First Demo Tape

Minor Threat | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (June 17, 2003)
• Original Release Date: 1980
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Dischord
• ASIN: B00009EFV2
• Also Available in: Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #106,148 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #32 in Music > Alternative Rock > Hardcore & Punk > Straight Edge

Editorial Reviews

It's amazing what one finds when looking for something else. While going through tape after tape putting together the 20 Years of Dischord box set, Ian MacKaye and company found these tapes that comprise the first recording session of the now legendary hardcore band Minor Threat. Granted, there are no new tracks here and no new revelations musically, but it is interesting to hear the playing progression from these demos to the tracks that actually made release (which can be found on the Complete Discography CD). A very cool view into the embryonic days and some rather hilarious pictures of the D.C. kids make this a very desirable item for fans of the band. ~ Chris True, Rovi

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The beginnings of a legend, July 9, 2003

By 

Rob Noxious (In body, Buderim, QLD, Australia. In mind, New Jersey, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: First Demo Tape (Audio CD)

As the story goes, Ian and Guy were digging through the archives of Dischord Records to put together the "20 Years of Dischord Comp" and found this, Minor Threat's first demo tape, still unmixed after twenty or so years. They have mixed it, packed it in a gatefold CD sleeve, and made it avilable to all you Minor Threat fans.

The songs are almost just like you remember them, with two exceptions. Lyle's guitar tone is amazingly better; it actually sounds like a guitar now and not a buzzsaw (not to slag the other versions). This is how a Les Paul Standard is supposed to sound. The other thing is Ian's vocal performance. It seems that in the month between when MT recorded this and the sessions for the Minor Threat 7", Ian practiced a lot and altered his style a bit. Sure, it still sounds like Ian, but there's not as much energy, not as much anger. But it doesn't make too much of a difference, and even if it does, it's not intended to be perfect. This was recorded only three to four months after the bands formation, and you can tell that great things are to come. And trust me, being part of a scene myself and seeing many bands, this is as good as a four-month-old band gets.

The packaging is also really cool. It's a simple gatefold CD sleeve, but it's got quite a few pictures and a short history of the tape. Also, singing backup for this was none other than Henry Garfield, who would later change his last name to Rollins. Inside, there's a picture of Henry at the sessions, and he's wearing a dress! Come on now, if Henry Rollins in a femenine white dress isn't worth $... sent to Dischord, I really don't know what is.

So to all the Minor Threat fans wondering if they should buy a CD of songs they've already heard, just get it. It's super-cheap and the music is great; another worthy chapter in the legacy of the best hardcore band of all time.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good EP, April 1, 2006

By 

Music fan (Albany,OR) - See all my reviews

This review is from: First Demo Tape (Audio CD)

This ep is good my favorite song on it is Guilty of being white
this ep was also released on 7", buy this it is good.

5 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Nice enough, but what's the point?, April 6, 2004

By 

MaratsBathing "Sail" (NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: First Demo Tape (Audio CD)

Minor Threat is arguably the greatest and most important band in hardcore. Their songs and riffs are truly timeless and their influence on music is still felt to this day. They are one of my favorite punk/hardcore bands of all time, so I was quite excited when I heard that they were releasing an old demo tape of their's for a nominal price. I bought it shortly after its release, eager to hear Minor Threat's earliest days.

However, I was somewhat disappointed with my purchase. The tape's nine songs are undeniably classics, but a much better version of every one of them is already available on Minor Threat's Complete Discography, a one-disc compilation containing every song the band ever wrote. There is absolutely nothing new or different music-wise on First Demo Tape, except for Ian's vocals, which are considerably less aggressive, angry, and exciting than the ones on Complete Discography. I wouldn't even recommend this for completists; anyone who owns Complete Discography has already heard First Demo Tape many, many times.

First Demo Tape makes a pretty good, very cheap introduction to Minor Threat for new fans, but other than that, I wouldn't recommend this to anyone, save rabid MT fans.