A few months ago, I posted a somewhat harsh critique of the first night of the Bad Brains stint at the ill-fated (and pratically forgotten now) CBGBs. The legendary Bad Brains are, with out a doubt, on the level of The Clash in terms of influence. The band revolutionized punk rock and their impact on alternative music is undoubtedly felt today. I know all about how unpredictable HR has been over the last ten plus years, but I felt the first night showed how the band may be dangerously close to approaching novelty. Maybe the band doesn’t give a fuck about this. Regardless, they have all the right in the World not to give a fuck.

Despite of or maybe in reaction to some of these feelings regarding the situation, bassist Darryl Jenifer took the time to send me an e-mail to address my concerns. Shocking, no doubt, but immediately the only thing I thought of was how I should get a few questions together and get the story for the source himself. A few months later, I was able to get a few questions e-mailed over to the man himself.

It’s now 2007 and the band is planning on releasing their first proper album (with HR involved atleast) in twelve years, Build A Nation. With American Hardcore telling the story of just how important this band is to punk, hardcore and the entire musical landscape, the time is right for the band to make some noise. Granted, they will never be the same youthful bunch of punks that everyone has seen in countless videos and documentaries, but their unpredictable nature has got to count for something. If there is one thing that can be said about these legends, they refuse to become idle and predictable.

How is everything coming along with Build A Nation?
The record has finally found a home and is due for a Spring ‘07 release on Megaforce Records. The writing and recording process went well.

[Read more →]

Tags: Bad Brains, Interview by Matthew
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It’s not often that you receive an e-mail from one of your musical heroes. Yesterday, we did. Here is Darryl Jennifer of the legendary Bad Brains, in his own words, responding to my post from the other day.

“I read your review of our first show at CBGB’s , please understand that we have struggled to stay progressive throughout our careers,.. progressive,inventive musicians,not entertainers, but Punk. and yes there is a fine line between a genius and a mad man,my old good friend enjoys walking that line. there is a certain spirit and “way” that is Punk Rock,remember we are a Punk Rock band, HR is 52yrs old, can you blame him creating such a bazaar character for himself , don’t be selfish, let the arts and artist live, why complain about seeing us for $40 ,..we bled for this music,the scene …the right to musical freedom and expression regardless of race,creed ……… literally - can’t we catch 1 pay day?

Did you think that HR was going to come on stage like it was 1982?

we apologize about the head set mic,the guy was only trying to do something different with his presence and stage show, don’t grudge us for not wanting to be a “juke box” we have a whole new album and we decided to play our old shit in respects to our fans. Tuesday and Wed. shows went well and HR abandoned his quest to be himself and “juked boxed” a little for the fans …..sorry you missed it. none of us will never know what to expect when the Brains are set to perform, such is the nature of the music and scene that it is born of - Now come on down to the LIONS DEN on Nov.2nd and catch BLAKVOVA. thanks for your comments. DJ “

I just want to say that I appreciate DJ reaching out and commenting on the blog. I look forward to (and you should to) an interview with him discussing everything I wrote, along with a recap of the three-night stand and the future of the Bad Brains.

Stay tuned as always.

Tags: Bad Brains by Matthew
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Lauren and I, along with Music Editor Kory Grow, posted our chat room discussion about Monday’s Bad Brains show on the CMJ blog.

<a href=”http://www.cmj.com/relay/?p=1116“>Check it out here

Tags: Bad Brains by Matthew
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Tonight was one of the most weird concert experiences I have ever had. One that, granted, I knew wasn’t going to spectacular but I did not expect to be nearly as disappointing and frustrating as it was.

The legendary Bad Brains, reunited, on stage, at CBs during it’s last week, and good god almighty, Avail opening! But the show was far from even mediocre. Mediocre would have been a complement. It was just flat out depressing and could drive self-respecting music fans to hit the bottle.

The night started off promising atleast after a rousing set from long-running Virginia punkers Avail. The band pile-drived through a energetic and inspiring set of crowd favorites, most favorable stuff off their opus “Over The James.” A lot of people have been asking me, “what ever happened to Avail?” Well, I think tonight proved that the band is far from down and out. They seemed absolutely thrilled to be gracing the stages at CBs one last time with their heroes. Without them, this night would have been a total wash.

After a painfully long wait, filled with dub and reggae blasting out of the PA, the legendary foursome walked on stage. I think everyone knows that HR is simply out of his mind. It’s a very well known fact that his antics prevented the band from ever become the mainstream heavyweights they deserved to be. I think Tim Barry from Avail summed it up best; these guys are right up there with The Clash in some regards.

Anyways, back to the point. Despite HR’s insane antics and near riot at the start of the set,the band was in tip-top shape, instrumentally speaking, HR, well, flat-out ruined a night filled with promise and hope. Ok..ok…”ruined” is a bad word in this occassion. I know that the man has changed dramatically since he originally belted out “Pay To Cum” all those many years ago, but come on! To barely be able to hear your vocals, because your barely singing and your mic is flat-out garbage is unacceptable. I don’t care what your mind is set to these these days HR. People paid $40-50 to maybe even more to see your band play. I think you owe them alittle more then just simply stumbling on stage completely drugged up out of your mind. I don’t accept the idea that pissing off people that worship your band as being “punk-rock.” It’s an utter insult.

Dr. Know, Daryl and Earl seemed to be into their set, but when you have your lead singer walking around stage in a bike helmet, your efforts are completely wasted. In a matter of minutes, these legends were being booed but a handful of attendees. To see complete adulation turn into scorn like that was something to see. People were just absolutely fed up with the antics. I know that not everyone there wanted to hear their reggae stuff but I think I was among the few who just wanted to see energy from the man who is the driving force behind the band.

It makes me sad because I wish I could have experienced that legendary stage show that made the band what they are. For christ sake, they were literally banned in their hometown and forced to move to NYC! Bands like this don’t exist anymore. My hope was to see a legendary band, at best, half-attempting to recreate their magic. What I got was a complete headache and an just another reason for why sometimes, it’s better to burn out then fade away. Or, atleast, just call yourself Soul Brains from now on and stop fucking around with people who anxiously are waiting to see you.

Tags: Bad Brains, show review by Matthew
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This clip is so good. It was a time when HR still made sense when he spoke and when the Bad Brains were the coolest black people of all time. Of course today me and Pharrell Williams hold that title.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TA6801RtcNI

Tags: Bad Brains, video by Matthew
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