released in 2004 by GoldState Music, is a testament to the band's revolutionary politics and hardcore punk sound, which defined a generation of musicians.
The 15-track album features a mix of the band's early classics, including 'Kill the Poor', 'California Über Alles', and 'Holiday In Cambodia', as well as lesser-known tracks like 'Back In Rhodesia' and 'Ill In the Head'. The performance is marked by Jello Biafra's distinctive yelps and the band's frenetic energy, which is remarkably well-preserved considering the recording is over 25 years old.
'Live At The Deaf Club' is a significant release in the Dead Kennedys' discography, not only because it showcases the band's live prowess but also because it was the last performance to feature their rhythm guitarist, 6025. The album has been re-released in various formats, including a limited edition red vinyl gatefold edition in 2013, cementing its status as a punk rock classic.
With its duration of just 39 minutes, 'Live At The Deaf Club' is a concise and intense listening experience that showcases the Dead Kennedys' unique blend of punk, hardcore punk, skate punk, and proto-punk styles. The album is a must-listen for fans of the band and the genre, offering a glimpse into the raw energy and rebellious spirit of the late 1970s punk scene.