Bad Brains: Build a Nation

[DJ Pioneer]

Did anyone pick up the new Bad Brains album today? Pretty cool that it got released the same day as the Mix-Up. It's produced by Adam Yauch, and it was recorded at Oscilloscope. I'm guessing they were the first non-Beastie band to record an album there (correct me if I'm wrong).

Anybody have a personal review or feedback on it? From what I've seen, reviewers looked at it favorably, saying MCA captured their core, original sound very well, and the Bad Brains have returned to their prime-form *(although H.R. supposedly lost some vocal range over the years).

[acamus]

I got it and lub it! I haven't been listening to hardcore for a while now, but this shit had me pumped this morning. There are some interesting new sounds, vocal effects and dub that make it fresh. (Don't tell anyone, but it pumped me up on the first listen in a way that TMU didn't.) I've been driving around doing errands and then realize I'm going 60 MPH in a school zone. Oops. It's so inspiring, I'm heading to punk gig tonight put on by some punks at the high school where I teach. I'm definately bringing the CD to the party.The vinyl gatefold is to die for. The art direction is by Nathaniel Hornblower and Bill McMullen. Can't wait to see the footage from Sasquatch. In other words it's the complete package. Buy it!

On the insider tip, I know a guy in town who's friends with Earl (they both live in the ATL) who said that Earl is disappointed wiht it. I don't know the details, but I'm hot for it.

[YoungRemy]

it is streaming at their myspace page, and the sound can only be described as
richly layered and textured, much like The Mix-Up... and you are correct, as it the first non-Beastie album produced at Oscilloscope...

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2007/06/25/entertainment/e082412D33.DTL

There should be a warning label on the Bad Brain's new album: "Caution: Contents are Volatile."
The first album in five years from this hugely respected punk/dub band is explosive.
Produced by the Beastie Boys' Adam Yauch using analog tape and equipment, "Build a Nation" delivers a potent mix of speed, wicked riffs, and HR's powerful vocals. It's a full-frontal assault. Your ears may start ringing just by holding this CD in your hands.
Guitarist Dr. Know and bassist Darryl Jenifer are in top form with their deft, bewilderingly fast riffs, and drummer Earl Hudson holds it together for the wild range of vocals erupting from his brother, HR.
That is, when the Brain's have their switch turned to rock. On the other hand, "Build a Nation" is also a mellow dub reggae album built on a rich brew of textured rhythms and sounds.
While past Brains' albums have been largely hardcore (such as 1986's seminal "I Against I" which has one of the heaviest rock intros ever recorded) or intoxicatingly dub (2002's "I And I Survived"), the 14 tracks on this collection swerve between the two genres, or weld the two into a wicked creation, such as on the opening track "Give Thanks and Praises."
Be warned: You may be coming off a mellow groove like "Jah Love," but if the track switches and you hear Hudson make a quick, sharp click with his sticks, you better either turn the volume down fast or be prepared to thrash your head.
CHECK THIS TRACK OUT: The album's dub cuts are each exquisite, but you'll be playing "Natty Dreadlocks 'pon the Mountain Top" over and over as you sing along with HR's vibalicious vocals.

[Justin]

You guys check out the inner sleeve???

ADDITIONAL PERCUSSION: Adam Yauch

(y)

Also,

Nathanial Hornblower getting credit for the Art Direction


Hornblower and Yauch team up to make a dynamic team!

[kleptomaniac]

You guys check out the inner sleeve???

ADDITIONAL PERCUSSION: Adam Yauch

(y)

Also,

Nathanial Hornblower getting credit for the Art Direction


Hornblower and Yauch team up to make a dynamic team!

sweeeeet :)

[balohna]

I couldn't find it anywhere. One indie store says they had the LP but it's sold out and won't have the CD until next week. HMV's website says they'll have it next week.

[Justin]

I couldn't find it anywhere. One indie store says they had the LP but it's sold out and won't have the CD until next week. HMV's website says they'll have it next week.


Yea I only saw one copy all day, thankfully I knew where to look!

[Rhys T]

Just picked it up tonight. Funny thing is though, they had that album but not The Mix Up. When I asked them about it, they didn't even have a release date for it. I would've thought that a new Bad Brains album would be much harder to come by than a new Beastie Boys album, not the other way round.

[DJ Pioneer]

I couldn't find it anywhere. One indie store says they had the LP but it's sold out and won't have the CD until next week. HMV's website says they'll have it next week.

I went to the local Circuit City and they had at least 4 copies of Build a Nation on CD. Same with the Mix-Up. I guess some stores got it, and some didn't? (n)

[cypressphil]

Yeah, I got it, it rocks. Some classic Bad Brains hardcore, best Brains album for many years, God of Love & Rise were weak, this is back to there best. I saw them in '89 on the Quickness tour & this reminds me of that gig - electric, energy, intense.

Got the new Bad Religion album too, also pretty good.(y)

[buddmonkey]

I picked it up at the same time as TMU... I loved it... I havent listened to Bad Brains since my old skateboarding days... It was just like I remembered.... Good shit......