Consumer Guide Album

Black Flag: Jealous Again [SST EP, 1980]
Black Flag are committed to rage, not in itself--I don't believe their "I've got something personal against you" even though I know it's true--but as a musical principle. Five songs, seven minutes, as arty as no wave, with a comparable relationship to punk precedents, which for L.A. are basic Brit. The sound is extreme and unique, all forced rhythm and guitar blur with no ingratiating distractions--no humor, irony, hooks, or (God knows) melody. Well, maybe irony. B