>> Dead Kennedys

The Dead Kennedys established themselves as leaders of political punk, with searing attacks on both left- and right-wing ideology. Front man Jello Biafra's status-quo bashing, backed by gut-wrenching high-end guitars and ear-whalloping beats, earned the band a large following even after the Kennedy's breakup in 1986, following an extended battle over free-speech issues stemming from cover artwork.