{"title":"Violent Femmes","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eViolent Femmes were founded in 1980 by bassist\/multi-instrumentalist Brian Ritchie and drummer Victor De Lorenzo. The name is a contradiction in terms, with \"Violent\" being self-explanatory and \"Femmes\" being Milwaukee slang for wimp.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe rhythm section added high school singer\/songwriter Gordon Gano in 1981. Gano and Ritchie had previously performed together at Gano’s National Honor Society induction ceremony, where they caused a near riot. Gano was expelled from the Society and suspended from high school for this outrage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the only stable aspects of the band is their aversion to rehearsal. Due to this, they would take the music to the streets in an attempt to hone it and earn some spare change. It was on one of these occasions that they were spotted by the Pretenders. Chrissie Hynde and the gang were so amused by Violent Femmes' antics that they invited them to open their show. The hometown Milwaukee audience initially booed them but ended up converting approximately 50% of the audience during their set.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Femmes borrowed $10,000 from Victor De Lorenzo's dad to record their legendary first album in 1982. Slash Records in Los Angeles was the only label to offer them a deal with no advance payment. Despite facing numerous challenges such as world tours, nervous breakdowns, band members quitting, solo albums,\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"unisex-t-shirt-vintage-band-photo","title":"Unisex T-Shirt Vintage Band Photo","description":"\u003cp\u003e\n            This officially licensed Unisex T-Shirt Vintage Band Photo from Violent Femmes is available to order now. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n            This high quality Tee Shirts is available in a White colourway.\n        \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Rock Off Retail Limited","offers":[{"title":"Small","offer_id":50392191795531,"sku":"2045385","price":24.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Large","offer_id":50392192123211,"sku":"2045392","price":24.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"X-Large","offer_id":50392192287051,"sku":"2045394","price":24.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"XX-Large","offer_id":50392192450891,"sku":"2045398","price":24.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium","offer_id":50392191992139,"sku":"2045389","price":24.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/test_2223647d_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1726406365"},{"product_id":"unisex-t-shirt-green-vintage-logo","title":"Unisex T-Shirt Green Vintage Logo","description":"\u003cp\u003e\n            This officially licensed Unisex T-Shirt Green Vintage Logo from Violent Femmes is available to order now. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n            This high quality Tee Shirts is available in a Black colourway.\n        \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Rock Off Retail Limited","offers":[{"title":"Medium","offer_id":50392193368395,"sku":"2045388","price":24.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Large","offer_id":50392193466699,"sku":"2045391","price":24.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"X-Large","offer_id":50392193565003,"sku":"2045393","price":24.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"XX-Large","offer_id":50392193761611,"sku":"2045397","price":24.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Small","offer_id":50392193204555,"sku":"2045384","price":24.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/test_7bf289ec_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1726406430"},{"product_id":"unisex-t-shirt-salmon-pink-vintage-logo","title":"Unisex T-Shirt Salmon Pink Vintage Logo","description":"\u003cp\u003e\n            This officially licensed Unisex T-Shirt Salmon Pink Vintage Logo from Violent Femmes is available to order now. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n            This high quality Tee Shirts is available in a Black colourway.\n        \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Rock Off Retail Limited","offers":[{"title":"Medium","offer_id":50392195531083,"sku":"2045387","price":24.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Large","offer_id":50392196088139,"sku":"2045390","price":24.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"X-Large","offer_id":50392196186443,"sku":"2045395","price":24.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"XX-Large","offer_id":50392196415819,"sku":"2045396","price":24.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Small","offer_id":50392194056523,"sku":"2045386","price":24.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/test_a98e2633_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1726406494"},{"product_id":"unisex-t-shirt-white-vintage-logo","title":"Unisex T-Shirt White Vintage Logo","description":"\u003cp\u003e\n            This officially licensed Unisex T-Shirt White Vintage Logo from Violent Femmes is available to order now. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n            This high quality Tee Shirts is available in a Black colourway.\n        \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Rock Off Retail Limited","offers":[{"title":"Small","offer_id":50392243896651,"sku":"2045400","price":24.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Large","offer_id":50392246714699,"sku":"2045406","price":24.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"X-Large","offer_id":50392246878539,"sku":"2045408","price":24.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"XX-Large","offer_id":50392247271755,"sku":"2045411","price":24.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium","offer_id":50392245862731,"sku":"2045404","price":24.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/test_5fc0632c_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1726407493"},{"product_id":"why-do-birds-sing","title":"Why Do Birds Sing?","description":"\u003cp\u003eRemastered version of \u003ci\u003eWhy Do They Sing?\u003c\/i\u003e - the fifth studio album from the textbook American cult band, Violent Femmes. It was their last studio album with original drummer, Victor DeLorenzo. Featuring the fan favourite “American Music,” which reached No. 2 in the Billboard Modern Rock Chart, as well as a cover of Culture Club’s “Do You Really Want To Hurt Me.” \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eViolent Femmes captured the essence of teen angst with remarkable precision; raw and jittery, the trio’s music found little commercial success but nonetheless emerged as the soundtrack for the lives of troubled adolescents the world over. Their self-titled 1983 debut was a blueprint for legions of sardonic alternative rockers that would follow, and they continued their blend of searing, darkly humorous lyrics and sharp-edged folk-rock on other standout albums like 1991’s \u003ci\u003eWhy Do Birds Sing?\u003c\/i\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eViolent Femmes formed in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in the early ‘80s, made up of singer\/guitarist Gordon Gano, bassist Brian Ritchie, and percussionist Victor DeLorenzo. After being discovered by the Pretenders’ James Honeyman-Scott while they were busking on the street, the band signed to Slash and issued their self-titled debut, a melodic folk-punk collection which struck an obvious chord with young listeners who felt a strong connection to bitter, frustrated songs like “Blister in the Sun,” “Kiss Off” and “Add It Up.” Though never a chart hit, the album remained a rite of passage for succeeding generations of teen outsiders, and after close to a decade after release, it finally achieved platinum status.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Concord","offers":[{"title":"Grey | LP","offer_id":50401893450059,"sku":"1128483","price":24.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"CD","offer_id":50401892401483,"sku":"1128481","price":17.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"LP","offer_id":50401893941579,"sku":"1128482","price":24.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/25caf734-47fe-4bf0-830d-20bac6300213_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1726525755"},{"product_id":"violent-femmes-3","title":"Violent Femmes - RSD 2023","description":"\u003cp\u003e40th anniversary reissue of Violent Femmes' iconic debut album and first time available as a picture disc. The Violent Femmes self-titled debut album has reached legendary status that few albums ever attain. Released in 1983, Violent Femmes became one of the most distinctive records of the early alternative movement and an enduring cult classic. By combining elements of Jonathan Richman and The Modern Lovers with new wave and acoustic-folk and punk rock, the Femmes forged a sound all their own. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Concord","offers":[{"title":"LP","offer_id":50416638165323,"sku":"2012545","price":34.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/QoKdEQZ8_6dd7c6c3_thumbnail_4096.png?v=1726707752"},{"product_id":"violent-femmes-40th-anniversary-deluxe-edition","title":"Violent Femmes (40th Anniversary Deluxe Edition)","description":"\u003cp\u003eTeeming with teenage angst, punk sensibilities, and Violent Femmes’ own special brand of jittery folk-rock, the trio’s self-titled 1981 debut Violent Femmes became a cult favourite. Featuring the anthems “Blister in the Sun,” “Please Do Not Go,” “Gone Daddy Gone,” and “Add It Up.” This expanded 40th anniversary edition features a trove of rare demos, live tracks, and more.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e2CD - This expanded 40th anniversary 2-CD edition includes the remastered album, plus B-sides, live sessions, and rare demos. The package also includes liner notes by journalist David Fricke, featuring interviews with the band.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e3LP\/7\" Set - Expanded 40th anniversary edition of Violent Femmes' self-titled debut featuring the remastered album, plus B-sides, live sessions, and rare demos. Housed in a lift-top box with die-cut darkened window detail revealing the box contents, the set includes three 180-gram LPs plus a replica 7\" single, along with a book featuring new liner notes by journalist David Fricke and interviews with the band.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Craft Recordings","offers":[{"title":"Black LP","offer_id":50426730512715,"sku":"2143773","price":129.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"CD","offer_id":50426729955659,"sku":"2143772","price":13.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/Violent_Femmes_Deluxe_Edition_8f234996_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1726816544"},{"product_id":"live-at-buckeye-lake-music-center-hebron-oh-june-09th-1991-fm-broadcast","title":"Live at Buckeye Lake Music Center Hebron,OH, June 09th, 1991 FM Broadcast","description":"\u003cp\u003eHistoric Ohio show with the Milwaukee legend opening for The Grateful Dead.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mind Control","offers":[{"title":"Black | LP","offer_id":50453439119691,"sku":"1134581","price":18.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/32cf510a-d2b9-4820-ad1d-4379b83223e4_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1727172067"},{"product_id":"hallowed-ground","title":"Hallowed Ground","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eHallowed Ground\u003c\/i\u003e is the 1984 follow up to the Violent Femmes legendary self-titled debut album. Similar to the first album, all of the songs were written by lead singer Gordon Gano while still in high school. The band's sophomore title, however, pushed the band in new directions and made sure they did not rest on their laurels – featuring fan favourites (and live staples) \"Country Death Song,\" \"Jesus Walking on the Water,\" \"I Hear The Rain,\" \"Black Girls\" and \"Never Tell.\" Mastered from the original stereo tapes (AAA). \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Concord","offers":[{"title":"LP","offer_id":50466836382027,"sku":"2216602","price":32.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/Hallowed_Ground_4f3acd5a_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1727324378"},{"product_id":"hotel-last-resort","title":"Hotel Last Resort","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Violent Femmes release \u003ci\u003eHotel Last Resort\u003c\/i\u003e, the band’s 10th studio album and first in three years — and the first recorded by the group’s new four-piece lineup. The Femmes — original members Gordon Gano and Brian Ritchie, now joined by longtime Horns of Dilemma members John Sparrow and Blaise Garza — recorded the 13-track album in Denver, enlisting help from both Tom Verlaine and pro skateboarder Stefan Janoski, who sings a “rambunctious” new version of\u003ci\u003e I’m Nothing\u003c\/i\u003e off 1994’s \u003ci\u003eNew Times\u003c\/i\u003e. The album also features a cover of \u003ci\u003eI’m Not Gonna Cry\u003c\/i\u003e by Greek band Pyx Lax, apparently translated from Greek by Gano himself. And the record ends with a new arrangement of Irving Berlin’s\u003ci\u003e God Bless America\u003c\/i\u003e, complete with “an improvised free jazz coda that serves as an ideal encapsulation of both the American spirit and Violent Femmes’ own remarkable contribution to the country’s musical canon.”\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"PIAS","offers":[{"title":"Black | LP","offer_id":50498314010955,"sku":"1068405","price":27.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"CD","offer_id":50498313847115,"sku":"1068404","price":5.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/477e4e16-dc3c-4235-b7ec-5986374ad9ff_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1727744575"},{"product_id":"violent-femmes","title":"Violent Femmes","description":"\u003cp\u003eTeeming with teenage angst, punk sensibilities, and Violent Femmes’ own special brand of jittery folk-rock, the trio’s self-titled 1981 debut Violent Femmes became a cult favourite. 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