by Steve HueyRock!!!!! is an unfortunately slight effort by the Violent Femmes, too often falling prey to underdeveloped, repetitive songwriting and goofball filler. Perhaps the general lack of substance is partly intentional -- after all, the cover and insert show the band decked out like a glammed-up '80s hair metal band -- but in truth, Rock!!!!! feels more like a collection of leftovers than an album proper (especially since it's just over half an hour long). There are a few good songs, and some of the others might have worked as brief jokes on weightier records, but only true die-hard fans will not be put off by the level of silliness on much of this. It's not entirely surprising that Rock!!!!! was originally issued only in Australia, not appearing in the U.S. until 2000 (five years after its initial release date).