"Prime Cuts" is a compilation album by the American crossover thrash band, Suicidal Tendencies. The album was released on June 8, 1997, through Epic records and includes songs from their first six studio albums. It presents a breadth of their work from their hardcore punk roots to their more thrash metal-inspired tunes.
Formed in Venice, California, in 1980, Suicidal Tendencies have been influential in the thrash metal and punk worlds. The band's first album focused on punk, but over time, their music evolved to thrash metal.
The "Prime Cuts" album, therefore, covers their musical transformation over that period. The iconic tracks include the punk hit "Institutionalized" from their self-titled 1983 debut and the likes of "Send Me Your Money" which showcases their Flea of Red Hot Chili Peppers-laced funk-inflected era.
"Prime Cuts" demonstrates the band's ability to mix aggressive guitars and thrashing beats with meaningful lyrics and a healthy amount of funk. The band's talented and versatile musicianship is on full display on this album. The line-up for the band has changed over the years, but the founding member Mike Muir has been a constant and integral part of the band.
This album is a testament to the band's varied, iconic, and influential contribution to the skate punk, funk metal, and thrash-metal sounds of the 80s and 90s.
