10 Failed Albums That Became Cult Classics
6. Bad Brains - Bad Brains
From 1982, 'Bad Brains' is often hailed as being one of the key albums that brought the hardcore punk movement to life. Alongside titles such as 'Damaged' by Black Flag and 'Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables' by Dead Kennedys, 'Bad Brains' has gradually built a great legacy over the years. It wasn't always this way however, as Bad Brains' debut record struggled in many respects upon its 1982 release.
When the record was first released, it was only available on cassette format which immediately alienated it from the then huge vinyl collecting audience. It gained some interest in the UK however, after the Bad Brains song 'Pay to Cum' was featured on a vinyl compilation album by Jello Biafra's Alternative Tentacles. This compilation titled 'Let Them Eat Jellybeans!' included songs from other familiar punk rock names such as Dead Kennedys, D.O.A, Circle Jerks and Half Japanese.
In the current hardcore punk scene, 'Bad Brains' gets much more recognition. It is sometimes credited as being the first album to merge elements from hard rock and reggae, which evidently opened the door for ragga metal. Because of this, band such as Skindred and Fishbone can trace their lineage back to Bad Brains. Other musicians such as Foo Fighters' Dave Grohl and Beastie Boys' Dave Yauch have also praised the album heavily.