7 seconds-Walk Together Rock Together LP

It's funny how this hardcore punk band spent years writing songs from a personal and positive stance only to be remembered for a goofy cover tune. For instance, 7 Seconds' "99 Red Balloons" (which was borrowed from Nena, a one-hit wonder in the U.S.) became a punk pop classic after it was culled from this 1985 album. That's not to say the other tracks here don't have their charm. The title track offers a catchy sing-along. The propulsive "Strength" makes its mark, ending with a pile of strange vocal effects. This rather brief album benefits from clean and powerful production by Ian MacKaye, an obvious early inspiration to 7 Seconds as a member of the pre-Fugazi band Minor Threat. --Larry Crane