Search - Dead Milkmen :: Metaphysical Graffiti

Closet Classic

turdontherun | South Carolina | 06/06/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"And so the Milkmen were stars. Well, perhaps folks took them for nothing more as the creators of a novelty pop song--"Punk Rock Girl", which crawled it's trembling way into the hearts of radio listeners in the summer of 1988. Metyphisical Graffitti--a Led Zepplin spoof--was the follow up to their minor commercial success. And it is an amazing album--This is the first Milkmen album that fully exposes a side of brittle seriousness, which the band flirted with on previous albums like "Eat Your Paisley" (1986) or "Bucky Fellini" ('Watching Scotty Die')(1987). The song, "There's a little Man in my head", from "Metyphisical" is a painful cry for help; it's a protest song against ones'self--The feeling evoked is one of inner chaos, albeit masked by the band's silly facade. And the spoken word interludes (i.e. "wild old professor griff") are absurd stream-of-conscious brilliance. The first time I heard this record, I must admit, I was a bit turned off. But this is one of those records that grows on you like Kudzu--It weaves it's way into the mind and opens eyes to the Milkmen's fragile state-of-mind via their poppycock antics. Don't put down the Milkmen for their silliness--these guys were sparky--Joe Talcom's heartfelt scribbling guitar lines (and clean/surfy tone) have yet to be reproduced and the intense rantings of Rodney Anyonomous prompt a sense of urgency--an urgency that has yet to be completely realized by the elitest listener, who continually pans the Milkmen for their novelty appeal. This album is not only a personal masterpiece for the Milkmen, it provides insightfull social commentary. This album explores America's new found obsession with Conspiracy theories and points to pop culture as the culprit--Increadible statement for the late 1980s. The last great Dead Milkmen album."

Best Dead Milkmen album ever.

D. Jackson | Cookeville, TN | 07/06/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I think that sums it up.. funny, witty, poignant, and not lacking in the social and political allegories, Metaphysical Graffiti has it all. If you are easily offended, this is not your album. If you are in search of biting punditry and probing songs, this is your album - just don't expect to hear any of these songs on your favorite "corporate" station.The last track is without a doubt the best thing the Milkmen have ever done... make sure to listen to the entire song, and you will be wondering about maggots that are 3 feet long!"

I saw you naked....

Joe Hiles | 10/24/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"There is no doubt that among Dead Milkmen albums, this is not the place to start. Big Lizard is much greater and more worthy of any self respecting punk rocker and Beelzebubba is more consistantly good. However, this album should not, would not, could not be ignored. Dead Milkmen are not a novelty band or a stupid generic pop punk band. They play punk, funk, psychadelic, and little bits of other strangeness picked here and there throughout the musical universe. They play music for children on lots and lots of LSD. That's what it sounds like. Its funny but usually not "ha ha" funny, just weird and goofy. For free spirits with angry punk energy. "Beige Sunshine", "Methodist Coloring Book", and "If You Love Somebody, Set Them On Fire" are three songs you can't live without unless you suck. The rest is just ok by Dead Milkmen standards but better than most albums. For people who listen to Butthole Surfers, Ramones, Ween, Devo, Circle Jerks, Dead Kennedys, and good stuff."