As fitting an introduction to the Dead Kennedys as anything out there. Give Me Convenience Or Give Me Death features unreleased material and alternative versions of some of the Bay Area punk rock legends' best songs. The most notable inclusion is "Pull My Strings," which the band performed only once and never officially recorded. The occasion was the 1980 edition of the Bay Area Music Awards and the band were expected to play "California Über Alles." About 15 seconds into the song, in typical subversive fashion, lead singer Jello Biafra cuts off the band and says, "Hold it! We've gotta prove that we're adults now. We're not a punk rock band, we're a new wave band." The band then goes into a satirical attack on the ethics of the mainstream music industry while aping "My Sharona" in the process. There's plenty more to be said about the Dead Kennedys but I'll let the music speak for itself. Consider this a must have for any fan.

• black vinyl pressing
• remastered sound
• includes 24 page booklet
• music label: Manifesto Records 2001

reviewed by gil man 06/2015