Straight Edge (song)
| "Straight Edge" | |
|---|---|
| Song by Minor Threat | |
| from the EP Minor Threat | |
| Released | June 1981 |
| Genre | Hardcore punk |
| Length | 0:46 |
| Label | Dischord |
| Songwriter(s) | Ian MacKaye |
| Producer(s) | Ian MacKaye, Minor Threat |
"Straight Edge" is a track from
Cultural impact
The song provides a succinct summary of
The anti-inebriation movement had been developing in punk prior to this song,[2] but the song was a major influence in giving the scene a name and, in frontman Ian MacKaye, something of a (somewhat unwilling) figurehead.[3] The song is also notable as being, at 46 seconds long, unusually short, especially considering its cultural impact. The track's themes were later followed up, and further detailed by the later Minor Threat songs "Out of Step (With the World)" and "In My Eyes".
Critical reception
Along with being cited regularly as an important moment in founding the straight edge punk scene, the track has continued to receive critical plaudits, with
Personnel
- Ian MacKaye – vocals
- Lyle Preslar – guitar
- Brian Baker – bass guitar
- Jeff Nelson – drums
NOFX cover version
Punk band NOFX covered the song on their 1992 album White Trash, Two Heebs and a Bean. The song is played with a jazz melody, and sung in the style of Louis Armstrong.
References
- ISBN 978-1-4027-5960-4.
- ISBN 0-8135-3851-3.
- ISBN 0-316-78753-1.
- ^ "Minor Threat First Demo Tape review". Pichfork Media.
- ^ "Minor Threat Straight Edge". AllMusic.
