California Über Alles: Dead Kennedys’ Satirical Siege of California Politics

Dead Kennedys cut a sharp, politically charged slice out of early ’80s California with the blistering single "California Über Alles," riffing on Jerry Brown’s administration and the cooptation of counterculture ideals. This episode traces how the song emerged from the DIY world of Alternative Tentacles, its incendiary lyrics, production process, legal confrontations, and enduring influence on punk politics worldwide. We dig into the scene infrastructure—fanzines, venues like San Diego’s 7‑10‑Club, underground press, and touring networks—that allowed Biafra’s critique to reach audiences and shape a tradition of punk satire.

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