Takin' Retards to the Zoo - The Dead Milkmen
"Takin' Retards to the Zoo" is a satirical punk rock song by the American band The Dead Milkmen. The track was released as part of their 1985 album "Big Lizard in My Backyard". The song's theme revolves around the absurdity of taking mentally handicapped individuals to the zoo as a form of entertainment. The lyrics are intentionally provocative and controversial, using dark humor to shed light on societal attitudes towards disability. Musically, the song features fast-paced punk rock instrumentation with catchy guitar riffs and energetic drumming. The Dead Milkmen's lead singer, Rodney Anonymous, delivers the vocals with a snarky and sarcastic tone that adds to the song's irreverent nature. Despite its controversial subject matter, "Takin' Retards to the Zoo" became one of The Dead Milkmen's most popular tracks and remains a staple of their live performances. The song's edgy lyrics and catchy melody have made it a fan favorite among punk rock enthusiasts. Overall, "Takin' Retards to the Zoo" is a bold and unapologetic punk rock anthem that challenges societal norms and pushes the boundaries of political correctness. It stands as a testament to The Dead Milkmen's unique and irreverent approach to music.
The Dead Milkmen
The Dead Milkmen are an American punk rock band formed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1983. The band originally consisted of vocalist and keyboardist Rodney Linderman (also known as Rodney Anonymous), guitarist and vocalist Joe Genaro (also known as Joe Jack Talcum), bassist Dave Schulthise (also known as Dave Blood), and drummer Dean Sabatino. They are known for their irreverent and satirical lyrics, as well as their high-energy live performances. The Dead Milkmen quickly gained a following in the underground punk scene with their debut album, "Big Lizard in My Backyard," released in 1985. The album featured the hit single "Bitchin' Camaro," which became a college radio staple. The band continued to release albums throughout the 1980s and 1990s, including "Eat Your Paisley" (1986), "Beelzebubba" (1988), and "Metaphysical Graffiti" (1990). The Dead Milkmen's music is characterized by its humorous and often politically charged lyrics, which touch on topics such as consumerism, suburban life, and social issues. Their unique blend of punk rock, surf rock, and psychedelic influences set them apart from other bands of the era. The Dead Milkmen achieved commercial success with their single "Punk Rock Girl" from the album "Beelzebubba," which received heavy rotation on MTV and radio stations across the country. The song remains one of the band's most popular tracks and is considered a punk rock classic. Throughout their career, The Dead Milkmen have maintained a loyal fan base and continued to tour and record new music. Their influence on the punk rock and alternative music scenes is undeniable, as they paved the way for other bands with their DIY ethos and unapologetically quirky style. In conclusion, The Dead Milkmen are a seminal punk rock band whose irreverent lyrics, infectious melodies, and spirited performances have left a lasting impact on the music world. Their legacy as pioneers of the punk rock genre and champions of artistic freedom continues to inspire new generations of musicians and fans alike.