Released 20 years ago
Live at CBGB 1982
Bad Brains · 2006
55 min · 19 tracks · hardcore punk
Raw energy collides with intricate rhythms, capturing the explosive spirit of early hardcore punk and reggae fusion.
Top tracks — play these first
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Big Takeover — Opening the set, this track captures the band's signature blend of punk aggression and reggae grooves, setting the tone for the entire performance.
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Rally Round Jah Throne — This track showcases the band's deep roots in Rastafarian culture while blending it seamlessly with their hardcore sound, exemplifying their unique identity.
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Banned in DC — As one of their most recognizable songs, this track illustrates the band's confrontational spirit against censorship and embodying the DIY ethos of punk rock.
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I and I Survive — This song highlights the band's ability to merge introspective lyrics with powerful instrumentation, making it a standout moment in the live recording.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album captures Bad Brains' energetic live sound, blending punk and reggae with strong performances.
What we noticed
- The album features a high-energy performance with rapid tempo changes, particularly evident in tracks like 'Big Takeover' and 'Riot Squad'.
- Several tracks blend hardcore punk with reggae rhythms, creating a dynamic contrast that showcases the band's versatility.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- raw energy of live performance
- quick bursts of intensity
- dynamic shifts in pacing
- engaging call-and-response moments
- spirited crowd interaction
Maybe skip if you
- prefer polished studio recordings
- seek lengthy meditative experiences
Where this album fits
- Career context
- When 'Live at CBGB 1982' was released in 2006, Bad Brains was celebrated as pioneers of hardcore punk and reggae fusion, having already established their influential sound since their formation in 1977. This live album serves as a historical snapshot of their dynamic performances at New York's iconic CBGB club during a formative period for the band, showcasing their relentless energy and genre-blending approach.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Big Takeover 2:57
- 2 I 1:57
- 3 Jah the Conqueror 4:37
- 4 Supertouch/Shitfit 2:30
- 5 Rally Round Jah Throne 3:53
- 6 Right Brigade 2:24
- 7 FVK 1:07
- 8 I and I Survive 5:43
- 9 Destroy Babylon 1:25
- 10 Joshua's Song 0:36
- 11 Unity Dub 5:13
- 12 The Meek Shall Inherit the Earth 3:58
- 13 Banned in DC 2:10
- 14 How Low Can a Punk Get? 2:08
- 15 Riot Squad 2:17
- 16 I and I Rasta 3:25
- 17 We Will Not 1:43
- 18 The Regulator 1:09
- 19 All Rise to Meet Jah 5:56
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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