Black Flag

If you didn't know, there were two Black Flags: one fronted by nasal-toned Keith Morris and the other by throaty Henry Rollins. This classic collection of unreleased songs from 1978-1981 is essential. "I Don't Care" could easily be the most important 58 seconds of punk rock history, and Rollins' take on the frat-rock classic "Louie Louie" sounds like he's gargling glass.

Stuck in legal limbo, they resort to historic alternate-take arcana featuring the three screamers who passed through the band before Henry Rollins took possession--except for side four, which is filled with radio ads for Flag gigs. These are still collector-only, I suppose. But as punk-era Firesign Theatre, worth going out and flattering a geek with a skateboard to hear. (Grade - B)