If there's one beef I have with the Bad Brains it's the religious zeal. I wish I could take a time machine back to 1982 and tell them "Look, you guys are from D.C. and you're playing to predominantly white crowds, no one cares about Jah." Of course, this would likely be followed by me getting beat up. Perhaps I could find a young Henry Rollins and tell him to give them my message for me. I'm sure he could take a few punches. That said, these songs RULE!!! Even the Rasta-heavy songs like "Coptic Times" and, well, all the reggae songs are played with such conviction that it almost makes me want to grow dreadlocks and convert. Almost. Like I said, this is powerful stuff, and Ric Ocasek's incredible production job makes it easier to digest than their first record. Make no mistake, this isn't your typical early bone-headed hardcore. The Bad Brains were sharp and precise with absolutely menacing guitar solos. Listen to the aggressive assault of "Banned in D.C." or "Riot Squad" and tell me it doesn't make you want to slam dance! Singer "H.R." could spit some real venom. His singing was pure pandemonium, and yet he had a truely impressive control over his voice, from a bark to a wail to a yelp. If you are a fan of hardcore-punk or just important rock 'n' roll in in general, (They would go on to influence countless bands. Do the Beastie Boys or the Red Hot Chili Peppers ring a bell?) this record is essential listening. So put it on and destroy shit! And when the reggae songs come on, light up a joint and just relaaaax maaaan. Or, if you're into that other early D.C. hardcore band - don't. You know which one!
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Bad Brains - "Rock For Light" (Caroline, 1983)
If there's one beef I have with the Bad Brains it's the religious zeal. I wish I could take a time machine back to 1982 and tell them "Look, you guys are from D.C. and you're playing to predominantly white crowds, no one cares about Jah." Of course, this would likely be followed by me getting beat up. Perhaps I could find a young Henry Rollins and tell him to give them my message for me. I'm sure he could take a few punches. That said, these songs RULE!!! Even the Rasta-heavy songs like "Coptic Times" and, well, all the reggae songs are played with such conviction that it almost makes me want to grow dreadlocks and convert. Almost. Like I said, this is powerful stuff, and Ric Ocasek's incredible production job makes it easier to digest than their first record. Make no mistake, this isn't your typical early bone-headed hardcore. The Bad Brains were sharp and precise with absolutely menacing guitar solos. Listen to the aggressive assault of "Banned in D.C." or "Riot Squad" and tell me it doesn't make you want to slam dance! Singer "H.R." could spit some real venom. His singing was pure pandemonium, and yet he had a truely impressive control over his voice, from a bark to a wail to a yelp. If you are a fan of hardcore-punk or just important rock 'n' roll in in general, (They would go on to influence countless bands. Do the Beastie Boys or the Red Hot Chili Peppers ring a bell?) this record is essential listening. So put it on and destroy shit! And when the reggae songs come on, light up a joint and just relaaaax maaaan. Or, if you're into that other early D.C. hardcore band - don't. You know which one!
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