Bad Brains, the band that disproved almost every stereotype and criticism about punk rock and hardcore, are windmilling their way into Revolution on September 21. When hardcore punk was a brand-new thing, it was generally viewed as sloppy, out of tune, poorly played music written for and by white kids. Bad Brains' version of hardcore was tighter, faster, and more complex than any of their peers'. When their self-titled debut came out in '83, they instantly changed the sound of punk rock.
Bad Brains is one of the select few bands that can't be touched. Like the Ramones, except alive; like Minor Threat, except playing shows; like Black Flag without the multiple lineup changes; like the Misfits, with dreadlocks instead of devil locks and strength instead of beef. And when you catch them at Fort Lauderdale, you can take comfort in the fact that you'll be seeing the original lineup, not just the original bassist and some ringers.
Less talk, more action -- let's get nice and rowdy listening to five of their classics togther.
"Banned in DC"
We'd like to see you play this fast -- anyone else.
"Attitude"
H.R. looks like the son of Johnny Rotten, James Brown, and that cool ass future cat from Red Dwarf in this clip.
"Right Brigade"
So fast and so young young.
"Stay Close to Me"
Hard as fuck and somehow full of raggae/ska without sounding tacky. The ska-punk revolution of '97 wished they were this badass.
"Pay to Cum"
Just how precise and sharp were Bad Brains at their peak? Check H.R.'s perfectly timed bottle dodge at :014.
Bad Brains. 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, September 21, at Revolution, 200 W. Broward Blvd., Fort Lauderdale. Tickets cost $25. Click here.
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