Minor Threat

Minor Threat were one of the bands invovled with the DC hardcore scene in the 80's. They're probably best known for starting the straight edge doctrine of don't smoke, drink, or fuck with the song "Straight Edge." As a result, the "cool" kids who sit outside at lunch smoking pot and listening to crap like the Casualties will say, if asked about Minor Threat, something to the extent of "Fuck those puritians! Oi oi oi! Sex and drugs and rock 'n' roll party!" Kids these days don't realize that vocalist Ian MacKaye had no interest in starting some sort of psychotic subculture when he wrote that song, and are missing out on the fast, loud, throttling music of the band we like to call Minor Threat. So put down that beer before I smash your teeth out with my X-marked fist, boyo.

Complete Discography (1988) 9 Thumbs Up

Despite having a great career, Minor Threat only put out about 50 minutes of music, so why waste your time hoarding all their EPs when MacKaye's label Dischord has so helpfully packaged it all into one crazy complete discography? Minor Threat may have had simple melodies, but they played them so fast that you want to pump your fist up and down then run out and burn down the state! Revolution! What were we talking about again? Oh yeah, Minor Threat. There are 26 songs on this record, and no low points. That's pretty impressive. Their best tracks are when they have 2 guitarists - it's far more interesting to listen to, and fits the pogo-speed atmosphere they want to create perfectly.

The best songs are "Out of Step," (both versions) "Minor Threat," "Guilty Of Being White," the infamous "Straight Edge," and the hilarious "Cashing In," which is about how they're just doing it to make money and all of their political talk is a facade. Minor Threat was great because they could have fun, instead of screaming their opinions over and over or just beating you up like the giant hoodie-wearing straight edge kids today. The only drawback is really, really poor production, but I suppose Minor Threat wouldn't have it any other way.

Back to Reviews Back Home