Man Recordings Inspiration Series #12: Bad Brains
January 14th, 2009
Bad Brains have been a constant reference and source of inspiration for everything hardcore coming from the U.S., from bands like Black Flag, Fugazi to Youth Of Today. Also Nirvana, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Rage Against The Machine relentlessly cited the influence of Bad Brains for their work. Originally from DC, the all black hardcore outfit became known for incorporating both fast punk riffs as well as mellow reggae tunes in their shows and albums. The influence of the band continues: Diplo´s recent “Top Ranking” mixtape for Santogold was full of Bad Brains references, notably her cover version of Bad Brain´s “Right Brigade” as the hidden track of the CD. TV On The Radio probably also wouldnt exist without the pioneering and still breathtaking music of Bad Brains. After seeing a range of T-Shirts by Supreme fronting the Bad Brains logo, I recently dug out their seminal, 1982 “Rock For Light” album (produced by Ric Ocasek from The Cars) and it blew me away again. P.S. In their early days Bad Brains had an incredible dressing style too, check H.R. – with a red flower in his blazer´s buttonhole, as seen in this live video from 1979.
Tags: Bad Brains, Hardcore, Santogold
