Review Revue: Killdozer - For Ladies Only

Madison noisemeisters Killdozer certainly had their fans at KCMU, if the reaction to 1986's Burl EP is to be believed, but it seems their loyalty was being tested by the covers collection For Ladies Only. From 25 years in the future, it's hard to remember that heavy, noise-laden (and maybe ironic?) covers of pop songs from the past was not as well-trod ground as it is today (the If I Were a Carpenter comp was still four years out), but Killdozer seems to have taken that ground and stomped it into oblivion with this particular collection, featuring their takes on everything from "American Pie" to "Take the Money and Run."

There's an interesting dynamic going on here, because it seems the album lingered in Heavy rotation for quite some time, while the majority of the DJs (or at least those commenting on the album cover) thought it was schticky and tiresome. An enlightened few, it seems (likely including the Music Director), saw the song selection and interpretations as entirely sincere, and through that lens were able to find joy in For Ladies Only. So which was it, parody or sincere tribute? We may never know, unless we spend more time on the Internet than I am able to. Let us know in the comments if you have any insight into this burning question.

"Totally cool! Cooler yet on 6 colored vinyl 7"s, but easier to program here. An eloquent 'fuck you' to the old farts of AOR from the warped geniuses of Killdozer."

"From the name of the album to the song selection + renditions, this is one of the great parodies of all time."

"Here it is - what Killdozer does best - a collection of '70s spoof covers. It's the same formula every time - take any song, slow it down a tad, + add harsh vocals - but it always works. They should have given the listener full $ value by adding 'I'm Not Lisa,' 'Safer Home,' 'Nasty,' etc. And where the hell is 'I Am I Cry'? Ahead of time, I thought I'd be pushing this for heavy, but it turns out the same cover of 8 different songs wore on me a little. 'American Pie' is the best.'"

"Guess you have to be there. In a bad mood I'd call this slumming. Not nice."

"At what point does their one joke schtick get as tired as Dickless? [Note to self: Look up a Dickless album for future blog post.] For me, soon. No matter how worthy the object of parody."

"These guys are great live, but this record gets tedious very quickly."

"This is the worst 'H' record of 1990."

"These aren't hatchet jobs, but actually very nice, even somewhat respectful Killdozer-styled covers. Brings back memories. My twin sister used to torment me by playing her only record, 'American Pie,' over and over and again and again and again. BOTH SIDES! When she finally bought a second record, I thought things would get better, but unfortunately it was 'Cat's in the Cradle' by Harry Chapin, so things got considerably worse. I also remember her twirling her baton to it. In addition, my sister and I would be forced as children to sing 'One Tin Soldier' for company. We both hate our mother now and I believe this was the beginning of it all. Anyway, where was I? Oh, the version of 'American Pie' included here is a classic. Seeing Killdozer perform it live was an EPIPHANY. I was forever changed. 'Burning Love' is also included here, as is a blistering version of 'Take the Money and Run.' Much more enjoyable than 10 Point Buck, which was pretty enjoyable. And they quote Sweet on the record label!"

"A funny gimmick that got boring after 'Sweet Home Alabama'... give it a rest already!"

"I'm still into it."

"Enough already!"

"Move this down, please!"

"It's really worn thin, I say."

"The key to understanding this is to recognize it as the tribute that it is - not parody. Brilliant!"