First Two 7"s

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Total Tracks: 12   Total Length: 15:37

eMusic Review

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Mark Jenkins

eMusic Contributor

04.22.11
Minor Threat, First Two 7″s
Label: Dischord Records

Influenced by super-speedy, ultra-tight neighbors Bad Brains, a pair of former Teen Idles and two new recruits founded this quartet, which transformed hardcore in D.C. and around the world. Moving on from the usual teen-punk complaints, singer-lyricist Ian MacKaye inspired — and enraged — listeners by launching a critique of his own scene's hedonism. (MacKaye said that "Straight Edge" was a song, not a movement, but almost 25 years later it still draws new recruits.) Along with the band's galvanic ensuing album Out of Step, this genre-defining compilation traces the band's quick (of course) evolution from rough-hewn but incredibly focused to (a little) slower and disillusioned.

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right on

jackwolfe

why this record is the best hardcore record: 1. hooks 2. no solos 3. fantastic production 4. vocalist is neither a whiner nor a gorilla 5. the intro to in my eyes no rock and roll fan should be without this record

user avatar

BEST HARDCORE PUNK - EVER

MarkyBGoode

Minor Threat's First 2 records are examples of Punk Rock at it's best. The music is tight and precise and often played at breakneck speed but could never be confused for Heavy Metal, etc. Ian MacKaye's vocals help the band convey the angst and disillusionment of the group and its number of growing fans. The length of the songs average about one minute. If the tunes were any longer they might cause a listener's blood vessel to burst or even cause a mass to riot! Check it out.

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Who cares?

chordophone

Can't somebody write a review for this that isn't strictly sentimentality? This music is boring and shallow, just like the lyrics.

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Definitive Hardcore

PeteyP

These tracks were the first birth cries of straight edge hardcore in the 1980s. I just love listening to this. It is so pure, so clean and focused, right from the opening lines, cutting through the dross and jabbing straight to the heart of the matter (it's in your head - Filler - you call it religion, you're full of shit)

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Wow

debntim1

This is still my all time fav punk album!

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Do yourself a favor...

artyom666

and just download the whole album. Right now. Excellent album for lovers of 80s hardcore. I have never been straight edge (by ANY stretch of the imagination). But the power of the music added to Ian McKaye's explosive and zealous lyrical delivery makes this album a bomb in the midst of exploding! Do it!

user avatar

this record changed my life

Skydog7

15 minutes of harDCore fury. 20+ years later, Minor Threat's powerful music and intelligent, thoughtful lyrics continue to inspire me.

user avatar

Just great!

wooden25

To the reviewers trying to make some kind of political comment, just shut up! This record was and is great. If you want to talk politics go to a political website. Emusic is about the love of music.

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Duct tape required

popepaul

for Ian. From young punk to big mouth commie-lefty-hippie. Gun in mouth now.

user avatar

This will take you back!

wilehouse

Just as good today as it was back then. If this doesn't raise your heart rate you'd better check to see if you still have one.

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