Bad Brains is a multi-genre punk band that started in 1976, and has been on and off since. Bad Brains has been considered a massively influential band, influencing Metallica, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Guns and Roses, and Green Day. Fun fact: Nirvana’s Dave Grohl would play along to Bad Brains songs with his pillows he had set out on his floor! The consistent members over the 50 years the band has existed have been Dr. Know (Gary Miller), Darryl Jennifer, Earl Hudson, and his brother HR (Paul Hudson).
On December 31, 1981, Bad Brains released their debut self-titled album, also referred to as “The Yellow Tape”. One of the most notable reviews was from MCA of New York Hip-Hop group Beastie Boys describing the album as “The best hard-core punk album of all time”.
I think “The Yellow Tape” is one of the greatest punk debuts, and a massively influential album to punk culture itself. Featuring most of my favorite songs by the band, such as “Banned in D.C.”, “The Regulator”, and “Sailin’ On”, it’s their undefeated best album. It has an amazing blend of punk and reggae, on songs like “Untitled”, “I Luv I Jah”, and “Leaving Babylon.” It has amazing vocal and drum performances. A lot of the songs are very fast paced, but you can still hear what they are saying a lot of the time.
Here is a summary of my reviews:
Album Rating: 5/5 stars
Best songs: “Banned In D.C”, “The Regulator”, “Right Brigade”
