After an impressive but, somewhat tinny sounding debut, the second Bad Brains album came as a real blast of sonic fresh air. Producer Ric Ocasek is largely responsible, but the increased tightness and focus are also a function of maturation. This band was a weird bundle of contradictions from day on..
The beyond legendary, totally immortal, Washington D.C. via NYC Rastafarian hardcore and reggae group Bad Brains released their self/titled debut album in January of 1982 on ROIR and performed some of their very first West Coast gigs later that year. The Old Waldorf, at that point owned by Bill Grah..
With his polished delivery and smooth, almost soothing voice, Iceberg Slim could have been one of any number of beatnik poets, delivering elaborate monologues over smooth background music on 1976's Reflections. The difference is Iceberg Slim (neé Robert Beck) was a pimp, and his stories are scathing..