Digging Our Own Crates: Black Flag – Damaged
Black Flag was the definitive band of the early 80s — they were the suburban American response to Punk. For a few years, they were the greatest band on the planet. Their ferocious music, tireless work ethic and independent attitude changed the course of music history. They certainly changed me. I saw Flag play over 20 times and own every one of their records, from singles and albums to interview discs, demos and bootlegs. Every band I have seen since pales in comparison. Their historical minutiae gets well documented in my American Hardcore book and film (with director Paul Rachman). – Steven Blush
Previous Dust & Grooves interviewee Steven Blush noted Black Flag as “the suburban American response to Punk,” and with the band’s debut album, Damaged, it is easy to pick up on. Released in 1981, the album was the first effort to feature fan-turned-lead-singer Henry Rollins, whose vocals elevate the band to an unflinching rawness. One of the most well known songs on the album, “T.V. Party,” is an upbeat, chantable satire of American television obsession, but the rest of the album’s lyrics sprawl from notes on depression, self-destruction, and an abusive society. Somehow, MCA executive at the time Al Bergamo found the record “anti-parent,” a sentiment that only enhances the ferocity of the band.
Ultimately, the album is unafraid, with chaotic instrumentation and the occasional spoken word by Rollins. The muddy sound of the music mimics live shows, and all for the better, as it truly immerses the listener into one of the foundations of good punk: a killer performance. It’s no wonder Steven Blush owns all of their records.
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