BAD BRAINS

"I Against I" (Re-issue) (ORG Records/Bad Brains; 2024)

Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton

I can't tell you a lot more about this re-issue of Bad Brains' classic album, "I Against I" than Jeff Rogers does about the original below. Jeff pretty much nailed it. I can tell you that this restored and re-mastered re-issue still has the band's flesh-cutting, edgy sound but I think it's clearer, sharper than ever here. The solos leap out of the speakers and dive into your brain, where they dance about for a bit and then jump right back out. The vocals are crisp and clean but still just as sharp as a knife. The songs hold up surprisingly well for an album that's coming up on its fortieth anniversary, even "Sacred Love," which—as Jeff mentioned in his original review—had its vocals recorded via a prison telephone. I don't know about you but I can't help but picture that in my mind: H.R. standing against a beige brick wall, crooning into the receiver, while other inmates stood around waiting for their turn. I mean, I don't know if that's the actual scenario, but you can't help but think about it, right?

Bottom line is this: "I Against I" was great when it was originally re-released in 1986 and it's still great today. You know how much technology has changed in all those decades. Without going back to the original source, I've gotta believe this latest version is the one to go with, especially if you're unfamiliar with the band.

For more information, check out http://www.badbrains.com/.

"I Against I" (SST; 1986)

Reviewed by Jeff Rogers

Bad Brains usually has reggae music on each one of their discs -- but not this one. Instead, the fusion of hardcore punk, heavy metal, soul and funk are pounded like nails into a fence that keeps getting slammed in your face. Since no reggae seeped into this recording, you will probably be able to find it under heavy metal if you want to search for something completely different.
 
The guitar is all over the place and the solos are way out there but its still wild music and there are probably a handful of people who even know about this obscure band. The music is good in parts and it takes a couple of listens to get the flow going. The Rastafarian sound comes through mostly on the vocals of H.R. (Human Rights). H.R. has been around the block a few times and most notably helped out P.O.D. with their track "Without Jah, Nothin" on the disc titled "Satellite."
 
The song "Sacred Love" has an odd sound to it; the vocals were recorded over a phone call from prison while H.R. was serving time on a marijuana charge.

If you want something that doesn't sound like anything else you have on tap then check out Bad Brains. These guys have been around since 1977 and released their first self-titled disc in 1982. They have influenced more bands that you can shake a stick at.
 
Bad Brains: H.R. – vocals; Dr. Know – guitar; Darryl Jenifer – bass; Earl Hudson – drums.
 
For more information, check out http://www.badbrains.com/.

Rating Guide:

A classic. This record will kick your ass.

Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.

So-so. You've heard better.

Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.

Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.

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