The last Bad Brains LP, 2007's Build A Nation, was produced by superfan Adam Yauch. So while the band's founders are remarkably all present, mortality shadows this set, which summons the raging schizophrenia of their Eighties glory days. HR’s vocals remain piercingly weird – Gregory Isaac smooth one minute, the next like Geddy Lee in a centrifuge. Dr. Know still shreds with fusion-honed chops, and the band can still nail shotgun punk fury (see the 1:28 "Yes I"). But the midtempo grunge-metal and reggae jams, more sustainable channels for grown-ass anger, feel most like home. "Peace be unto thee," goes the chant on “MCA Dub,” a tribute to the late Beastie Boy. Back atcha, dudes.

“More Than a Feeling”

Boston mastermind Tom Scholz was as surprised by anyone when he sent his unsolicited demo to record labels and got back a positive response. Scholz said, “I couldn’t believe it. Nobody knew who we were, so I wouldn’t even say we were struggling. It was groveling.” Part of the credit for the interest must go to the anthemic rock number "More Than a Feeling." Inspired by the Left Banke's 1966 hit "Walk Away Renee," Scholz worked on the song for five years in his basement studio before it was released on this album.