AllMovie

The Dead Kennedys: The Early Years Live collects choice moments from the seminal punk band's club dates from 1978-1981, showcasing frontman Jello Biafra's raw performance style. Most of the nine songs are highlights from their debut album Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables, including the classics "Holiday in Cambodia," "California Uber Alles," and "Let's Lynch the Landlord." Running 30 minutes long, the rare concert footage is mostly grainy with bad audio, with some tracks recorded at Target Studios with no audience. The small California concert venues include Mabuhay Gardens in San Francisco, Sproul Plaza in Berkeley, and some other undisclosed locations.