First released 40 years ago, Dead Kennedys’ debut album Fresh Fruit For Rotting Vegetables is being remixed from the original multi-track tapes, with help from renowned mix engineer Chris Lord-Alge.
The first track to benefit from this treatment is Chemical Warfare (originally the last track on Side one), which was released to stream and download via Cherry Red and Manifesto yesterday on 9 October.
While the original mix was cool for 1980, the band felt it would benefit from a fuller sound at the bottom end (i.e. more powerful bass and drums). The new version does just that, taking the music from 2D to 3D.
Bassist Klaus Flouride, guitarist East Bay Ray and original drummer Ted think this new mix is excellent, adding depth without losing any of its original energy.
In contrast, Jello Biafra thinks the new mix is “terrible.” But the band’s message has always been “think for yourself”, to not let others tell you what to think. Klaus, Ray and Ted wanted to allow the fans to decide for themselves.
But don’t worry, the original 1980 mix will remain available. The rest of the tracks on Fresh Fruit For Rotting Vegetables are being remixed over the next two months.
The plan is for this remixed version of the album to be released early in 2021 on vinyl and CD.
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I’m a London born and bred music journalist, a mediocre bass player and the occasional strummer of the guitar. In the ’80s I worked in recording studios and made a few records you’d probably recognise. I have written a couple of books and made the odd media appearance as a music commentator. I now call Brisbane home.
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