First studio recordings quintesential D.C. hardcore band
Rahshad Black | Moreno Valley, CA | 07/08/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"At first look, Bad Brains could be a washed up Bob Marley cover outfit. From the shaggy rasta appearance, few could imagine that this band inspired such diverse acts as Minor Threat, Beastie Boys, Skankin' Pickle and Foo Fighters. This EP starts out with a tempo shifting hardcore number ("i Against i"), that later became a band signature tune, which goes straight into the punky reggae of "Stay Close to Me". The transition might shock the uninitiated, and those more veteran ska-punkers might be surprised by the fact that this was done seven years before Operation Ivy ever put anything down on wax. The next track, "i Luv i Jah" slows the reggae down further to accuratly express their rastafarian beliefs. The final two tracks BURN, "At the Movies", with its mellow intro, and "Attitude" with its postive message end the short album in style. Not only a milestone in hardcore, and punk, but also American reggae and a reggae-punk synthesis done much better than the Clash could ever do. Any punk fan should pick up this well priced gem."
Bad Brains.
jonm | 08/04/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Nothing else needs to be said--and what can be said that hasn't been said already? This band took hardcore and made it somehow better. The reggae-type tracks are smooth and relaxing, whereas the harder and faster tracks blow you away, making you notice how ahead of their time that they were. The first good thing that Victory records has put out."
Outstanding older Bad Brains
Daniel M. Schroeder | CA USA | 07/23/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This album is worth it after the first two tracks and only continues to impress. The older version of "I Against I" presented here is raw and electric and "Stay Close To Me" is enigmatically twisted around reggae/lovers rock and punk/hardcore stylings in a way that is undeniably appealing. With only five tracks you have to expect that each one will deliver the goods, and there is no disappointment here. Any fan of Bad Brains should own this album despite the fact that four of the five songs can be found on other albums."
Track Listings (5) - Disc #1
