Black Flag “Nervous Breakdown” b/w “Fix Me” “I’ve Had It” and “Wasted.” 1978. SST Records. The trajectory of Black Flag’s debut 7″ EP pretty much sums up the week I expect to have (work = insane).

This is pre-Rollins Black Flag, with Keith Morris on vocals: all sneer and sounding like what Allmusic describes as being “a graduate from the Johnny Rotten school of diction.” Side A’s “Nervous Breakdown” is a punk classic and the longest track on the EP, taking up a whopping 2:55 to fill one side of vinyl! Side B’s tracks are little nuggets of hardcore gems; “Wasted” has always been one of my favorites and I’m really hoping “I’ve Had It” does not become the week’s theme song for me or for you.

I can’t go to work
The boss is a jerk
I ain’t got time for this school
The fuckers are fools
I’m going to…explode
I’ve had it!

I lie around with the tv on
I don’t do nothin’, I just hang around
Waitin’ for your call
But I don’t know where to fall
I’m going to…explode
I’ve had it!

It’s no use
I can’t take no more abuse
I’m tired of the fuckin’ lines
I’m losing my mind
I’m going to…explode
I’ve had it!

Killin’ all your dreams
Really who remembers?
I play guitar for my car
And I won’t get very far
I’m going to…explode