Search - Black Flag :: Wasted Again

A Good Starting Point For Those Interested...

Chris Edwards | East Texas | 08/23/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

""Wasted...Again" is quite a good starting point for those interested in West Coast hardcore legends Black Flag. Unlike the lengthier early compilation "Everything Went Black," which consists of material recorded before the arrival of Henry Rollins, this record, a posthumous release, provides a good cross-section of the band playing with all four of its vocalists: Keith Morris, Ron "Chavo" Reyes, Dez Cadena, and Rollins. Though, it is mostly Morris and Rollins show, who are featured on four and five cuts, respectively.
Although the copy that I have is not sequenced in chronological order (the only gripe I have with it) a complete listening in Shuffle mode reveals the complete evolution of the band--from nihilistic hardcore ditties that clock in at under a minute ("Wasted") to lengthy metallic meanderings ("Loose Nut," "Slip It In.")
Although this is primarily a sampler for beginners, this "Greatest Hits" compilation includes one indispensible item for completists--the ultra-rare Flag version of "Louie Louie," belted out by Dez Cadena. This collection is pretty good listening for drunken, rowdy singalongs, as well."