The First Four Years
Black Flag · 1983
24 min · 16 tracks · hardcore punk · post-hardcore
A raw and frenetic explosion of energy capturing the essence of early American hardcore punk.
Why this album works
This album is significant for encapsulating the early sound of hardcore punk, influencing countless bands within the genre. It also showcased Black Flag's defiance against mainstream music norms, contributing to the burgeoning punk movement in America at the time. The raw energy and brevity of the songs resonated deeply with fans, making it a staple in punk rock history.
- Best for
- short, intense listening bursts immediate energy and urgency raw emotional expression
- Context
- Released in 1983, 'The First Four Years' is a compilation that chronicles Black Flag's formative years, featuring tracks from their early EPs and singles. This album came after their influential debut 'Damaged' and reflects the band's transition from local LA punk legends to national icons. At this point, Black Flag had solidified their reputation for relentless touring and confrontational music.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Hüsker Dü· From Autumn to Ashes· Poison the Well
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Nervous Breakdown Standout 2:07
- 2 Fix Me 0:55
- 3 I’ve Had It 1:20
- 4 Wasted 0:51
- 5 Jealous Again Standout 1:47
- 6 Revenge 0:58
- 7 White Minority 1:04
- 8 No Values 1:04
- 9 You Bet We’ve Got Something Personal Against You! 0:51
- 10 Clocked In 1:30
- 11 Six Pack Standout 2:18
- 12 I’ve Heard It Before 1:38
- 13 American Waste 1:30
- 14 Machine 1:25
- 15 Louie Louie 1:17
- 16 Damaged I 4:05
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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