NEW LP
New sealed copy. 2024 40th anniversary reissue.
Hallowed Ground is the second studio album by Violent Femmes, released on May 14, 1984. Written largely before their debut, the material reflects a very different side of the band, with many songs penned by Gordon Gano during his high school years. Rather than continuing the accessible folk rock of their first album, the group deliberately leaned into something more challenging and unpredictable.
The record draws heavily from American roots traditions while pushing into darker territory, with themes of religion, morality, and violence running throughout. Tracks like “Country Death Song” highlight Gano’s interest in traditional folk storytelling, while the album’s arrangements incorporate elements of country, blues, jazz, and avant garde experimentation, including contributions from John Zorn.
At the time of its release, Hallowed Ground was divisive, with listeners and critics split on its stark tone and overtly sincere religious themes. Over time, it has been reassessed as one of the band’s most distinctive releases, often cited for its bold departure from their debut and its early influence on alternative country and roots driven experimental rock.
TRACKLIST:
A1 Country Death Song
A2 I Hear The Rain
A3 Never Tell
A4 Jesus Walking On Water
A5 I Know It's True But I'm Sorry To Say
B1 Hallowed Ground
B2 Sweet Misery Blues
B3 Black Girls
B4 It's Gonna Rain
