Dag Nasty - Cay I Say

Can I Say stands as a landmark release in the evolution of melodic hardcore, marking the debut LP from Washington, DC legends Dag Nasty. Released in 1986, the album helped bridge the intensity of hardcore punk with a new sense of melody, emotion, and sincerity that would go on to influence countless bands in punk and post-hardcore.

Featuring the distinctive vocals of Dave Smalley, Can I Say delivers a powerful mix of urgency and introspection, pairing breakneck tempos with deeply personal lyrics. Songs like “Can I Say,” “Circles,” and “Under Your Influence” showcase the band’s ability to balance raw aggression with memorable hooks, setting Dag Nasty apart from many of their hardcore contemporaries.

This 12-inch LP edition was recut in November 2008 at Chicago Mastering Service and comes housed in a striking new green cover, offering improved sound quality while preserving the spirit of the original release. While the vinyl edition presents the album in its classic form, CD and digital versions expand the tracklist with six bonus cuts, including two songs from the original recording session and four previously unreleased live tracks.

Often cited as one of the most important hardcore albums of the 1980s, Can I Say remains a touchstone for fans of punk that values both intensity and heart. This reissued LP is essential for collectors and anyone looking to experience a foundational record that helped redefine what hardcore could be.