Sex Mad/You Kill Me cover

Released 40 years ago

Sex Mad/You Kill Me

Nomeansno · 1986

68 min · 17 tracks · punk rock

A chaotic blend of punk energy and sardonic humor, reflecting the absurdities of modern life through raw instrumentation.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Sex Mad — The title track serves as a defining statement of the band’s dark humor and critique of societal norms surrounding sexuality, combining catchy hooks with sharp lyrics.
  • →
    Self Pity — This track showcases the band's ability to blend introspective themes with aggressive instrumentation, encapsulating the emotional depth behind their punk facade.
  • →
    Hunt the She Beast — With its complex rhythms and biting lyrics, this song exemplifies Nomeansno's knack for blending musical experimentation with poignant social commentary.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

55 /100
Foothills
Higher than 45% of albums we've rated

The album's chaotic energy and unconventional structures mark it as a notable entry in punk rock.

What we noticed

  • The album features abrupt tempo shifts, with tracks alternating between frenetic punk energy and slower, more contemplative moments.
  • Several songs incorporate unconventional song structures, often eschewing traditional verse-chorus formats in favor of more chaotic arrangements.
  • Lyrical themes frequently address absurdity and social commentary, delivered with a sardonic tone that complements the raw instrumentation.
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
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

  • chaotic bursts of sardonic humor
  • short tracks with sharp intensity
  • unpredictable pacing and transitions
  • raw energy for late-night drives
  • cathartic release through frenetic sound

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer smooth, polished production
  • want lengthy, meditative experiences

Where this album fits

Career context
By the time Nomeansno released Sex Mad/You Kill Me in 1986, they were already established in the underground punk scene following their debut album, but this was a pivotal follow-up that solidified their sound. The album showcased their unique fusion of punk rock with complex time signatures and darkly comedic lyrics, further defining their artistic direction.
Stylistic neighbors
Fugazi· Dead Kennedys· Shellac

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Sex Mad 4:15
  • 2 Dad 3:00
  • 3 Obsessed 2:56
  • 4 No Fgnuikc 0:31
  • 5 Love Thang 3:34
  • 6 Dead Bob 6:02
  • 7 Self Pity 6:53
  • 8 Long Days 4:56
  • 9 Metronome 5:37
  • 10 Revenge 5:16
  • 11 No Fkuicgn 0:31
  • 12 Hunt the She Beast 5:33
  • 13 Body Bag 4:39
  • 14 Stop It 4:36
  • 15 Some Bodies 4:04
  • 16 Manic Depression 2:32
  • 17 Paradise 3:51

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata