Black Flag

Here, Black Flag continue the weirdness that started confusing their fans beginning with My War (released five months before Slip It In). Besides having the iconic title cut and "Black Coffee," Greg Ginn's totally unhinged guitar playing really took a leap on this record. He turns accepted rock and punk lead styles inside out, never playing the "right" note and creating total mayhem with his solos. The first appearance of Rollins' punk rock Jim Morrison emerges in the creepifying "Rat's Eyes" and he even takes on the role of psychic healer to the kids in "You're Not Evil." There are no bad songs.

"Slip It In" is by somebody who learned about sex from movies. "Black Coffee" carries this antidrug thing too far. "Wound Up" could be tighter. "Rat's Eyes" cries out in agony for Sabbath's chops. "Obliteration" is an ace accompanist's solo turn. "The Bars" isn't about prison--or saloons. "My Ghetto" is an outtake from the rant side of Damaged. "You're Not Evil" is right on. (Grade - C+)