Description
Black Flag – Louie Louie – 3 Inch Compact Disc
Black Flag’s rendition of “Louie Louie”, released as a single in 1981, is a punk-infused take on the classic rock ‘n’ roll anthem originally written by Richard Berry in 1955 and famously popularized by The Kingsmen in 1963. True to Black Flag’s ethos, the band transforms the iconic song into a chaotic, raw, and rebellious declaration that aligns perfectly with their hardcore punk aesthetic.
The band’s version of “Louie Louie” is both a tribute and a deconstruction of the original. Featuring Dez Cadena on vocals, it channels the band’s unrelenting energy and their willingness to disrupt conventions. While retaining the familiar chord progression and melody of the original, Black Flag amplifies the tempo, injects gritty distortion, and delivers an aggressive vocal performance that shifts the song’s carefree vibe into a raucous anthem of youthful defiance. The raw production, characteristic of early Black Flag recordings, gives the track an unpolished edge that enhances its punk authenticity.
“Louie Louie” was released as a 7-inch single by SST Records, backed with the B-side “Damaged I”, which would later appear on their landmark album Damaged in 1981. The single became a cult favorite, further cementing Black Flag’s reputation for reinterpreting and subverting musical traditions. Unlike many covers of “Louie Louie,” which lean into the song’s celebratory and party-like feel, Black Flag’s take underscores the tension, aggression, and countercultural stance of early 1980s punk rock.
Black Flag’s version of “Louie Louie” stands out as a punk rock statement, representing the band’s ethos of rebellion and their commitment to reshaping music in their image. The song’s enduring simplicity and cultural ubiquity make it a fitting canvas for Black Flag’s transformative approach. This track is also significant for showcasing Dez Cadena’s vocal contributions before Henry Rollins became the band’s primary vocalist.
Critics and fans have often highlighted the single as a demonstration of Black Flag’s ability to inject punk intensity into rock standards, reimagining them without losing the raw energy that defined their style. The single remains a collectible item, sought after by fans of early punk and hardcore.
While the original 7-inch vinyl single is a rare find, Black Flag’s version of “Louie Louie” has been included in several compilations, such as The First Four Years (1983), which collects early singles and EPs from the Dez Cadena era.
If you appreciate punk renditions of classic songs or are a fan of Black Flag’s raw and uncompromising style, this cover is essential listening. It captures the anarchic spirit of early 1980s punk while paying homage to a rock ‘n’ roll classic in a uniquely subversive way.
Brand new, never played and still sealed in the factory plastic
SST Records
3′ Version
Track Listing
Louie Louie
Damaged I
