0 From the Crates #4: Rollins Band - Come In and Burn (1997)

Rollins Band – Come in and Burn
(1997 Dreamworks)

It's sad, but Henry Rollins has been marginalized. Most people know him as a super-intelligent spoken word artist, if at all, or as "the dude from Black Flag."

[Lengthy aside regarding Black Flag: I have my suspicions that most of the kids running around in Black Flag t-shirts even own a Black Flag album. I’ve got many a puzzled look after asking folks in Black Flag shirts what their favorite album is. Black Flag, along with the Misfits and the Dead Kennedys, have been degraded into logos that kids can fly to signify their resentment of authority (which sucks, as all those bands are amazingly important) whether or not they can be bothered to download a torrent of "TV Party" in between Halo games. Black Flag made so many great albums in unparalleled bursts of ferocity (namely five releases from 1984-1985, some seriously far out shit there) which helped cement the DIY legacy and went down in history as one of the most insane live bands ever to jam. Anyone who speaks ill of Black Flag has no fucking clue what they are talking about. I recommend administering a swift blow to the testicles if you run into one of these people.]

In reality, Henry Rollins has gone on from his seminal work in Black Flag to write a dozen books, act, host several television shows (most notably IFC’s The Henry Rollins show – worth checking out), do extensive USO and charity work, and – most importantly – release a shit load of kick ass Rollins Band albums.

If anyone has heard anything by Rollins band it is likely “Liar”, which was an MTV buzz clip (remember those?) back in the day. “Liar” was a cool song, but it is not quintessential Rollins Band. To hear the true atomic rock massacre that is Rollins Band we turn to 1997’s ‘Come in and Burn’. This album features the ‘classic’ Rollins Band lineup in top form and completely unwilling to relent or compromise. Rollins is an unstoppable front man and his band plays the fuck out of their instruments. ‘Come in and Burn’ is a clinic on what a solid rock album should sound like.

Rollins’ publishing company, 2.13.61, re-released this album in 2005. This version is way cooler, as are all the 2.13.61 re-releases. It is spread over two discs with plenty of unreleased ass kickery and is available for legit download from all the usual joints. If you need convincing, check out “On My Way to the Cage”, “Inhale Exhale” and one of my all-time favorite Rollins Band songs, “Shame”. I would advise you have some heavy objects nearby to throw around, because you will be stoked. With any luck, the self-described “rock and roll ninja” that is the legendary Henry Rollins will continue to kick the asses of all who are worthy until, well, forever. In the meantime, listen to this – then go start a band and try to come close.