Description
MDC – Live at CBGB’s 1983 – Green Vinyl Record
MDC’s Live at CBGB’s 1983 is a raw and explosive live album capturing the political fury and hardcore energy of MDC (Millions of Dead Cops), one of the most influential bands in the American hardcore punk scene. Recorded at the legendary CBGB club in New York City, this performance represents the band at the peak of their early career, delivering aggressive, politically charged punk anthems to a crowd hungry for rebellion.
MDC, fronted by vocalist Dave Dictor, became known for their fast, uncompromising music and unapologetically radical lyrics. Live at CBGB’s 1983 reflects the band’s DIY ethos and commitment to confronting issues such as government corruption, police brutality, and capitalism head-on, making it a time capsule of the punk movement’s fierce opposition to the establishment in the early 1980s.
The album is defined by the blistering speed and aggression of classic American hardcore punk. MDC’s music is built around rapid-fire, short songs filled with thrashing guitar riffs, pounding drums, and Dictor’s snarling vocals. The live recording captures the raw, unpolished energy of a band that thrives on the intensity of live performance.
Lyrically, MDC’s songs are direct and confrontational, with themes revolving around anti-authoritarianism, anti-capitalism, and social justice. The band’s messages are often shouted in rapid succession, reflecting the urgency of their political stance. Songs like “John Wayne Was a Nazi” and “Corporate Deathburger” offer sharp critiques of American culture and politics.
The live sound of Live at CBGB’s 1983 is unfiltered and raw, true to the spirit of early hardcore punk. There’s a sense of immediacy and chaos in the recording, with the noise of the crowd blending with the music to create an authentic snapshot of the band’s live energy. The lo-fi quality adds to the feeling of being right there in the middle of a gritty, high-energy punk show.
Key Tracks
“John Wayne Was a Nazi”: One of MDC’s most infamous songs, this track is a scathing critique of Hollywood icon John Wayne, painting him as a symbol of American imperialism and racism. The song is fast and confrontational, with Dictor’s sharp delivery of politically charged lyrics setting the tone for much of the performance.
“Corporate Deathburger”: This song targets the fast food industry and capitalism, criticizing corporations for exploiting both workers and consumers. The frantic pace of the song mirrors the band’s frustration with economic inequality, making it one of the most politically potent tracks in the set.
“Multi-Death Corporations”: Another highlight of the live album, this track critiques multinational corporations and their role in global exploitation. The lyrics are fiercely anti-capitalist, railing against corporate greed and environmental destruction. The song’s breakneck tempo and aggressive instrumentation match the intensity of its message.
“Born to Die”: A hardcore anthem that exemplifies MDC’s musical style, “Born to Die” features a fast, aggressive rhythm and harsh, anti-establishment lyrics. The song’s chaotic energy reflects the band’s disdain for the powers that be and their call for rebellion.
“I Remember”: A song that blends personal reflection with social commentary, “I Remember” looks back on the broken promises and societal failures of America. Dictor’s vocal performance is particularly impassioned, making this one of the more emotional tracks in the set.
The overarching theme of Live at CBGB’s 1983 is MDC’s opposition to capitalist structures and government corruption. Songs like “Corporate Deathburger” and “Multi-Death Corporations” are direct critiques of the way capitalism exploits people and the environment for profit. MDC was known for their fierce criticism of police brutality and government surveillance. The band’s name itself, Millions of Dead Cops, reflects their stance on state violence and oppression. Tracks like “Dead Cops” are filled with anger toward the abuse of power by law enforcement.
In addition to political themes, MDC often took aim at American culture itself. “John Wayne Was a Nazi” and other songs mock the glorification of toxic figures and question the values upheld by mainstream society. The band’s lyrics are filled with biting satire and dark humor. Beyond their political rage, some of MDC’s songs explore personal disillusionment with society and the state of the world. Tracks like “I Remember” reflect a sense of betrayal and frustration with the unfulfilled promises of freedom and equality in America.
Dictor’s vocal delivery is harsh, direct, and unrelenting. He doesn’t sing so much as shout the band’s messages, often with a sense of righteous anger. His vocal style is central to the band’s identity, providing the voice for their anti-authoritarian stance.
The band’s instrumentation is classic hardcore punk—fast, loud, and aggressive. The guitars are distorted and relentless, with Ron Posner (guitarist) delivering rapid-fire riffs that drive the pace of each song. Al Schvitz’s drumming is equally intense, pounding out fast beats that give the music its manic energy.
True to the ethos of the hardcore punk scene, MDC’s live performance is raw and unpolished. The instruments sometimes blur together in a cacophony of sound, but that’s part of the charm. The band’s performance isn’t about technical precision but about conveying emotion and message with maximum intensity.
MDC is one of the most important bands in the early American hardcore punk movement. Their fierce political stance and uncompromising music influenced countless punk and hardcore bands that followed. Live at CBGB’s 1983 captures the band during a peak moment in the punk scene, playing at one of the genre’s most legendary venues. MDC’s music resonated with the punk movement’s broader opposition to authority and capitalism. The band’s lyrics became anthems for a generation of politically conscious punks who were disillusioned with the establishment. Their songs, particularly those critiquing police brutality and government oppression, remain relevant in today’s political climate.
CBGB, as the birthplace of American punk, hosted legendary performances by bands like The Ramones, Patti Smith, and The Misfits. MDC’s performance at CBGB captures the raw energy and DIY spirit that defined the hardcore punk shows of the early 1980s, solidifying their place in the club’s storied history.
Live at CBGB’s 1983 by MDC captures the raw energy, political fury, and uncompromising attitude of one of hardcore punk’s most important bands. The album is a time capsule of the early 1980s punk scene, highlighting MDC’s fierce anti-establishment stance and their commitment to social justice through fast, aggressive music. With its biting critiques of American culture, capitalism, and state oppression, Live at CBGB’s 1983 remains a powerful document of a band and a movement unafraid to challenge the status quo. For fans of hardcore punk, this album is a must-listen, showcasing MDC at their most intense and politically charged.
Release for RSD 2015.
The legendary political punk hardcore pioneers M.D.C. during the golden age of hardcore at a legendary club. This set captures a legendary band at a legendary time. Complete with social commentary between songs all caught live as it happened. Fully restored and remastered. Also includes inner sleeve complete with lyrics and liner notes.
Limited to 1000 copies on translucent green vinyl.
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Track Listing
Intro
Multi Death Corporation
Selfish Shit
Pay To Come Along
Dick For Brains
I Remember
John Wayne Was A Nazi
Born To Die
Radioactive Chocolate
(R)evolution In Rock
Corporate Deathburger
Greedy And Pathetic
Church And State
Business On Parade
