Banned in D.C. cover

Banned in D.C.

Bad Brains · 2003

62 min · 22 tracks · hardcore punk

A frenetic fusion of hardcore punk energy and reggae rhythms, pushing the boundaries of genre with passionate intensity.

Top tracks — play these first

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    Pay to Cum — As one of their most recognizable tracks, this song exemplifies Bad Brains' signature blend of hardcore punk aggression and intricate musicianship, setting the tone for the entire album.
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    I Against I — This track showcases an evolution in their sound, combining heavy guitar riffs with introspective lyrics, reflecting the band's ability to merge personal struggle with societal commentary.
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    Re-Ignition — With its reggae-infused melodies intertwined with powerful punk influences, this track represents a key moment where the band embraced their diverse musical influences while maintaining their core identity.
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    Sailin’ On — This song captures the essence of resilience and defiance, presenting a call to action that resonates deeply within the punk ethos and showcases Bad Brains' lyrical depth.
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    I Luv I Jah — A testament to the band's Rastafarian beliefs, this track intertwines spiritual themes with energetic instrumentation, illustrating how they seamlessly fused genres to convey profound messages.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dynamic energy with peaks
  • short, punchy songs
  • wave-like pacing experience
  • intense bursts of emotion
  • immersive listening sessions

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2003, Banned in D.C. is a compilation album that consolidates Bad Brains' influential tracks from their early career while introducing new recordings. This followed their 1995 album, God of Love, marking a significant moment as the band sought to reconnect with their roots after years of lineup changes and varying musical directions.
Stylistic neighbors
Fugazi· The Bronx· Fishbone

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Pay to Cum 1:31
  • 2 I Against I 2:50
  • 3 Don’t Bother Me 2:31
  • 4 I 2:05
  • 5 Regulator 1:18
  • 6 F.V.K. 1:06
  • 7 Re-Ignition 4:13
  • 8 Sailin’ On 1:50
  • 9 How Low Can a Punk Get 2:30
  • 10 At the Movies 2:16
  • 11 With the Quickness 2:42
  • 12 Sacred Love 3:35
  • 13 Soul Craft 3:03
  • 14 Voyage to Infinity 3:10
  • 15 Banned in D.C. 2:02
  • 16 Big Takeover 2:51
  • 17 Joshua’s Song 0:34
  • 18 I and I Survive 5:16
  • 19 The Meek 3:35
  • 20 I Luv I Jah 6:34
  • 21 The Prophet’s Eye 4:23
  • 22 Riot Squad 2:24

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata