Black Vinyl LP

One of the most important hardcore punk albums ever released, Damaged is a physical and intensely visceral document of California hardcore punk from the early ’80s. Black Flag had a few EPs under their belt, but had nearly as many aborted attempts at an album. They tried recording with different members on vocals, but nothing really stuck until recent D.C. expat Henry Rollins joined the band. His presence made all the difference — his barely contained ferocity was the missing piece the band needed. Greg Ginn’s songwriting was on point as well. He dealt with the usual punk conceits of alienation, boredom, and disenfranchisement, but did so with a decidedly tongue-in-cheek manner. Overall, the album is a juggernaut of punk energy and innovation that would go on to spawn tons of imitators.

Released: 10/17/90