For the uninitiated to the quintessential hardcore band, this compilation, originally released in 1984, is essential. Not to be confused with the EP of the same name, the full-length collects the finest moments of Discharge with 17 tracks culled from the band's ample discography of mini albums and 7" singles from its peak period. The choice cuts "Warning," "Never Again," and "Hear Nothing, See Nothing, Say Nothing" may dispel some myths about the invention of the hardcore movement, as Bad Brains, Black Flag, Minor Threat, and even Metallica were all clearly influenced by this phenomenally noisy punk unit -- not to mention the entire grindcore scene of Carcass, Godflesh, and especially Napalm Death, all of which have their roots in the extreme noise terror of Discharge. Many of the singles are unavailable elsewhere, making this an excellent intro to one of punk rock's most ferocious groups. [The 2003 rerelease features four bonus tracks: the 12" versions of "The More I See" and "Ignorance", the original "Ignorance" and "No Compromise".]~ Skip Jansen