Beat Happening's self-titled 1985 debut had such a drastic affect and influence on the independent music scene it's difficult to imaging its far-reaching scope. Built on the punk ideals of D.I.Y. and political awareness, Beat Happening virtually invented the indie aesthetic seen everywhere today, bringing with it a philosophy and alternate-economy (with the founding of K records). Still as polarizing now as when it was released, you'll either love or hate this album, viewing Beat Happening as a bunch of talent-less amateurs who can't play their instruments or a group or musical radicals/performance artists. Standing defiantly in the face of musical professionalism, excess, and mastery, if you don't know this album you simply don't know your indie history.