20 Punk Rock Albums You Must Hear Before You Die
13. Out Of Step - Minor Threat
Along with the Bad Brains, Minor Threat was one of the key bands that defined the Washington D.C. punk rock scene in the 1980s. Not only that, but the band, lead singer Ian MacKaye in particularly, gave birth (albeit unintentionally) to one of the most prominent punk rock subcultures: straight edge.
The band said no to alcohol, tobacco, and recreational drugs, and said yes to loud, raw, emotional music. And while their E.P.'s and compilation albums fall under the must-listen category on their own right, you'd be remiss to miss out on their sole studio album, Out of Step.
The tracks on this album boldly proclaim the band's straight edge values, most notably in the title track, as well as passionate songs about personal relationships, like Look Back and Laugh and Betray. The sheer anger and energy in MacKaye's voice is in the same league as that of Black Flag's Henry Rollins and, as a whole, this record is pure, raw power.