Youth of Today was a band that had deep roots not only in the NYHC scenes but the Straight Edge scene back in the early and late 80s. The band did in this time put out 4 total full length albums with “Can’t Close My Eyes” being the first full length release back in 1985.
“Can’t Close My Eyes” has always been the album I think of when I think of not only Straight Edge but that New York hardcore sound you always hear people talking about. Thankfully this album is still re-released every few years and can be found in many record shops that carry old school albums.
Band members from Youth of Today have moved on to other projects through out the years with Gorilla Biscuit and Limp Bizkit being two of the better known groups.
Line-up:
Ray Cappo – Vocals
John Porcelly – Guitar
Graham Philliups – Bass
Darren Pesce – Drums
Can’t Close My Eyes 7″
Positive Force Records 1985
The first version of this album was reelased in 1985 on Positve Force Records.
1.Expectations
2.Crucial Time
3.I Have Faith
4.Youth Of Today
5.Positive Outlook
6.Can’t Close My Eyes
7.We Just Might
8.Youth Crew
Can’t Close My Eyes 12″
Schism / Caroline Records 1988
1.Expectations
2.Crucial Time
3.I Have Faith
4.Youth Of Today
5.Positive Outlook
6.Take A Stand
7.Can’t Close My Eyes
8.We Just Might
9.Youth Crew
Can’t Close My Eyes LP/CD
Revelation Records 1997
This LP/CD is the most common re-release of this album. It has many more songs added and is the re-release most often found (new or used)
1.Expectations
2.Crucial Time
3.I Have Faith
4.Youth Of Today
5.Take A Stand
6.Positive Outlook
7.Can’t Close My Eyes
8.We Just Might
9.Youth Crew
10.Take A Stand
11.Stabbed In The Back
12.We Just Might
13.Wake Up And Live
14.Standing Hard
The band with the original crew did get back together in 2004 for a European tour with all original members. This was a short tour and did not follow up with a new album.
“Can’t Close My Eyes” is a must have album in any Straight Edge collection or in the collection of anyone who is a fan of Mid 80′s New york hard core.
