Ballot Result
Minutemen · 1987
69 min · 27 tracks · alternative rock
A frenetic blend of punk energy and sharp social commentary, wrapped in concise tracks that pack a punch.
Top tracks — play these first
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Little Man With a Gun in His Hand — This opening track sets the tone with its urgent rhythm and poignant lyrics that critique power dynamics and individualism, encapsulating the band's ethos.
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Political Song for Michael Jackson to Sing — This track exemplifies the Minutemen's knack for blending humor with serious political commentary, highlighting the intersection of pop culture and activism.
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History Lesson, Part Two — A reflective piece that showcases the band's storytelling ability, it offers a personal take on history while inviting listeners to consider their own narratives.
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This Ain’t No Picnic — With its catchy riffs and sharp lyrics, this song critiques complacency and serves as a rallying cry for action amidst societal apathy.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's concise tracks and sharp social commentary create a distinctive punk sound that reflects its era.
What we noticed
- Many tracks employ abrupt tempo shifts and dynamic changes, often moving from frenetic punk energy to quieter moments.
- The lyrics are delivered in a conversational style, often blending social commentary with humor and irony.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- short bursts of frenetic energy
- sharp social commentary in songs
- quick reflections on societal issues
- punchy tracks for active listening
- late-night discussions with friends
Maybe skip if you
- prefer long, drawn-out compositions
- seek soothing background music
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in early 1987, Ballot Result followed the Minutemen's critically acclaimed album Double Nickels on the Dime. At this point, the band was gaining recognition in the underground punk scene, solidifying their reputation for politically charged lyrics and innovative musical style. The album captures their signature sound while continuing to push boundaries in punk rock.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Sonic Youth· Fugazi· Wire
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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History Lesson, Part Two
The section where the narrative shifts from collective history to personal experience illustrates a sense of nostalgia paired with critical reflection.
By pivoting to personal anecdotes within a historical context, it emphasizes individual storytelling against broader societal narratives.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Little Man With a Gun in His Hand 3:05
- 2 Political Song for Michael Jackson to Sing 1:28
- 3 I Felt Like a Gringo 1:40
- 4 Jesus and Tequila 2:53
- 5 Courage 2:56
- 6 King of the Hill 3:01
- 7 Bermuda 3:09
- 8 No One 6:32
- 9 Mr. Robot’s Holy Orders 7:47
- 10 Ack Ack Ack 0:33
- 11 History Lesson, Part Two 2:31
- 12 This Ain’t No Picnic 1:47
- 13 The Cheerleaders 3:32
- 14 Time 2:39
- 15 Cut 2:02
- 16 Split Red 1:07
- 17 Shit You Hear at Parties 1:06
- 18 Hell (second take) 7:06
- 19 Tour‐Spiel 3:23
- 20 Take Our Test 2:03
- 21 The Punch Line 0:41
- 22 Search 0:48
- 23 Bob Dylan Wrote Propaganda Songs 1:21
- 24 Badges 0:39
- 25 Tension 1:32
- 26 If Reagan Played Disco 1:15
- 27 No! No! No! to Draft and War / Joe McCarthy’s Ghost 3:02
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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