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Judge
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What It Meant: The Complete Discography
Revelation Records
Release: 6/21/2005
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Rated:
Review by:
Morley Seaver
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From the end of the 80's to early 90's, Judge was the big bully
that held court in the playground. Nobody could walk on their
turf without getting the snot kicked out of them. Along with
Minor Threat, they were one of the first extreme straightedge
hardcore bands. Powered by the rage of singer and co-founder
Mike Judge, they channeled the anger and frustration of an
entire nation through several albums of unbridled venom. Their
shows were legendary for the amount of violence that was
unleashed in the pit, as they attracted more than
straightedgers, but also bikers, metal heads and skinheads.
Inevitably the clash led to some apocalyptic-sized
confrontations.
What It Meant: The Complete Discography is a
sort of best of, a snapshot of a time period when hardcore was
starting. It's kind of like a scar that reminds you of that fight
you got into at a show when you were a teen. There are 28
cuts and each one possesses an energy that seems barely
capable of staying within the realm of sound. You almost
expect a fist to come flying through the speakers at any
moment.
The lyrics are rife with their straightedge beliefs. The opener,
"Fed Up" tells all: "Smoking that butt, it makes you mature. A
slave to sex and you tell me you're pure. You slam that beer.
It makes you a man. I'll try to keep my cool but you better
understand. I'm fed up. Fed the f**k up."
The record also has some great full color shots and lyrics for
most of the cuts. Also included is a four page history of the
band by guitarist Porcell. According to him, Mike Judge once
told him that if it weren't for the band, he'd be at the bottom of
a bottle or a grave. It's certain many who were once kids feel
the same way. |
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