“Albany Academy” has always been on of my favorite Born Against tracks.  I was surprised to hear that when Kill Rock Stars reissued “The Rebel Sound of Shit and Failure” a few years back, it did not include this song.  For those who were not hip to Born Against before these reissues, check this out!  Born Against existed from 1988-1993, and played hardcore punk rock that was in the spirit of early 80s hardcore (especially acts like Void and Articles of Faith), but musically took a step further.  Stylistically, they played dirty, angry, and at times chaotic hardcore, but it always remained catchy, and there was a sense of melody in a lot of their tunes.  This is one of their more melodic numbers.  One of the greatest aspects of this band are the vocals and lyrics of Sam McPheeters.  Very pissed and very intelligent.  This band influenced a whole lot of bands in the underground the come out in the early-mid 90s and up to current day.  I have been into this band for a long time, but I think I am more into them now than I ever have been.  Maybe it is the current climate of music, as well as the current climate of the world.  Born Against records are over 10 years old, but the sound and words are just as important today, if not more, than they ever were.

(Download - "Albany Academy")