Led by Los Angeles punk legend Rikk Agnew, the Adolescents lived up to their name, bawling out song after angst-ridden song about how much everything–mom, dad, the cops, and, most likely, you–totally sucked. Admittedly, that was nothing special for the scene that spawned them, but Agnews jaw-dropping array of guitar tricks vaulted the Adolescents near to the top of the heap. Equal parts Dick Dale, Johnny Thunders, and Chuck Berry, Agnew didnt flaunt virtuoso moves, but the riffs he laid down on classics like “I Hate Children,” “Wrecking Crew,” and “Section 8″ were instrumental in creating Americas first mosh pits. –David Sprague

5 Responses to “The Adolescents”

1. euroyankee says:

   June 18, 2008 at 12:00 am

   This album is one of the most crucial recordings in the punk rock genre. The Adolescents featuring guitar hero Rikk Agnew were the soundtrack behind the re-emerging skate scene in California. This CD is a must have for anyone with an interest in the OG roots of California Hardcore. I was fortunate enough to see this band in Reseda Ca and I was blown away. If you never experience this music you will never witness the full picture of punk rock.