zahnarztin's Full Review: Complete Discography by Minor Threat
I was shopping for CD's the other day, looking for music that I liked, but that was also "apropriate" for me to listen to at work. The walls of the building where I work must be lead lined, because I only get one radio station, and it sucks.
So, I started with the A's and proceeded alphabetically through the "Pop/Rock" section of Border's. I was still empty handed when I reached the M's, so I decided to finally buy Minor Threat's Complete Discography. This CD definitely does NOT meet the criteria of what I set out to buy, unless you work in a T-shirt store. Which is what made me buy this CD in the first place. I was in a T-shirt store, and they were listening to "Minor Threat" the song, by Minor Threat, the band. Memories of my teen years came flooding back as I looked around me, but no one in the store appeared to be over 20. "Why are they listening to my music?" I asked a friend. I was glad to see that Minor Threat still had a following.
Hearing Minor Threat again reminded me of what I loved about punk and hardcore to begin with. No apologies for lack of talent, just pure raw energy. (Which isn't to say Minor Threat isn't talented, but some punk bands...) While today's bands may be playing the same chord progressions as 70's and 80's punk, that energy is exactly what is missing. I left with a huge smile on my face and a desire to buy a turn table. It is hard to find Minor Threat on the radio these days, and while I have vinyl of theirs, I don't have a turntable. So, I haven't listened to Minor Threat in a long time.
What a pleasure it was to hear really hard, fast music played with the edge found only on original punk/hardcore bands. The first chord of " Filler" , the first song on the CD, nearly made me jump out of my chair. This was immediately followed by the screaming of Ian, the lead singer, (who went on to sing with Fugazi after Minor Threat.)
This CD contains every song released by the band, 26 in all. The songs all have the same energy and rough around the edges sound. "Filler" is a hard tune, and a great one to start off with. "Straight Edge", a song about living life without drugs and alcohol, is a classic example of "speed punk", and one of the best. The song is only 45 seconds long, but remains of the band's most popular and enduring songs. It is also a good example of Ian speaking and screaming. When he speaks, you just have to listen. He usually has something very funny to say.
The song "Minor Threat" is very melodic for them. It is about being young, and growing old. When I was looking at the pictures inside the CD, I was amazed at how YOUNG the band was. I don't remember them being that young, probably because I was the same age at the time.
"Stand Up" and "Out of Step" are fast, rocking tunes that are perfect for the mosh pit. "In My Eyes" is a good example of the bass playing that is so recognizable as Minor Threat.
I actually would give this 4 1/2 stars if that were an option, but I'll explain why I gave it four, not 5 stars. 26 songs is a lot of songs. Which isn't to say the CD is long. It is only 47.35 long. While every song on the CD is great and deserves to be included, I would prefer to take my favorite 10 songs and include them in a mix of other, similar bands. Maybe it's just me, but I think 26 straight songs by Minor Threat could be a little too much. In fact, while writing this opinion, I listened to the entire CD. I enjoyed it, but was tempted to skip a song or two here or there. This is just my opinion, and I hope you won't hold it against me.
I won't write about every song on the CD, because there are 26, after all. But I have to mention the last two, because I think they are the two best, but also because they stand out from the rest of the songs on the CD. "Good Guys (don't wear white)" and "Salad Days" are played by a much more talented and grown up Minor Threat. These are later songs in the band's discography, and it shows. Everything that made them great is still there, plus more. I can't define exactly what, but musically these songs are tighter, and the lyrics are great.
So, for fans of Straight Edge, hardcore or punk, this CD is a must have . Bands like Minor Threat shaped the music we hear on the radio today, believe it or not. If "Good Guys" were re-mixed and released today, I am sure it would go to the top of the alternative charts.
Enjoy!
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