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After recording the most jaw-breaking album in the galaxy, the Bad Brains broke up and got into all sorts of trouble until H.R. ended up in jail (I'm not sure if it was for drugs or something else).
Fortunately, in '86 these strange punk-Rastafarians got back together, showcasing an astonishing musical maturity and an almost supernatural technique for punk rockers; in particular, the singer displays a particularly versatile and expressive voice, while the rhythm section ventures into gut-turning time changes and heart-pounding sudden accelerations.
Anyway, between you and me, WHO REALLY CARES ABOUT TECHNIQUE!
What matters is that the recipe of I Against I is culinarily delicious (yum!). Reggae and hardcore, which were previously two distinct entities, are assimilated into a form of brazenly creative melodic punk with a metallic aftertaste (or is it heavy metal influenced by punk?). Having forever abandoned the supersonic runaway blasts of Rock For Light, the Bad Brains seem almost to enjoy themselves (from jail) by surprising with rhythmic tricks and continuous scene changes. After all, we're talking about an album released in '86 for SST, at that time a true factory of masterpieces; the '83-'86 triennium (or quadriennium?) represented the peak of glory for Greg Ginn's record label, and the Bad Brains fit well into that stratospheric catalog.
Now, I could sit here and describe every single song, but that would be extremely boring, so I'll just mention the titles, is that okay?
"Secret 77", "She's Calling You", here are two fresh titles for you. If you want the others, buy the CD!
Buy it, because "I Against I," although it doesn't equal the splendor of the previous album, is an original, inventive, sharp album, played excellently and... hey, listen to this: did you know that my grandma (86 years old) loves this album?
I'm not kidding, she says that sometimes she gets tired of listening to Radio Maria and then cranks up the Bad Brains!
Buy it, and if you don't like it... give it to grandma.
Tracklist Lyrics Samples and Videos
04 Re-Ignition (04:16)
Re-ignition translation begin
Cosmopolitan reflection well thin.
When our action cause reaction what starts
a transmission of a love in one heart.
Re-ignition
Re-ignition
I came down to make you overstand
that this gross sphere is not Jah land.
Apart-outside, who can escape.
Our destiny confirmed in fate.
Re-igniton cancellation can't win
No celesty ever resting begin
When grace melts inside your hand and my heart
Is the glory that much closer or apart.
Re-ignition
Re-ignition
We hope to make you overstand
that this gross sphere is not Jah land,
apart-outside who can escape
our destiny confirmed in fate.
Always and forever near or far.
Safe in your bosom here we are.
Pain does not mean feel no joy.
Re-ignition for girl and for boy.
Re-ignition x4
We come to make you overstand
that this gross sphere is not Jah land.
Apart-outside who can escape
Millenium confirmed in fate.
09 Hired Gun (03:45)
BAD BRAINS
''I against I'' (1986)
HIRED GUN
Hired gun
Hired gun for sale
Hired gun, on the run
He won't fail
Requesting quick, they asked the people
Where's the hired gunman's trail?
He turned into a dark, cold corner
His is the face that is so pale
Hired gun
He's on the run
He has no fun, no
Please sit down, services rendered
Now we must decide the pay
Bargains to bribes, broken agreement
So much more had but to pray
Next a scam to execute, but a bit too cute
So if you're looking for adventure
Go check the hired gun for sale
Hired gun
He's on the run
Better watch out, boy
'Cause he don't know fun
Hired gun for sale
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