Big Lizard in My Backyard is the debut album by the Dead Milkmen, released by Restless Records in 1985. Although the album yielded no singles, it achieved enough notoriety to create a fan base for the band. Five of the album's tracks appear on the 1997 compilation Death Rides a Pale Cow: The Ultimate Collection; four tracks appear on the 1998 compilation Cream of the Crop.

Production

Big Lizard in My Backyard was produced by John Wicks and the band. The introduction to "Bitchin' Camaro" was improvised.

Cover artwork

The album's cover artwork was designed by the band's drummer, Dean Clean.

Critical reception

Big Lizard in My Backyard received strong reviews, with critics singling out "Bitchin' Camaro", calling it "hilarious" and "career-making." Maximum Rocknroll wrote that "these 20 satire-laced songs are real crack-ups, and backed up by tight playing that incorporates funk, country, and lots of other styles into their punk approach." Spin called the album "frenetic goof pop," writing that it's "full of the kind of scruff-and-tumble guitar and funtime lyrics that made 1977 punk such a refreshing blast."

Track listing

All tracks written by the Dead Milkmen "Gorilla Girl" was not included on the original U.S. Enigma/Fever LP release. "Tugena" was present on the original release (as the last track) but was unidentified and not labeled until later pressings.

Personnel