The Violent Femmes' sophomore release takes a big turn in direction when compared to the virgin, self-titled release, Violent Femmes. In the first release, the Femmes came on strong with passoniate songs from the heart. They backed themselves up with a bass guitar, a lead guitar, and a single drum. On Hallowed Ground, the Femmes pull out all the stops. The mix in some horns, an organ, a piano, a banjo, a fiddle, a bunch of other instruments. However, they still pull off a simple songing album that cuts close to the heart. (Its intersting to note that in concert the Femmes are know to "jam" in the middle of songs. In these jam sessions, they pull every know instrument out and play it, including rain sticks, conch shells, etc.).

This release starts to demonstrate some of Gordon Gano personal opinions and beliefs, especially his devotion to the Bapist way of life. Some of the obvious signs of this are Jesus Walking on the Water and I hear the Rain. (It interesting that a band can be so into drugs and religion at the same time). Fittingly, a number of the songs have a gospel feel to them. As always, the album also has a mixture of jazz, kunk, and of course folk. Mix it all together and you have a folky record that really bridges any rock gaps.

Tracks:
Country Death Song - my personal all time favorite Violent Femmese Song
I Hear The Rain
Never Tell
Jesus Walking On The Water
I Know It's True But I'm Sorry To Say
Hallowed Ground
Sweet Misery Blues
Black Girls
It's Gonna Rain

I wouldn't suggest this album unless you are a Violent Femmese fan. While this album can be enjoyed by those that are not religious )like myself), the religious aspects seem to turn a lot of people off to the album.



Recommended: Yes