Minor Threat - Out of Step 12”

The only official album Minor Threat ever released was a mere eight songs -- but that was enough. Building on the promise and fire of the band's earlier singles, Out of Step instantly became iconic for American hardcore, not to mention for the D.C. scene, for years to come, as well as any number of bands who conflated personal and social politics. That any number of restrained turn-of-the-century emo acts could refer to songs on Out of Step as much as fiery punk's-not-dead revivalists is demonstration enough of the record's impact. By this point the band had moved beyond the straightforward explosions of sound that characterized the earliest numbers. Songs like "Betray" and "Little Friend" contain sudden, heart-stopping pauses, with full-bodied production that's as much thrash metal as it is trebly punk squeal. Lyle Preslar and Brian Baker both have at the guitar this time through and do the instrument proud, creating memorable, snarling riffs that rip out of the speakers without apolo