Youth Defense League - Skinheads 88

Review by Ngarama Njuguna

The album Skinheads 88 by Youth Defense League is a classic example of the New York hardcore punk scene of the late 1980s. The album is raw, aggressive, and politically charged, with lyrics that reflect the band's far-right ideology and anti-immigrant sentiments.

The album's opening track, "Blue Pride," sets the tone for the rest of the record, with its blistering guitars and pounding drums. The lyrics, which celebrate white pride and denounce multiculturalism, are controversial and have been criticized for promoting hate and intolerance.

Other standout tracks on the album include "Skinhead," "We Can't Be Beaten," and "Turncoat," all of which showcase the band's intense energy and uncompromising worldview. The album also features a cover of the classic punk song "Blitzkrieg Bop," which the band puts their own spin on.

Summary by Ngarama Njuguna

While Skinheads 88 is not for everyone, it remains an important part of the New York hardcore punk canon and a must-listen for fans of the genre. The album's unapologetic and confrontational style may be off-putting to some, but it is an essential piece of music history that should not be ignored.