Black Flag “Damaged” (1981)<i> SST</i>

An extremely ferocious work, “Damaged” was one of the most influential rock albums of its time. Today it is not unusual to hear various thrash and grunge musicians (such as Nirvana’s Kurt Cobain) speak of this band and this album in glowing, reverent tones.

“Damaged” practically defined the raging hard-core punk movement of the early ‘80s. Very few bands ever channeled so much raw energy into music so frighteningly moving and real. Henry Rollins’ guttural howl brings gripping drama to such tracks as “Depression” and “Thirsty and Miserable.” But it is guitarist Greg Ginn who deserves the MVP award. Not only did he expertly mix frenetic leads with corrosive riffs, but his songwriting (he wrote or co-wrote all but two of the 15 tracks) is unforgettable for its hook-laden sense of disenchantment. It is little wonder that “Damaged” appealed to thousands of disaffected teen-agers, as well as to rockers who simply plugged into the album’s intense grooves. Despite its generally nihilistic tone, you don’t have to look too hard to find hope and humor here. The anthem-like “Rise Above” speaks eloquently of overcoming societal prejudice, and “TV Party” is a hilarious look at the mind-numbing effects of the tube. The CD version of “Damaged” includes the band’s fine 1980 EP, “Jealous Again,” featuring Chavo Pederast on vocals. A true bargain.