So I started guitar lessons today, and Tom and I were talking about what music we listen to and what I wanted to learn and whatnot. I mentioned Black Flag and Dead Kennedys, so he brought up that I should really check out Bad Brains. I remember DK or WMD or someone here mentioning them, so I figure I'll ask here. Where should I start with them?

I have their self-titled which I've heard is their best. I Against I is supposedly pretty great as well, but I haven't got around to picking that one up still to this day.

They inspired Henry Rollins to make music. That should say something.

Honestly, they're awesome. Check them out

I might've blurted out about them once or twice. My old concert review on my Crappy Website gets alot of traffic.

It depends what you're after with them. Their debut album, along with "Rock for Light" and "Black Dots" are more punk-oriented. "I Against I" and "Quickness" are more metal-oriented. I took my "Quickness" tape to a party once, and people instantly turned it off, since it was "wayyyy too heavy".

In the midst of all of their albums, they mix in some reggae/rasta-core song. Always freaks some kids out when I refer 'em to Bad Brains and happy "I Luv Jah" reggae stuff comes on.

Their 90's stuff isn't considered essential. "Rise" is total metal and features their replacement singer. There are some good tunes on it, but it sounds like a different band. "God of Love" was their 1995 reunion album, but still retained alot of the metal influence.

If you want specific tracks...errrr, not that yer' gonna' DOWNLOAD 'em or anything... I could whip you up a list of specific tunes, depending on your punk or metal preference. Basically, when Darryl (the bassist) and Dr. Know (guitarist) are in control, they become more metal. When all 4 guys are in the fold, they seem to be more robust and touch all 3 of their genres.

--EDIT: about five years ago, they changed their name to "Soul Brains". So if you're wondering what they're up to, today, search for that name. For recognition purposes, they're still billed as "Bad Brains".

I would easily recommend Rock for Light/Black Dots/I Against I.

If you dig those, move on...

Alright. I'll be sure to check them out next time I go on a buying spree. Thanks guys.

Picked up Rock For Light today. Uploading to iPod now, because I've abandoned CD players to rot with 8-tracks and cassettes. Will report back.

If you haven't listened to I Against I, you haven't listened to Bad Brains. In other words, don't give up before you get there. Some of their stuff is really rough, and hard to process if you aren't already a fan. I Against I is the album that will make you a fan.

I actually really like what I've listened to so far. Starts off very fast, thrashy FUCK YOU type stuff but then kind of mellowed out with I and I Survive's reggae. It's cool. Different, for sure. I'm starting to see the influence they've had on the Rollins' and Rage's and the like. I'm going to check out more, for sure.