A visit to the MP3 section of the Alternative Tentacles website is like combing through the obscure and historic record collection of Jello Biafra. Practically every VIRUS catalog number still in print has atleast one free mp3 available. This includes everything from spoken word tracks from the founder himself to obscure hardcore from Dutch pioneers BGK. Dig deeper to find gems from indie rock legends Half-Japanese, third wave California punk/HC greats like F-Minus, Dead and Gone, Pansy Division, and The Fleshies, Killed-By-Death alumni The Mentally Ill, and the first band to fuse punk and hip-hop -  and do it right - The Beatnigs. Seriously, that short list doesn't even do justice to Jello's investment into his broad taste in music and underground culture. You will have to check out the mp3 section for yourself and come up with your own favorites and new discoveries. The label turns 30 next year, so expect a huge investment of your time when sampling their discography.

I went through my own mp3 collection to find which AT freebies I have enjoyed the most over the years...and even came up with new favorites while researching for this article. I almost came up with ten, but there were so many to choose from...so how about eleven?


1. The Flaming Stars - "A Little Bit Like You"
2. MIA - "Rhythm of Life"
3.  (tie) Phantom Limbs - "Romance" and The Pattern - "Sunned Things Speak"
4. Zolar X - "Timeless"
5. Articles of Faith - "Five O'Clock"
6. The International Noise Conspiracy - "Capitalism Stole My Virginity" (Live)
7. Slim Cessna's Auto Club - "This Is How We Do Things In This Country"
8. Jello Biafra & The Melvins - "Yuppie Cadillac"
9. Creeps On Candy - "Nectar of the Gods"
10. The False Prophets - "Overkill"

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