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Minor Threat
United States - Washington, DC

OUT OF STEP 12" EP 01. Betray 02. It Follows 03. Think Again 04. Look Back and Laugh 05. Sob Story 06. No Reason 07. Little Friend 08. Out of Step LYRICS Label: Dischord Records Cat #: Dischord 10 Format: 12" EP Released: 1983

Reviews: Woah, hey, what can I say 'cept this baby is so choice that it makes me feel like young Michael Jackson! No, seriously this one's so hot it's practically melted into my turntable. Lots of new (to me) tunes, a more explanatory version of "Out of Step", plus a surprise song that shows MT's lighter side. If you only buy one record this year, get this one 'cos you might learn something - better yet it might make you think on your own. -Bess (from Paranoia #6, Spring 1983) This is surely the best record ever to come out of the DC area. The production and the quality of this record is amazing, perfectly capturing the energy of their live shows. The eight new songs on this record are all longer than most of Minor Threat's earlier songs, as well as being more interesting. The first two songs, "Betray" and "It Follows", are fast, energetic, and melodic. "Think Again" is a pop punk type song very reminiscent of early Clash. "Look Back and Laugh" is a great song with lots of great build ups and transitions. "No Reason" is a forceful thrash song with a hard, spastic bass and drum intro. Other songs like "Sob Story", "Little Friend", the redone "Out of Step", and the added extra "Rock Star" theme are all consistently powerful and melodic. Jeff Nelson's constant thumping and upbeat drumming, and new member Steve's bass playing keep the rhythm while the two guitarists (Lyle Preslar and Brian Baker) fill the musical picture with sharp, chopping chords and searing melodies. Ian MacKaye's vocals are hard hitting and angry, standing out from, but always flowing rhythmically with, the music. The lyrics on the whole are not as great as the music, but are all sincere and intelligent, and much less opinionated than their earlier lyrics. "It Follows" is a great observation of how there are stupid people in any faction of society. All the lyrics appear to be simply personal at first glance, but most are more complex than they seem. With nine songs, this 12" EP is practically an album and is a great deal for the low price of $3.50 (mailorder). -Colin Sears (from If This Goes On #3, June 1983) Exploding turbulence thrusts forth eight new Minor Threat proficient arrangements. Increase the velocity of their first two powerful releases, step Brian up to 2nd guitar, add new bassist Steve, and still more potent lyrical blitzes, and this 12"'s non-hesitant progression outbursts into the blazing best Dischord yet. Don't miss. -Pushead (from Maximum Rock'n'Roll #5, March/April 1983) Another great record--what more can you say? Eight new songs, and a new version of "Out of Step" with an Ian soliloquy explaining the concept. Minor Threat are "progressing"; the songs are longer, the interplay between the guitars combined with the bass is more intricate yet this is still basically just a great hardcore punk record. There may be hundreds of hardcore bands around but only a handful have the talent, imagination, and excitement of these guys. -Steve Kiviat (from Thrillseeker #2, 1983) Minor Threat have become more complex and powerful on this outing. Fuck all the the "cashing in" accusations, how do you expect a band to stay the same forever? Every bit as vital as anything else they've done. -Frasier Sims (from Oops! #6, 1983) Another incredible disc from this Wash, DC group. After listening to In My Eyes I was sure any future vinyl would not be as exciting. I was wrong, i was floored! Out of Step is even better! The music is more complex, yet Minor Threat have lost none of the manic thrash that they are synonymous with. Eight songs that will knock your socks off! In some ways it is easier for me to write nasty reviews than complimentary ones. Raving about a band makes me feel like I'm working for Teen Beat. However, these guys... what's the catchphrase? Oh yeah! Skank and Grind! This record shreds, grinds, thrashes, rips, useanyfuckingcatchphraseyouwant. i like this EP so much that I'm gonna go see Minor Threat tomorrow night. I was gonna wash my hair. Ian sez: "We'll steal your money, we'll steal your show." That's OK by me, I had them pegged all along. -uncredited (from Pages of Rage #3.5, 1983)