In this episode, we dive into Can I Say, the 1986 debut album from Dag Nasty - a record that helped define melodic hardcore and mark a turning point in Washington, D.C.’s punk history. Formed in 1985 by guitarist Brian Baker after the breakup of Minor Threat, Dag Nasty united veterans of the D.C. scene including Colin Sears, Roger Marbury, and vocalist Dave Smalley. Together, they bridged the aggression of hardcore with melody and introspection, creating a sound that would influence punk and emo for decades to come.

Our guests are Broke Royals, aka Philip's own band! Together, we explore how Can I Say balanced speed and precision with emotional depth, how it was recorded at Inner Ear Studios with Ian MacKaye producing and Don Zientara engineering, and why this album continues to resonate nearly forty years later.

We also look at Dag Nasty’s role within the second wave of Dischord Records bands, their connection to the evolving D.C. scene of the mid-1980s, and how Can I Say laid the groundwork for future generations of melodic punk and post-hardcore.

Go Further:

• Dischord Records – Can I Say

• AllMusic – Dag Nasty

• "Dance of Days" by Mark Andersen and Mark Jenkins - Akashic Books

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Social Media: @dcrockpod

Email: [email protected]

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Philip Basnight – Broke Royals

Alex Vidales – Pilot Waves

Podcast Artwork by Rebecca Basnight