Greg Ginn, leader of hardcore punk band Black Flag, is 68 today. Aside from being a largely influential guitarist, bassist, vocalist, and songwriter, Ginn also helped established the alternative rock scene of the 1980s through the forming of his independent record label SST Records.

Founded in 1978, SST initially focused on punk bands of Southern California, but soon shifted from the hardcore punk that then dominated the American underground scene to the more diverse styles of alternative rock that were emerging. Bands on the label who sought to expand outside of the hardcore genre include Sonic Youth, Meat Puppets, and Minnesota’s own Hüsker Dü. SST helped to spearhead the nationwide network of underground bands that formed the pre-Nirvana indie-rock scene.

Let’s honor the history and influence of SST records founder Greg Ginn on his birthday. For today’s 9:30 Coffee Break, what songs do you want to hear that were released from artists on SST records?

Respond with your song ideas in the comments below.

Have an idea for a Coffee Break topic? Submit your idea for a future theme and browse past Coffee Breaks in our archive.

Songs Played:

Black Flag – Rise Above
Descendents – Suburban Home
Minutemen – This Ain’t No Picnic
fIREHOSE – For the Singer of R.E.M.
Grant Hart – 2541
Hüsker Dü – Something I Learned Today
Meat Puppets – Plateau
Sonic Youth - Bubblegum
Soundgarden – Flower
Bad Brains – I against I (Bonus Track!)