Live '84

In sticking with the controversy theme of sorts, we shift gears into some Live Punk. This time courtesy of Punk icons Black Flag. The band of course was at the forefront of the American Punk movement in the mid 70's and continues to remain a cult and iconic band today. Most Live Punk shows were circulated as bootlegs back in the day, as the tape trade scene was still a relevant way to hear new music. You know before the Internet killed it. In any case official Live releases tend to be a bit few and far between. With that being said, this release, 'Live '84' was initially only released on Cassette. The sound is a bit weak as it was remixed and released on CD in '98 by Guitarist Greg Ginn.

'Live '84' embodies the raw energy that Punk was. Loud, fast and downright angry at times. The album was recorded sometime in '84 at The Stone in San Francisco. The venue may sound familiar as that's where many of the Bay Area Thrash bands got their start playing Live. The album captures the rotating lineup that was Black Flag. The only constants at the time were Guitarist Ginn and vocalist Henry Rollins. Both Bassist Kira Roessler and Drummer Bill Stevenson had only been in the band for about a year at this point. The record isn't a typical short Punk record. In fact it opens up with the monster eight minute track "The Process Of Weeding Out". In fact there's only a handful of tracks that clock in at under three minutes. In fact instead of focusing on the bands earlier material which was praised by many, the album focuses on material from the albums, 'My War' and 'Slip It In'. It captures the band both at what could be described as their height and their fall. The band continued on for roughly another couple years before falling apart. The band has in recent years reunited with various members. There's of course been no shortage of mud slinging and lineup changes. So much so that Greg Ginn is now the only original member in the band.

The band of course spawned numerous members who went on to play and form different acts. Most notably Greg Ginn formed Gone and did some work with former Minutemen Bassist Mike Watt. Early vocalist Keith Morris went on to play in rival Punk band The Circle Jerks and is currently fronting a new Punk band, OFF!. Rollins of course is the most famous to come out of Black Flag. Releasing solo albums, as well as material with the Rollins Band. In addition to that he's a author, a spoken word master and occasionally pops up on TV, most recently on the History Channel. Rollins of course is one of those people I find in music that has a huge love/hate relationship among the masses. For all that's been done and said about the man, he did front one of the most iconic Punk bands ever. And no one can ever take that away.

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