Milking the Sacred Cow
Dead Kennedys · 2007
39 min · 12 tracks · hardcore punk
A frenetic blend of biting lyrics and energetic punk rhythms captures the essence of rebellion and social critique.
Top tracks — play these first
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California über alles — This track encapsulates the band's satirical take on political leadership and cultural identity in California, serving as a provocative opening statement.
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Police Truck — With its raw energy and confrontational lyrics, this song critiques police brutality, making it an enduring anthem for anti-authoritarian sentiments.
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Nazi Punks Fuck Off — This fierce rejection of fascism resonates strongly in contemporary discussions about hate groups, showcasing the band's commitment to anti-fascist values.
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Holiday in Cambodia — Combining catchy hooks with serious political commentary, this track reflects on Western consumerism versus global struggles, highlighting the band's lyrical depth.
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MTV Get Off the Air — A scathing critique of mainstream media's impact on culture, this track showcases the band's ability to fuse humor with incisive social commentary.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The compilation showcases notable tracks but lacks cohesive flow due to its mixed format.
What we noticed
- Each track maintains a fast tempo typical of hardcore punk, with aggressive guitar riffs and rapid drumming throughout.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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4/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. 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
- frenetic energy for rebellion
- quick bursts of social critique
- cathartic anthems for frustration
- live tracks for raw intensity
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of slow melodies
- prefer polished studio sounds
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2007, Milking the Sacred Cow is a compilation album that highlights the Dead Kennedys' influential work from their late 1970s and early 1980s era. The band had reformed after a hiatus and aimed to remind audiences of their politically charged anthems during a time when punk's relevance was being questioned. This album serves as a bridge between their storied past and renewed presence in the punk scene.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Black Flag· Minor Threat· Circle Jerks
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 California über alles 3:28
- 2 Police Truck 2:26
- 3 Kill the Poor 3:08
- 4 Holiday in Cambodia 3:45
- 5 Nazi Punks Fuck Off 1:04
- 6 Too Drunk to Fuck 2:41
- 7 Viva Las Vegas 2:41
- 8 Moon Over Marin 3:43
- 9 Halloween 3:36
- 10 MTV Get Off the Air 3:38
- 11 Soup Is Good Food (live) 4:39
- 12 Jock-O-Rama (live) 4:19
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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