Millions of Dead Cops cover

Millions of Dead Cops

MDC · 1982

20 min · 14 tracks · hardcore punk

Frenetic guitars and raw vocals collide in a relentless assault on authority, encapsulating the heart of hardcore punk.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Dead Cops/America's So Straight — This track directly confronts police violence and societal norms, showcasing MDC's signature blend of humor and aggression while addressing serious issues.
  • →
    John Wayne Was a Nazi — With its provocative title and biting lyrics, this song critiques American iconography and highlights the band's willingness to tackle controversial subjects through satire.
  • →
    Corporate Deathburger — This track captures MDC's disdain for consumerism and corporate greed, utilizing sharp wit to deliver a message that resonates beyond its brief runtime.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

54 /100
Foothills
Higher than 43% of albums we've rated

The album's frenetic energy and political edge define its hardcore punk identity, making it a notable debut.

What we noticed

  • The album features short, aggressive tracks averaging around two minutes each, maintaining a relentless pace throughout.
  • Guitar riffs are heavily distorted and often play in unison with the bass, creating a thick wall of sound.
  • Vocals are delivered in a raw, shouted style that emphasizes the political lyrics without melodic embellishment.
  • Several tracks incorporate abrupt tempo changes, shifting from fast-paced sections to slower breakdowns.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
8/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

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 bursts of energy
  • cathartic release for frustration
  • short tracks for quick engagement
  • raw intensity during workouts

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer longer, reflective pieces
  • seek melodic, soothing sounds

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 1982, Millions of Dead Cops marked MDC's debut album, establishing their presence in the hardcore punk scene. This release came at a time when the genre was gaining momentum, with MDC positioning themselves as vocal critics of social injustice and police brutality.
Stylistic neighbors
Dead Kennedys· Minor Threat· Black Flag

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Business on Parade 1:26
  • 2 Dead Cops/America's So Straight 1:59
  • 3 Born to Die 1:57
  • 4 Corporate Deathburger 1:16
  • 5 Violent Rednecks 0:39
  • 6 I Remember 1:59
  • 7 John Wayne Was a Nazi 2:27
  • 8 Dick for Brains 1:03
  • 9 I Hate Work 0:55
  • 10 My Family Is a Little Weird 1:54
  • 11 Greedy & Pathetic 1:23
  • 12 Church & State 0:30
  • 13 Kill the Light 1:14
  • 14 American Achievements 2:15

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata