Washington, D.C.'s, Bad Brains clearly stand out among America's original hardcore punk rock bands. But it's not because its members happened to be African-American in a scene that was overwhelmingly, mind-numbingly white. Nor was it because they evolved into devoted Rastafarians who on early recordings switched seamlessly from aggressive hardcore to soulful Jah-praising dub-reggae and back again. No, Bad Brains stand out because they simply were the best. Just seconds into "Sailin' On," the first song off their 1982 self-titled release, Bad Brains gave the listener a jolt: four drum licks followed by an aural explosion that leaves all would-be contenders in the dust. Melodic, aggressive and catchy,... More >>>