Information: Released in 1981 and is the album that coined the term "Hardcore" which went on to define a whole genre. The album was released on
Friends Records, and re-released by
Sudden Death records in 2003 with some live songs. Hardcore 81 is the 2nd D.O.A full length. They released the classic Disco Sucks E.P in 1978 on
Sudden Death Records.
The lineup on Hardcore 81 is the classic lineup of:
Joey ***head- Guitar, Vocals
Randy Rampage- Bass
Chuck Biscuits- Drums
The lineup on the album is what is considered the "Classic" lineup. Chuck Biscuits was a 17 year old brat who was amazing at drums. This is the last album with Chuck and Randy Rampage on it, until Randy joined the band again for their album Win the Battle. Chuck Biscuits went on to drum for Black Flag, Social Distortion, and Danzig. Duff McKagan considers Randy Rampage to be a huge influence. He has said that he tried to copy his style, and was a big fan of D.O.A.
The band came formed in 1978 and came out of Vancouver, Canada. They recently released the album "Live Free or Die" which proved that they still know how to rock.
The Review:
Side 1:
Tracklist:
1. D.O.A.
2. Unknown
3. Slumlord
4. Musical Interlude
5. I Don't Give a ***
6. M.C.T.F.D.
7. Communication Breakdown
Side 1 starts off strong with the song
D.O.A. This sets the tone for the rest of the album. Hard hitting drums, great guitar, strong rythm bass. Joey has great vocals on this song, and shows his lyrical strength. The next song
Unknown is one of my favorites on the album. I like the lyrics a lot. Joey talks about the media in this song, and the instruments are great.
Slumlord is also a very good song, catchy song with a neat guitar riff. The first three songs are classic D.O.A.
Musical Interlude is like a joke song, very humorous and short at 21 seconds.
I Don't Give a *** is one of my favorite D.O.A songs. It's great because they are telling the truth, and saying what they think. I'm not sure who does vocals on it. I don't think it is Joey, but it's a great song.
M.C.T.F.D is next. It's catchy, and once again has great use of instruments. People that stereotype punk bands for not playing their instruments good should listen to D.O.A, or Fear. Anyway, the next song
Communication Breakdown is more of a joke. It is a Led Zeppelin cover, and Joey uses a low/distorted voice during the verse and they go into the chorus singing like the original. Great cover.
Side 1: 5/5
Side 2
1. 001 Losers' Club
2. ***ed Up Baby
3. The Kenny Blister Song
4. Smash the State
5. My Old Man's a Bum
6. Bloodsucker Baby
7. Waiting for You
Side 2 starts with
001 Losers Club. Just listen to the drums. Some say Chuck Biscuits drum rolls are compared to Kieth Moon's. I see why. Great song. The lyrics are strong, and same goes for the instruments. The next song
***ed Up Baby has been released on several albums with different names. It has been called ***ed Up Ronnie, and on the most recent D.O.A album it was called ***ed Up Bush. It's a great song fast song that blazes by.
The Kenny Blister song is another joke song talking about someone who ran away.
Smash The State starts off with bass and drums. It's a political song, and it's very good.
My Old Man's a Bum is a short song, not too much to it but still great of course.
Bloodsuck Baby is a song with a repeated riff over and over with no lyrics except at the start. Nothing exceptional. To end this classic album is
Waiting For You. It's fast and shows what D.O.A is all about.
Side 2: 4/5
Pros:
Great Musicianship
Every song is excellent (Minus the 2 joke songs)
One of the best Canadian punk albums ever
Political Stance in songs
Cons:
Too short (20 minutes)
The two joke songs
Conclusion
Overall, this album is a classic punk and hardcore album. It is my favorite D.O.A album and possibly my favorite album ever. This is for fans of Punk, Hardcore and even people starting to get into punk. Great starting point.
Please comment, and if anyone notices errors point them out. Thanks.
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Keep on Rocking
