Dead Kennedys

The very concept of a "greatest hits" collection from San Francisco punk legends the Dead Kennedys' fits right in with the group's penchant for establishment parody, but the irony is that Manifesto's 12-track Milking the Sacred Cow is the perfect primer for young punks in training and a satisfying shot of politically charged jet fuel for longtime fans. Classic cuts like "California Uber Alles," "Holiday in Cambodia," and "Too Drunk to Fuck" were the gateway drug for a lot of people just finding their way into the scene, especially those who were looking for an American version of the Sex Pistols -- Jello Biafra proved that he could match Johnny Rotten sneer for sneer -- but live versions of "Soup Is Good Food" and "Jock-O-Rama," as electrifying as they are, keep this collection just shy of perfection. That said, it still provides a satisfying crack in the jaw, even if it's missing fan favorites like "Terminal Preppie," "Trust Your Mechanic," and "Chemical Warfare." Honor students should pick up Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables, Frankenchrist, and Give Me Convenience or Give Me Death, but those looking for a quick fix or a cheat will find no better teat to affix their snarl to than this. ~ James Christopher Monger, All Music Guide