Bad Brains “I Against I” 1986. SST Records. Released just about 36 years ago (Nov. 21st, ’86), the third record from the pioneering hardcore 80’s punks is one of my favorite punk records of all-time and definitely one of my most listened to of 1987. This past week we caught Bad Brains’ singer H.R. perform at Shank Hall in Milwaukee and while he didn’t play any Bad Brains songs – it was all super-chill reggae – it was amazing to finally see the legend in-person. He looks great and sounded even better.

H.R. at Shank Hall

I Against I was Bad Brains most successful LP and is included in many underground/alternative “best-of” lists, including Alternative Press and Blender. I know this record backwards and forwards and back again so picking out top tracks is next to impossible. From the shredding, thunderous “Intro” to the funky “Secret 77” to the closer “Return to Heaven” that has H.R. growling, rapping and yelping, it’s just incredible. I guess if I have to choose, tops would include the burning title track “I Against I” (its video directed by American Hardcore‘s Paul Rachman), the slinky-punked and funked “Re-Ignition” and “She’s Calling You,” the hardcore-meets-metal-guitar “Let Me Help,” and “Sacred Love” which H.R. recorded over the phone from prison where he was serving time for selling pot. I’ve just listed pretty close to every track. It’s that good.