Top 10 Bad Brains Songs #2 - "I and I Survive"
@teamfreak16 (43421)
Denver, Colorado
April 11, 2016 7:53am CST
Eight down, two to go. I'm talking, of course, about my Top 10 Bad Brains Songs series, inspired by @JohnRoberts' Linda Ronstadt Top 10, and a series of series' by @FourWalls: Elton John, Merle Haggard (Top 20!) and Warren Zevon.
Bad Brains is a hardcore punk band from Washington D.C., the same scene that produced Minor Threat. The main difference is that the classic Bad Brains lineup (vocalist H.R., guitarist Dr. Know, bassist Darryl Jennifer, and drummer Earl Hudson, who is H.R.'s brother) are devout Rastafarian's, and extremely skilled at reggae as well.
Appearing on the band's second album, 1983's Rock for Light (produced by The Cars' Ric Ocasek,) "I and I Survive" is maybe Bad Brains' best reggae tune.
"I and I Survive" is pure roots reggae, and is one of my favorite reggae songs, right alongside Bob Marley's "3 O'clock Roadblock," Black Uhuru's "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner," and "Ku Klux Klan" by Steel Pulse.
Yeah, it's that good.
from the album Rock for light - 1983
4 people like this
4 responses
@TiarasOceanView (70035)
• United States
11 Apr 16
This reminds me of drinking Red Stripe in those old ska clubs lolz Had a great time.
1 person likes this
@teamfreak16 (43421)
• Denver, Colorado
11 Apr 16
Ah, Red Stripe. I always drink one at reggae shows, if it's available.
1 person likes this
@FourWalls (62096)
• United States
12 Apr 16
And about now most of the people who've been listening to all nine songs are going, "Are you sure this is the same band that did that one-minute crunching punk song you posted a couple of hours ago?" 
That's the mark of a good band, though, one that can do multiple sounds.
That's the mark of a good band, though, one that can do multiple sounds.1 person likes this
@teamfreak16 (43421)
• Denver, Colorado
12 Apr 16
I always like to play something Like "F.V.K." And then play this, and watch their reaction when they find out it's the same band. Priceless.
1 person likes this
@JohnRoberts (109857)
• Los Angeles, California
11 Apr 16
It's a good one. Amazing how back in the 80s and early 90s, how many bands played reggae and ska or reggae influenced and I don't hear that now.
1 person likes this
@teamfreak16 (43421)
• Denver, Colorado
11 Apr 16
I don't know if there's an influence, but he certainly did a good job.
1 person likes this
