Black FlagThe First Four Years

Sixteen tracks spanning 1978-1981 that document Black Flag before Henry Rollins, cycling through three vocalists -- Keith Morris, Ron Reyes, Dez Cadena -- and inventing SoCal hardcore in real time. 'Nervous Breakdown' is ninety seconds of barely controlled fury. 'Six Pack' is suburban nihilism with unexpectedly sophisticated rhythm. Greg Ginn's buzzsaw guitar ties it all together. Three vocalists, four EPs, and the entire blueprint for American hardcore.