Bad Brains “Live at CBGB 1982” 2006/2014 reissue on limited edition yellow vinyl. MVD Audio/Zia Records. An OK quality recording from the December ’82 show at CBGBs. The reissue takes (and edits down from 19 to 14) tracks from the 2006 DVD/CD release. The performance is a mix of reggae and hardcore punk, mostly songs found on Black Dots, Bad Brains and Rock for Light. Of the reggae selections I particularly like their performance of “Unity Dub” which is hypnotic and a bit psychedelic with electronic effects. Immediately after “Unity,” Bad Brains launches into a cacophonous “Banned in DC” – the energy is amazing even if the sound takes a muddied dip on the recording. The other hardcore tracks: the fast and short (like less than 30 seconds) “Joshua’s Song,” “Destroy Babylon” (which is just slightly longer and arguably faster) and “Riot Squad” also suffer from subpar recording equipment unable to keep up with Dr. Know’s shredding, which sounds extra-tinny unfortunately on “Right Brigade.” The quality is much better on the more mellow songs like “I and I Rasta.” That said, it’s an epic performance and absolutely worth listening to – and viewing – the insanity of a Bad Brains show.

You can watch the entire show here: