Lemme tell you something about the Fugazi's. This is supposed to be their best record, so back in about 1991 I went to see 'em at my local college music venue which shall remain nameless, and has since been turned into an Arby's. Why do these guys have to be so serious? I know, I know you're from washington d.c, where Bill Clinton was born, but that don't mean you's so much smarter than the audience in said club/Arby's. On stage they was prattling on about how they didn't like how the crowd was so unruly. We's unruly because we don't have good jobs or much money from touring the country like you Fugazi's do. So as punishment to their fans, they stopped playin' after about 4 songs. It really didn't improve my attitude about their band or their music or washington dc.

Fugazi-13 Songs *****


When thinking of Fugazi a couple of things come to mind usually. If they are new to you, "Fu-WHAT?" But for those of know, Ian MacKaye of Minor Threat! But even more so people who know Fugazi usually think of one universal thing, this album. 13 Songs is phenomenal beyond words! A pile-driver of an album from one of the most honest groups of musicians ever assembled.

After MacKaye left Minor Threat and the hardcore genre behind for that matter due to the increasing violent stigma that had become attached with it, he formed Fugazi a hard rocking punk/post-hardcore/screamo (or whatever other genre you want to attach) band and began making what many consider to be the best music of his career. 13 Songs still remains the pinnacle of the bands cannon.

The songs are socially charged, and more importantly true! The feeling and emotion is pure. The musicianship is accomplished, and straight forward with no frills. Songs like the opener `Waiting Room' `Give Me The Cure' and `Bulldog Front' a reminiscent of early hardcore angst. Another former hardcore afficionado Henry Rollins was making music with Rollins Band at this time that sounded a lot like these tracks. Rollins has always been an idolizer of MacKaye and 13 Songs more then any other album show why....it is genius. Other songs like `Suggestions' so a new path and direction for the band musically.

The rest of the boys Brendan Canty, Guy Picciotto, and Joe Lally provide one of the strongest outfits in all of rock history. Fugazi is a band that believes in the fans, it is their policy that all their shows be at an admittance of seven dollars or less, and all their albums be sold at a price of $12.99. They are really a band for the people, and 13 Songs is a testament to that. This has easily been the hardest and more then likely the worst review I have ever written that is because you can't say anything about this album or the band for that matter because it sells itself and speaks for itself as well. Essential.

Fugazi doesn't beat around the bush. Fugazi means every word and every distorted fedback beautiful soul rooted note. 13 Songs is a legendary work of art. Every American should be pleased to know that there is at least one thing of value that comes out of Washington D.C. - Fugazi.

The thing that strikes me about this album is how many bands seem to have derived from it since. Now I notice the Fugazi in Rage against the machine. I hear Fugazi in Helmet. Every single song is a wake up call if you are willing to listen. This is what rock music was meant to sound like, sans the sex and the drugs.

This is what punk rock was meant to be....I can't think of a better punk rock band than this. Idealism is still alive, and Fugazi makes it okay to be an idealist in times when ideals are just euphemisms for agendas....where common sense and brotherhood have lost their way indefinitely.

recording of thE spiritual-equality movement.Hard rock that could be labeled punk I think: Not hardcore or (Wonderful spiritual lyrics..)emo really: A sort of reggae influenced at times punk. "And The Same" off of "Margin Walker" (the one cd on this compilation with "FugazI"..) is a call (Stay alive..Stay balanced anD fair: "Caring"..) to stay awake in this wOrld..Irish and polished sounding displays of equal showcasing of musicianship iS continued in their "Repeater" disc by the way..