December 10, 1998
Although the cover shows Henry Rollins thrusting a bloody fist into his own reflection, the anger on this album isn't wholly directed inward as it would be on his further work. Instead, this landmark hardcore album is bursting with rage at the outside world. This really IS the birth of hardcore - it seems impossible that Damaged was released way back in '81 - and it set the tone for all pretenders to follow. Impossibly fast, loud, raunchy and primal, what sets Damaged apart is the sense of purpose, focused power of the music and witty songwriting.
Rollins' hoarse shouting adds grit and verve to Greg Ginn's shrieking bandsaw guitar leads, making songs like "Spray Paint" sound genuinely dangerous. "Rise Above" became a fist-thrusting punk anthem for a reason - this is the soundtrack for a disaffected youth, but there is no apathy in sight, only reasoned rejection and justified fury at the police brutality, rampant consumerism and bland culture that surrounded these guitar-wielding warriors.
Best of all, underneath the seething chaos of the music is a predatory intelligence and caustic sense of humor. Much of this album is funny, and the songs that lampoon the frat-boy, couch-bound, beer-swilling American culture are absolutely hilarious. "Gimme Gimme Gimme" mocks materialism, and "Thirsty and Miserable" targets alcoholics-in-training, as does "Six Pack" which features the immortal line: "My girlfriend asks me which one I like better/I hope the answer won't upset her." But the best is the satirical "TV Party", which claims "We've got nothing better to do than watch TV and have a couple of brews/Don't talk about anything else, we don't want to know/We're dedicated to our favorite shows!"
This is rock solid, jagged rock and roll that reminds you if you're not pissed off, you're not paying attention. Delivered at furious speed, the echoes of this wake up call are still ringing nearly 20 years later.
- Jared O'Connor
bursting with rage