Name: Hallowed Ground
Brand: Violent Femmes

Bonus disc

Bonus disc: No

Catalogue number

1000162447

Colour

Colour details

Discogs ID

Format multiplier

Download code

Download code: No

Rough Trade Exclusive

Rough Trade Exclusive: No

Extended format

Extended format: No

Format detail

Format Music US

Limited edition

Release date

2024-11-08

Signed copies

Signed copies: No

Supplier US

Unive­rsal

Tax rate US

Sales:8.875

UPC / Barcode

888072636774

Total Cap

9999

1000162448

Orange

Orange Smoke

Extended format: Yes

Indie Exclusive

888072653719

Orange LP

Artist

Violent Femmes

Genre US

Rock-Pop

Label US

Craft Recordings

Restored classics, rare finds, and sought-after releases. Whether you're a vinyl enthusiast or a tape collector, we have something for everyone.

Reissues

Violent 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.

The 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.

One 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.

The 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,

Hallowed Ground is the second studio album by Violent Femmes, released on May 14, 1984. Like the band's first album, the songs were mostly written by singer/guitarist/lyricist Gordon Gano when he was in high school. "Country Death Song", for example, written by Gano during his high school classes, was inspired by the tradition of folk songs about "terrible, horrific stories". A departure from the straightforward rock style of their debut, Hallowed Ground was considerably divisive amongst fans and critics, with many at the time incorrectly thinking Gano's Christian lyrics were ironic.

Hallowed Ground

Music US

Discover Hallowed Ground by Violent Femmes on Craft Recordings. Second studio album with Christian lyrics, a departure from their debut. Vinyl records available.