Post-Mersh Vol. 3 cover

Post-Mersh Vol. 3

Minutemen · 1987

59 min · 46 tracks · alternative rock

A frenetic exploration of punk's boundaries, blending sharp wit with brief sonic bursts that demand immediate attention.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Joe McCarthy's Ghost — This track captures the band's political edge with biting commentary on anti-communism and American paranoia during the Cold War era, making it a standout piece on the album.
  • →
    Paranoid Chant — With its infectious rhythm and incisive lyrics, this song exemplifies the Minutemen's ability to intertwine urgency with social critique in less than two minutes.
  • →
    If Reagan Played Disco — This track cleverly juxtaposes pop culture with political commentary, showcasing the band's knack for merging humor with incisive critiques of societal norms.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

61 /100
Treeline
Higher than 71% of albums we've rated

The album's brevity and experimental approach make it a notable entry in punk's evolution.

What we noticed

  • Many tracks employ abrupt transitions, often cutting off before reaching a traditional song structure.
  • Lyrically, the songs often contain sharp social commentary delivered in a concise manner.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

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

  • short bursts of chaotic energy
  • sharp wit with rapid-fire delivery
  • focused attention on fleeting moments
  • spontaneous listening with friends
  • quick satirical commentary on society

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer lengthy detailed compositions
  • want smooth, gradual transitions

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 1987, Post-Mersh Vol. 3 is the Minutemen's third installment in their series of experimental EPs following the success of their 1985 album Double Nickels on the Dime. At this point, the band was well-established within the underground punk scene, known for their eclectic influences and politically charged lyrics.
Stylistic neighbors
Sonic Youth· Fugazi· Wire

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Working Men Are Pissed

    The lyrics directly confront economic disenfranchisement reflects a broader frustration among working-class individuals.

    This direct engagement with class struggle marks a shift from abstract themes to specific socio-economic realities, enhancing the song's impact.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Validation 0:41
  • 2 The Maze 0:40
  • 3 Definitions 1:13
  • 4 Sickles and Hammers 0:47
  • 5 Fascist 0:57
  • 6 Joe McCarthy's Ghost 1:01
  • 7 Paranoid Chant 1:19
  • 8 Joy 0:56
  • 9 Black Sheep 1:12
  • 10 More Joy 1:10
  • 11 Split Red 0:56
  • 12 If Reagan Played Disco 1:20
  • 13 Case Closed 1:30
  • 14 Afternoons 1:29
  • 15 Futurism Restated 0:57
  • 16 Base King 1:15
  • 17 Working Men Are Pissed 1:19
  • 18 I Shook Hands 1:02
  • 19 Below the Belt 0:57
  • 20 Shit You Hear at Parties 1:08
  • 21 The Big Lounge Scene 1:25
  • 22 Maternal Rite 1:15
  • 23 Tune for Wind God 3:06
  • 24 Party With Me Punker 0:56
  • 25 The Process 1:20
  • 26 Joy Jam 4:48
  • 27 Tony Gets Wasted in Pedro 2:10
  • 28 Swing to the Right 0:44
  • 29 ¡Raza Si! 1:00
  • 30 Times 0:48
  • 31 Badges 0:35
  • 32 Fodder 0:43
  • 33 Futurism Restated 1:31
  • 34 Hollering 0:59
  • 35 Suburban Dialectic 0:45
  • 36 Contained 0:57
  • 37 On Trial 0:41
  • 38 Spraycan Wars 0:58
  • 39 My Part 1:37
  • 40 Fanatics 0:34
  • 41 Ack Ack Ack 0:43
  • 42 The Big Blast for Youth 1:21
  • 43 Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love 0:41
  • 44 The Red and the Black 3:31
  • 45 Green River 1:51
  • 46 Lost 2:28

What to play next

Post-Mersh Vol. 1
Listen next

Post-Mersh Vol. 1

1987
3-Way Tie (For Last)
Go back to

3-Way Tie (For Last)

1985
Full Minutemen discography Artists like Minutemen
alternative rock

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