Punk rock in Washington D.C. in the early ’80’s was a hotbed of vitriol and talent. Minor Threat and the Bad Brains were probably the two most well known to this day.The straight-edge scene (no drinking or drugs to put it simply) put a premium on live shows with bands that had nothing to otherwise cloud their live ferocity. Luckily for me, I got to see Bad Brains a couple of times back then. Majestic for sure. Here are a few of my favorites:”Big Take Over,” (Bad Brains): Kicks ass.”Pay To Cum,” (Bad Brains): I think that the subject matter of this song (prostitution and the mayor), got this band banned from playing in their hometown for awhile just after the release of this single. If someone knows the story differently, please share!”Don’t Need It,” (Bad Brains): The impossibly fast speed that this band played its songs at set the example for loud, fast hardcore for the next few years.Crank this record!
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