Bad Brains - "Black Dots" LP

UNOFFICIAL. This Back Dots set represents the earliest Bad Brains music. It was recorded soon after their 1979 formation in the home of producer Don Zientara and remained unreleased until belatedly seeing the light of day in 1996. The record has been difficult to find on vinyl after quickly going out of print. It’s a breathless, often exhilarating, always intense ride with the 16 cuts barely breaking a half hour. All but one is under three minutes with a handful under two. And even if the reggae influences that informed the Brains’ sound at their height aren’t apparent, this shows how tight and together they were early on.