(cass) roir. / 15 tracks / 1982

(LP, CD) dutch east wax. dei 2001-1 / 15 tracks / 1990

D (LP, CD): we bite. 056 / 1990

RI (LP, CD): roir. ruslp 8223 / 1997

#1 - Original cassette on ROIR. #2 - First vinyl pressing on Dutch East, available on black and limited gold vinyl. DEI test pressings with generic Rainbo test press labels, no sleeve. #3 - German license pressing with a new cover. I think both Dutch East and We Bite versions were available on CD, too. #4 - Limited re-reissue on ROIR with versions on gold, red, blue, clear and white vinyl; unlimited pressing on black.

The legendary ROIR cassette was the first Bad Brains recording that was widely distributed (ROIR sold about 150.000 copies of the cassette version in the 80s, an insane amount for a tape-only release). Back then they were marketed as “the world’s fastest Hardcore band” which is probably true - but not the whole story, because they’re also extremely tight, rhythmically interesting, soulful and melodic. There are the obligatory reggae songs, too, but they rather serve to give the listener a welcome break from all the HC frenzy. Essential hardcore, and a true classic. [9]

Die längst fällige Vinyl-Veröffentlichung der legendären ROIR-Sessions, die bisher nur als Tape erhältlich waren. Damals (1982) wurde die Band noch als schnellster HC-Act der Welt gehandelt, und sie machen hier diesem Label alle Ehre; schneller, knalliger Hardcore mit tollen Hooks/Melodien und viel Feeling; ein paar Reggaenummern lockern die Sache auf. Essentiell.

Tracks: sailin’ on / don’t need it / attitude / the regulator / banned in dc / jah calling / supertouch - shitfit / leaving babylon // fearless vampire killers / i / big take over / pay to cum / right brigade / i luv i jah / intro