In this episode of Backwards Beats, Dan and Carl tackle Black Flag's ferocious 1981 debut, Damaged — an album that defines hardcore punk with raw energy, cathartic aggression, and DIY ethos. Coming in at #487 on Rolling Stone's list, Damaged is an iconic record that helped shape the sound and spirit of American punk. The guys also kick things off by recapping their weekend trip to the GroundUP Music Festival in Miami and all the incredible artists they encountered.
Key Points
- 🎶 Punk Iconography: Damaged is discussed as a landmark hardcore punk record with a gritty visual and sonic aesthetic — from its cover art to its aggressive sound and anti-establishment themes.
- 🎤 Band Origins & Lineup Shifts: Formed in 1976 as Panic, Black Flag underwent several member changes before Damaged, with early members like Keith Morris (later of Circle Jerks) and the arrival of Henry Rollins.
- 🧠 Greg Ginn & DIY Spirit: Founding guitarist Greg Ginn created SST Records to independently release Black Flag’s music, setting a precedent for punk labels and the underground music scene.
- 📚 Cultural Commentary: The band’s art and lyrics often critique societal norms, domestic life, and conformity — giving Damaged a raw, confrontational stance.
- 🥁 Musical Style: Fast, furious, and over in 35 minutes — the album exemplifies hardcore punk: stripped-down production, relentless tempo, and emotional outbursts.
- 🌀 Descent into Madness: From the rebellious intro "Rise Above," the arc of the album slowly becomes darker and more self-absorbed until the traumatic finale of "Damaged I"
- 🏝️ GroundUP Music Festival Recap: Carl and Dan share highlights from the Miami festival hosted by Snarky Puppy, including performances by Eric Gales, Bill Frisell, John Scofield, and more.
Music Referenced
Join us next week when we discuss album 486, Continuum by John Mayer
