A Nice Pair: Black Flag

It’s Sunday and it’s time for A Nice Pair: book and vinyl pairings that go together like the last week of school and the sweet feeling of freedom. Today we’re pairing the book My Damage: The Story of a Punk Rock Survivor by Keith Morris with the Black Flag album Damaged.

Keith Morris’s My Damage is a gritty, fast-paced reflection on his journey as one of punk’s early trailblazers, fronting bands like Black Flag, Circle Jerks, and OFF! Through vivid storytelling, he recounts the highs and lows of his chaotic life, from substance abuse and personal conflicts to the electric energy of the L.A. punk movement. It’s a brutally honest, unfiltered ride through the mosh pits and mayhem that shaped him.

Black Flag’s first full-length album, Damaged, dropped in late 1981 and helped define the sound and spirit of hardcore punk. With Henry Rollins stepping in as the frontman, the record bursts with raw energy and angst, tackling themes of rebellion, isolation, and disillusionment. Songs like Rise Above and TV Party mix venom and wit, creating anthems that were underappreciated at first but later cemented the album’s legacy as a punk milestone.