Bad Brains [Explicit Lyrics, Original recording reissued]

Bad Brains | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (March 19, 1996)
• Original Release Date: 1982
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Explicit Lyrics, Original recording reissued
• Label: Roir
• ASIN: B000001Q3T
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (56 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #9,341 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #12 in Music > Indie Music > Alternative Rock > Hardcore & Punk
  • #24 in Music > Alternative Rock > Hardcore & Punk > Hardcore
  • #42 in Music > Indie Music > Alternative Rock > General

Editorial Reviews

Greg Tate- Village Voice

"You say you want hardcore? I say the Brains'll give you hardcore coming straight up the ***."

Product Description

Legendary hardcore-punk album from 1982, considered the definitive landmark for breaking the NYC hardcore scene. All material on this CD was recorded at 171-A Studios, NYC, during August, September, and October 1981, except "Pay to Cum," "I Luv I Jah," "Jah Clling Dub" recorded live at 171-A on May 16, 1981. Liner Notes by Ira Kaplan. With Lyrics.

See all Editorial Reviews

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best of Hardcore, April 18, 2006

By 

Mark A. Carter (New York) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Bad Brains (Audio CD)

From lunatic speed/thrash/metal/punk hardcore to low-tempo reggae, this album is a frenzied mix of two styles with more hits than misses. You won't get any faster riffs than 'Don't need it' or 'Sailin on' & the drumming is just insane. Lyrics are sung so fast as to be indecipherable and are more like sonic accompaniment than lead vocals. All sneers, yelps and high-pitched wailing sung like a machine gun at breakneck speed. But what really sets this album apart is the musicianship on display. Every crazed lick seems deliberately placed and there are some truly awesome slower numbers like 'The Regulator' which are almost traditional classic rock. The reggae songs make a welcome change of pace & give you a chance to catch your breath before the next maniacal crescendo of sound assaults your ears. Great album. Lots of fun, energy and old-school oomph!

16 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Hardest of the Hard, August 30, 2004

By 

pancho (Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bad Brains (Audio CD)

Before I bought this record, I had read about Bad Brains and thought I knew what they were all about. Nothing, however, could prepare me for the brutal reality of this monumental album. Shivers ran up my spine, my gut twisted in knots, and all I could do was sit there until it was over. A stunning lesson on the power of experience.

What makes these four men and their music great? They absolutely defy convention, like the Rolling Stones, The Who, Led Zeppelin and the Sex Pistols before them. A group of rastafarians from D.C. influenced by white boys from Britain and a little place called Queens? Crazy fast and loud songs interspersed with reggae segues? Their eclectic mix of influences and unconventional messages work because they really believe in what they say and do. Their timing and placement of songs on the record are also flawless, keeping constant tension on the listener and always delivering.

I am a big fan of HR's lyrics, which mix the political fire of the Clash with the spiritual and emancipation facets of the gemstone that is Bob Marley. Occasionally at odds with the words, the music simply did not belong in the pop culture environment of the early 80's. This pleases me, because the less people that like a band, the more personal they seem to their fans. I'm not saying any further expansion of the Brains' fan base is prohibited, but anyone without a real appreciation of music need not apply. No complaining about unpolished prodution, either, because that does not matter one iota if the music has real feeling.

What else can be said of the band that birthed hardcore? They are the most intense musicians you are ever likely to hear in this lifetime, unless there is a revolution in the recording industry. I will not rant about the RIAA or the multitude of poseurs out there today, nor will I praise illegal downloading, which woke up the industry but also scared artists into holes of uninspiring dreck. I will say that it is a sad state of affairs that new artists wander into today, burying creativity under sales charts, and the attitude of the general public sucks as well. Money is not everything!

Regardless, if you buy this record, prepare to have your mind blown and your world shaken. Oh, and don't crank your stereo if you have complaining neighbors, because I can guarantee that this will make their day. Have a blast!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Signature punk album, October 17, 2000

By 

Musical Karma (Santa Rosa, Ca) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bad Brains (Audio CD)

This album is a rollercoaster. The fastest punk/hardcore songs (i.e.: "sailin' on" , "don't need it", "banned in d.c.", etc) are the steep downhill drops. The few calm reggae masterpieces are the slow, steady uphill climbing sections before you reached the top and go whirling dowhill again. All of this album is enchanting. The only thing a first listener must get used to is the at-times-high-pitched voice of H.R., which as you listen to the music more you learn to love. The power cord usage and solos of guitarist Dr. Know prove his talent. This musicianship equally matches the throbbing basslines and intense drumming of Darryl and Earl. If you respect the best of the best music, the truest hardcore punk, listen to this Bad Brains work and you'll be hooked. Every second of this roller coaster is well worth one's time.