Description
Minutemen – Ballot Results – Double Vinyl Record
Released in 1987, Ballot Result is a posthumous compilation album by the Minutemen, assembled after the tragic death of guitarist and vocalist D. Boon in December 1985. Unlike a traditional best-of collection, this album is a mix of live recordings, demos, and alternate versions, offering an unfiltered and raw glimpse into the band’s creative process. The surviving members, bassist Mike Watt and drummer George Hurley, put together this album to honor Boon’s legacy and to provide fans with an expansive retrospective of the band’s music. Released through SST Records, Ballot Result captures the DIY spirit, genre-blending experimentation, and politically charged lyricism that made the Minutemen one of the most respected bands in the underground punk scene.
Musically, Ballot Result spans the band’s signature blend of punk, post-punk, jazz, and spoken word, demonstrating their ability to push boundaries far beyond conventional hardcore. The songs are short and punchy, yet layered with meaning, covering themes of politics, working-class struggles, personal identity, and artistic independence. The lo-fi nature of the recordings enhances the authenticity, making listeners feel as if they’re in the crowd at a Minutemen show or sitting in on a raw jam session. Unlike polished studio albums, this collection is chaotic, urgent, and deeply personal, a true reflection of the Minutemen’s approach to music.
Among the standout tracks, Little Man With a Gun in His Hand presents a powerful live version of one of the band’s most politically potent songs, while Political Song for Michael Jackson to Sing captures their blend of humor and activism in a brief yet impactful burst of energy. I Felt Like a Gringo combines personal storytelling with social commentary, showcasing the band’s ability to craft narratives that feel both intimate and universal. Meanwhile, This Ain’t No Picnic remains one of their most well-known anthems, criticizing economic inequality through a driving punk rhythm. One of the most touching moments comes with History Lesson Part II, where Boon and Watt reflect on their own journey in the punk movement, delivering one of the most heartfelt and introspective tracks of their career.
Upon its release, Ballot Result received appreciation from fans and critics for its authentic portrayal of the Minutemen’s raw energy and musical evolution. While it didn’t achieve mainstream success—something the band never pursued—it became a valuable artifact of the 1980s underground punk scene, preserving the Minutemen’s legacy as one of the most innovative and politically engaged punk bands of their time. The album also reinforced their commitment to the DIY ethos, allowing their music to live on without industry interference.
In the years since its release, Ballot Result has remained a significant part of the Minutemen’s legacy. It captures their live spirit, their resistance to genre limitations, and their deeply personal approach to songwriting. This album is not just a collection of songs—it’s a tribute to D. Boon, a reminder of the band’s influence, and a testament to how punk music can be more than just three chords and aggression. It remains an essential listen for punk historians, longtime Minutemen fans, and anyone interested in the evolution of alternative music.
Live recordings picked from actual Ballot Results received by SST Records between Jan. & April 1986
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Track Listing
Little Man With A Gun In His Hand
Political Song For Michael Jackson To Sing
I Felt Like A Gringo
Jesus And Tequila
Courage
King Of The Hill
Bermuda
No One – Remix
Mr. Robot’s Holy Orders
The Price Of Paradise
Song For El Salvador
Ack Ack Ack
History Lesson – Part Two
Hey Lawdy Mama
This Aint No Picnic
The Cheerleaders
Time
Cut
Split Red
Dreams Are Free, Motherfucker!
Shit You Hear At Parties
Hell (Second Take)
Tour-Spiel
Take Our Test
The Punch Line
Search
Bob Dylan Wrote Propaganda Songs
Badges
Tension
If Reagan Played Disco
No! No! No! To Draft & War
Joe McCarthy’s Ghost
