The Best Turbonegro Songs

Turbonegro enjoy a huge following in their native Norway, they frequently sell out huge stadium venues and have grown to be nothing short of a mass culture phenomenon. In the US however, they are still an up and coming band relying on their cult followers, Turbojungden for most of their fans. But there is still hope for America, Turbonegro interest is on the rise, and the hedonistic testosterone machine that is Turbonegro is gaining in popular interest, to the point where Turbonegro played at this years Kotchella festival. The band of freaks and outcast has come a long way since scraping it out on the streets of Oslo.

If you're interested in learning more about the self proclaimed saviors of rock 'n roll, here is a reverse order list of the very best Turbonegro songs. So, if you're ready for some darkness, put your leather on and ride with us.

All my friends are dead
When you put on a Turbonegro album, you know what you are going to get. Super loud, sweaty rock 'n roll, and this song is a prime example of Turbonegro's heavy and driving rock style. They call their music death punk, but this song from the album Party Animals showcases a much crisper production than the punk genre would suggest. Carried along on a massive guitar riff, this pounding song supports the outlandish lyrics in a short but sweet romp.

Kings of the rodeo
As bizarre as it sounds, Turbonegro shows off some country roots in this dazzling tribute to the gay rodeo scene. This song is from the essential Ass Cobra album, the first album featuring Euroboy on lead guitar. In fact, this song is the first recorded single after Euroboy joined the band. The addition of a guitar prodigy to the band added a completely new dimension to Turbonegro, and was instrumental in propelling them to international subculture super-stardom. In this ripping song, the new lead guitarist gets to show off his skill in a fast, playful song that is a perfect fit for the humorous homo-erotic image of the band.

Fuck The World
The pivotal song on the album Scandinavian leather is a good example of the shifting style of Turbonegro, where Ass Cobra is a fun filled stomp, Scandinavian Leather is the mid point of the 'leather trilogy' that started with 'Apocalypse Dudes'. In this song, the playful humor is no longer on prominent display. Instead, it's a fierce salute to individualism and the people outside or on the fringe of society. The song lends heavily from marching band rhythms which gives the lead-up to the ultra defiant chorus a distinctly militant feel.

Nihil Sleighride
From the album 'Never is Forever', the last album before important personnel changes, this song is the finest example of the punk band Turbonegro. The production of this entire album is cold and bare, and nowhere is it more evident than in this song. While the sound is much more complex and layered on later albums, this song is particular benefits from the almost shrill sound of the recording. This absolute highlight of this early album, is sadly no longer a part of Turbonegro's playlist.

Sailor Man
One of Turbonegro's trademarks is the sailor hat worn by Happy Tom, and in this song from Ass Cobra it comes to good use. The lyrics are a tender love song to a sailor called Lars, a typical example of Turbonegro's continuous insistence on going against convention and popular trends. At a time when most heavy metal bands would not think of writing a love song, Turbonegro went to the exact opposite, and then beyond with the overly homosexual lyrics. The ability of the band to deliver a hardcore gay image and humorous lyrics, while never compromising the musical integrity of the band and becoming a clown act explains a lot of the reason behind their cult status.

Selfdestructo Bust
This is the first entry from the monumental 'Apocalypse Dudes' album, the album that defines Turbonegro, and essential album not just for Turbojungden, but for anyone who enjoys Rock 'n roll. This is the second song of the album, and it sets a frantic pace that will carry through the album after an eclectic introduction in the first song 'Age of Pamparius' which will show up later in this list. Selfdestructo Bust is intense and fast paced and never lets off, the ripping guitar riffs of Euroboy weaves in and out of the song seamlessly. The song sets the stage for the album to come perfectly.

Age of Pamparius
This is a perfect opening track, as it starts out with a long gradually building guitar intro, that pared with the new age sounding song title makes the first time listener think they are listening to a 70's prog rock album. That is until Hank Von Helvete's menacing whispers break off the intro and the song and album explodes into action. It's heavy and hard and at the same time irresistibly catching. That the song is about making pizza just goes to underscore the humor of most of Turbonegro's songs.

I got Erection
From Ass Cobra, this song has turned into Turbonegro's calling card, the song that is universality demanded at every live performance, and by many tagged as the most outlandish song in Rock 'n Roll history. While Turbonegro have many songs that are musically stronger, this song draws it's notoriety from the lyrics. Before and during live shows in their native Norway, entire stadiums, punks and bikers, women and children all join in on a massive choir singing the chorus before the show: "Oh-oh-ooooh I Got Erection!". Like Turbonegro themselves, it's both wonderful and horrific to behold.

Get it on
The highlight on Turbonegro's best album "Apocalypse Dudes", Get it On combines all of the elements that defines Turbonegro. Sleazy, oversexed lyrics, guitar riffs as loud and heavy as you'll find anywhere, a chorus you just can't help singing along to, and a virtual nuclear blast of testosterone. After you've heard this song, you will understand what they mean in their symphony "What is Rock" when Hank sings "We saved Rock 'n Roll".

If you like your rock fast and heavy, there is no way around Turbonegro. A band that despite often wearing eye makeup and lipstick, delivers the most primal masculine music in the world. Listening to Turbonegro makes you want to eat raw meat and tear down a volcano.