Lungs (EP)

Lungs
EP by Big Black
Released	1982
Recorded	1981
Genre	Noise punk, post-hardcore
Length	20:47
Label	Ruthless, Touch and Go
Big Black chronology
Lungs (1982) Bulldozer (1983)

Professional ratings
Review scores
Source	Rating
Allmusic	[1]
Rolling Stone	[2]

Lungs is the first EP by American post-hardcore band Big Black. It was released in December 1982 on Ruthless Records, and was reissued in 1992 on Touch and Go Records. A 19-year-old Steve Albini played nearly every instrument on Lungs, with "sax bleats" by Albini's college friend John Bohnen and drums being handled by "Roland," a drum machine that was credited as a member of the band. The EP was used to recruit the other members of Big Black. Lungs was recorded on a TEAC 3340 loaned to Albini in exchange for a case of beer. Albini has since described the record as the worst he has ever made.

The original EP came with an array of objects, including loaded squirt guns, bloody pieces of paper (one of Albini's friends suffered from a nosebleed), dollar bills, condoms, concert tickets, Bruce Lee trading cards, pictures of old people and firecrackers. Things like fishhooks and razorblades were discounted, fearing lawsuits.

Track listing

1. "Steelworker" – 4:15
2. "Live in a Hole" – 3:01
3. "Dead Billy" – 3:28
4. "I Can Be Killed" – 4:28
5. "Crack" – 3:55
6. "RIP" - 2:21

References

1. Kellman, Andy. "allmusic ((( Lungs > Review )))". Allmusic. Retrieved March 17, 2010.
2. Brackett, Nathan. "Big Black". The New Rolling Stone Album Guide. November 2004. pg. 69, cited March 17, 2010