Violent Femmes

A 3 piece punk-folk-rock-band from Milwaukee. Relatively well known to generation X-ers for their college anthems ("Add it Up" "Blister in the Sun" "Kiss Off" "Gimme the Car"). They consist of Gordon Gano (Vocals, Guitar) Victor DeLorenzo (Drums, back up vocals) & Brian Ritchie (insane bass guitar, back up vocals - some lead). One of the greatest bands of the last 20 years, and definitely the best live act still touring today. Unfortunately, a lot of their catalogue has been overshadowed by their #1 hit "blister in the sun" - one of their lesser tracks, but one that had an infectious refrain which caught the attention of the mass consciousness. They've had a few revivals (or just off mainstream revivals) over the years. "American Music" was a big hit from "Why do birds sing", "Blister in the Sun" is a movie soundtrack favourite and Ethan Hawke covered "Add it Up" in Reality Bytes. Tragically, a mini-thesis could be written on how the usage of the song "Add it Up" (and the censoring of it) within Reality Bytes represented exactly what was lacking in the movie. Still, there are few bands with more quotable songs - and fewer bands with more rabid fans. Trivia: Even if you haven't heard of the femmes, chances are you've heard Gordon play - as the guitarist for the Law & Order theme.