Why Do Birds Sing? is the fifth studio album from the textbook American cult band, Violent Femmes. First released in 1991, it was their last album with original drummer, Victor DeLorenzo. The darkly humorous and sharp-edged folk-rock collection features the hit “American Music,” as well as a cover of Culture Club’s “Do You Really Want to Hurt Me.” This 30th -anniversary 2-CD edition features a complete 1991 live set captured at The Boat House in Norfolk, VA, plus a trove of previously unreleased outtakes/alternate takes, and new liner notes by acclaimed songwriter/journalist Jeff Slate.

Tracklist:

American Music
Out the Window
Look Like That
Do You Really Want to Hurt Me
Hey Nonny Nonny
Used to Be
Girl Trouble
He Likes Me
Life is a Scream
Flamingo Baby
Lack of Knowledge
More Money Tonight
I'm Free
Me and You*
Color Me Once (Early Version)*
4 Seasons (Early Version)*
Breaking Up (Early Version)*
American Music (Alternate Mix)*
Dance, M.F., Dance!
Look Like That (Live At The Boat House, Norfolk, VA / 1991)
Out The Window (Live At The Boat House, Norfolk, VA / 1991)
Fat (Live At The Boat House, Norfolk, VA / 1991)
Blister in the Sun (Live At The Boat House, Norfolk, VA / 1991)
Prove My Love (Live At The Boat House, Norfolk, VA / 1991)
Country Death Song (Live At The Boat House, Norfolk, VA / 1991)
Old Mother Reagan (Live At The Boat House, Norfolk, VA / 1991)
Confessions (Live At The Boat House, Norfolk, VA / 1991)
Girl Trouble (Live At The Boat House, Norfolk, VA / 1991)
Add It Up (Live At The Boat House, Norfolk, VA / 1991)
Good Feeling (Live At The Boat House, Norfolk, VA / 1991)
More Money Tonight (Live At The Boat House, Norfolk, VA / 1991)

UPC: 888072269125
Label: Craft Recordings
Release Date: 10.8.21
Format: CD

Violent Femmes - Why Do Birds Sing?: Deluxe Edition (2CD)