Search - Bad Brains :: I Against I

Redefining themselves and whatever they do

Campbell Roark | from under the floorboards and through the woods.. | 06/03/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Ok, it's not the early, tempestuous Bad Brains of the ROIR release. It's not the steamlined genuis of Rock for Light. It's still powerful, frenetic, blazing, gutsy music the likes and equal of which you will never hear... This CD still doesn't sound dated, nigh 20 years after its release. Name any band currently enjoying the vogue of empty-vee and pop success and place their best album up against this gem. There is no comparison. Stop lyin! Not only did Bad Brains define the HC movement, launching a thousand bands- they then went on to pioneer and set the platinum standard for post-punk/metal/funk/reaggae/soul fusion. You're looking at it right now. Dr. Know's ability on guitar should make every other would-be shredder hang his head in shame. HR is perhaps the only vocalist in his genre who can get away with hand wringing, lyrical archaisms such as "Him that oppress reproach his maker, he that honor him have mercy on the poor." Try to imgaine the lead singer from SUCKubus singing that line, intoning such an overtly biblical syntax and pulling it off like'd as if he was Moses. Or any other frontman for that matter. The band is unassailable. No one can come close to matching the propulsive fury, sensual elegance, blinding energy, ecstatic passion and frenetic pulse of this band. This CD is alive. ALIIIIIIIIIIIIIVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

The Best Album Ever, Regardless of Style. A+. Thank You.

Music Expert | East Coast, USA | 10/29/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I know some might miss the breakneck speed they were known for on their earlier albums. I know that some might think they have too many musical influences to considered "pure" punk. Get over it. This is a masterpiece regardless of genre. It is one of my favorite albums of all times because it is one of the greatest albums of all time. Dr. Know's guitar sound is the most crunchy, distorted, howling sound emanating from an amp I've ever heard. The drum sound is cracking perfect. The album is perfect. You will skip zero tracks. If you've never heard this album, you are extremely unfortunate. It should be issued to everyone with a CD player -- just packaged inside the player's carton when you purchase it. It would save time, and educate the masses.I remember being in a record store in 1986, and someone saying they were going to play, for the first time, the new Bad Brains record. I was floored. I already had accepted the fact that they were the best at what they did, even though I had to sit through the occasional reggae song. It was worth it, there is no question about it. But when I heard the first chord of "Intro" I knew I was going to be in for quite a ride. I was, totally blown away, and that is a major understatement.This album manages to be everything the Bad Brains musically stood for. I know, personally, they were quite a handful, and not respected by many for their misogynistic, homophobic opinions. They overcome this by producing an album that I still listen to today. Produced by Ron St. Germain, it sounds as good as it is written and played."

A Music Addiction

orionsky | Barstow, CA | 05/28/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album is indeed one of the best albums I have ever heard. I could easily put this album on my top 5 albums of all time. The hardcore Bad Brains were great however I always felt they never showcased all of their talent with their earlier work. This album has it all. This album is the true masterpeice of Bad Brains. Unlike Quickness this album doesn't get slightly boring towards the end. It stays very tastefull all the way through. It showcases the true talent of the band. HR shows off his true singing vouice a lot more. You can tell the Doc put a lot of time into this on his guitar work, it's absolutly amazing and very inspiring. Earl and Darryl make the greatest back bone of all time. Highlight tracks include She's Calling You, Sacred Love, I Against I, Secret 77, Let Me Help, and Return To Heaven. Truly all of the songs on this c.d. are great the only one somewhat lacking something is Hired Gun. If your looking for great melody and amazing musicianship get this album. This is by far an album will influence you in everyway and an album you can listen to over and over. I would recommend getting I Against I first, then Rock For Light and finding which side of Bad Brains you like better. If you love them both like I do get The Youth Are Getting Restless it has everything on it. Also if your into band history and are interested in finding how the orginal of Bad Brains get Black Dots. Black Dots was my first Brains c.d. and I was hooked on it. Bottom line, get this, own this, love this, praise it, well have fun with it!"