Blood Guts & Pussy is a 1990 album by the Dwarves. It was their first album for Sub Pop, and the album's sleeve was the subject of controversy, receiving protests from feminists.Strong, Martin C. (2003) The Great Indie Discography, Canongate, , p. 312 Dwarves frontman Blag The Ripper asserts that the Blood Guts & Pussy classic "Drug Store" is one of his favourite songs to play live, and that it is frequently requested during live sets.
Critical reception
AllMusic's Matt Carlson, who commented on the album's "explicit exploitation and genuinely disgusting humor", and described it as "thirteen songs full of general punk sloppiness and distortion performed in 14 minutes". David Sprague of Trouser Press described the album as "tight and musicianly".Sprague, David "Dwarves ", Trouser Press, retrieved 2010-02-07 It was voted "most offensive album ever made" in SPIN.Kane, Siobhán (2007) "Politically (In)Correct" Event Guide, retrieved 2010-02-07 Kerrang! reviewer described the album as "the birth, death and resurrection (of punk rock) in just about 13 minutes."
Both commented on the album's sleeve, which was described as "equally disgusting" as the album title, featuring a photograph by Michael Lavine of three nude models covered in animal blood,Davidson, Duncan Scott (2007) "Noise Pop: Blag, guts, and pussy ", San Francisco Bay Guardian, February 21, 2007, retrieved 2010-02-07 which Sprague saw as designed for "calculated offence". The sleeve art was referenced on the 2000 album Come Clean, which was similar, but with the blood replaced with soap. Jason Heller of The A.V. Club later called it "one of the most unforgettable album covers of the decade...It was an acidic, idiotic reminder that punk could still shock and offend (and flat-out fucking rock).".
The album was described as "a bona-fide punk classic" by the OC Weekly.Ritchie, Ryan (2007) "Blood, Guts and Literacy: Blag Dahlia steps out from behind the Dwarves to wax hysterical ", OC Weekly, July 12, 2007, retrieved 2010-02-07 Douglas Wolk of Pitchfork said it was the band's "Platonic ideal of phallic stupidity".Wolk, Douglas (2008-07-14) "Sub Pop 20: Individual Staff Picks ", Pitchfork, retrieved 2010-02-08
Track listing
The vinyl format includes the bonus track "Gash Wagon", but does not include "Astro Boy" or "Motherfucker". Some CD issues include the bonus tracks "Fuckhead" and "She's a Bitch".
Personnel Dwarves Blag Dahlia – vocals Vadge Moore– drums Salt Peter – bass HeWhoCannotBeNamed – guitar
Production The Dwarves – producer Jack Endino – engineer Jane Higgins – design Michael Lavine, Charles Peterson – photography
References