RTFM is the fifth album by the American alternative rock band Poster Children, released in 1997.[4][5] The title comes from the term RTFM, short for "Read The Fucking Manual".[6] It was issued as an enhanced CD.[7]

RTFM
Studio album by
ReleasedApril 22, 1997
Recorded1996, Pogo Studio, Champaign, Illinois
GenreAlternative rock
Length44:58
LabelReprise Records[1]
ProducerBryce Goggin, Poster Children[2]
Poster Children chronology
Junior Citizen
(1995)
RTFM
(1997)
New World Record
(1999)
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic[3]

The band supported the album by touring with Failure.[8]

Production

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The album was mixed using a Mac Quadra 650.[9] The band recorded the album with the same lineup that recorded Junior Citizen; it was the first time in their existence that the exact same band members had appeared on two albums in a row.[8]

Critical reception

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The New York Times wrote: "Years on the club circuit have made the band's lyrics ever more sardonic; in "Music of America" from their new album, RTFM (Reprise), Poster Children mock 'AM/FM trash, recycled every hour and converted into cash.'"[10] The Chicago Tribune thought that "the quartet fuses swaggering power chords, home-brewed techno-delia, pop melodies and dissonant clatter into a distinctive, inviting wail."[11]

Track listing

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  1. "Blackdog" – 3:56
  2. "Ofor1" – 3:35
  3. "Music of America" – 2:24
  4. "Dreamsmall" – 3:54
  5. "Speed of Light" – 3:17
  6. "King of the Hill" – 4:42
  7. "21st Century" – 3:34
  8. "Attack!" – 2:56
  9. "Sleep" – 3:57
  10. "Pearly Gates" – 4:50
  11. "Afterglow" – 4:00
  12. "Happenseveryday" – 3:53

Personnel

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  • Bryce Goggin – Producer, Engineer
  • Rick Valentin – Vocals, Guitar
  • Rose Marshack – Bass, vocals
  • Jim Valentin – Guitar
  • Howie Kantoff – Drums

References

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  1. ^ "Poster Children". Trouser Press. Retrieved 11 January 2022.
  2. ^ Flick, Larry (Sep 6, 1997). "Poster Children: 0 For 1". Billboard. Vol. 109, no. 36. p. 101.
  3. ^ "RTFM - Poster Children | Songs, Reviews, Credits | AllMusic" – via www.allmusic.com.
  4. ^ "Poster Children Biography, Songs, & Albums". AllMusic.
  5. ^ "Recommended". www.austinchronicle.com.
  6. ^ van der Vliet, Gina (May 3, 1997). "Reprise act considered Poster Children for ECD". Billboard. Vol. 109, no. 18. p. 59.
  7. ^ Rodriguez, Kenn (26 Sep 1997). "Poster Children continue punk tradition on the road". Albuquerque Journal. p. E13.
  8. ^ a b Wolgamott, L Kent (4 May 1997). "Failure finds success in doing things its way". Lincoln Journal Star. p. H5.
  9. ^ Silberman, Steve. "Strange Attractors". Wired – via www.wired.com.
  10. ^ Pareles, Jon (May 23, 1997). "2d Echelon, With Cynicism". The New York Times – via NYTimes.com.
  11. ^ Reger, Rick (9 May 1997). "THE BEST BAR BANDS, BAR NONE". Chicago Tribune. Friday. p. 33.