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Rating: THE REVIEW
Here is the review of another album that everyone knows but is missing on DeBaser. 13 Songs collects the first two EPs of the historic band: "Fugazi" and "Margin Walker", both from 1988. I will review them separately.FUGAZI (tracks 1-7)
Wowowowow WOW!!! I can't resist giving six out of five stars just by listening to the first seconds of the first track! An extremely catchy bass riff, then the drums and "stopped" guitar come in, everything comes to a sudden halt, silence for a few moments and then it starts again, Mackaye's voice comes in and the track continues to amaze, amaze, amaze and amaze! Well, after such a spectacle the rest will be a bit of a letdown, right? No, no, the surprises continue incessantly in songs that never end as they begin, constantly bewildering with every change of tempo, every turn, always breaking every mold. The melody is led by the bass and drums that create the space for the surgical interventions of the guitars and the vocalizations of Picciotto and Mackaye. In particular, I literally go crazy for "Suggestion" which starts with palm-muted strings, grows slowly and, amidst unpredictable rhythms, sudden stops and other fugacious artifices, turns into a kind of blues with an almost reggae bass which bursts into a wild chorus, before transforming into something else and then again!!! A few more exclamation points are mandatory!!!!!!!!
MARGIN WALKER (tracks 8-13)
Let's keep it brief, "Margin Walker" is definitely inferior to the first EP but the songs, even if not all memorable, are blasted to stellar levels by the performance (and by performance I mean not just the voice, but all the instruments). Fugazi have a way of "managing" the sound material that makes any material interesting, I bet they could even transform "Songs About Jane" into a stratospheric masterpiece ahead of its time. Nevertheless, remarkable tracks are not lacking: "Provisional" (which however is outshined by the magnificent version on Repeater) and the stunningly dark "Promises" which sums up all the "Fugazzian" art, music in continuous metamorphosis.
For the record: Fugazi, despite using the usual 3 instruments (guitar-drums-bass), managed to produce innovative rock influencing thousands of bands in the '90s (unfortunately including all the useless emocore), causing the independent scene in Washington to flourish and prosper and amazingly continue to grow with each album by moving further and further away from the canons of punk and hardcore, while pursuing a policy of total independence from the "major" record industry.
Final rating: 6/5 to the first EP and 4/5 (to be really, really mean) to "Margin Walker", average FIVE OUT OF FIVE.
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Summary by Bot
This review praises Fugazi's 13 Songs as a historic and innovative compilation of their first two EPs. The first EP, Fugazi, is highly celebrated for its catchy riffs, unpredictable rhythms, and captivating performances. While Margin Walker is deemed slightly inferior, it still contains strong tracks and excellent musicianship. Overall, the album is lauded for its influence on the indie and punk scenes, reflecting the band's unique approach and DIY ethic.Tracklist Lyrics Videos
Fugazi
Fugazi are an American band from Washington, D.C., formed in 1987, widely regarded as a landmark post-hardcore group noted for DIY principles and independence from major labels. The core lineup is Ian MacKaye, Guy Picciotto, Joe Lally, and Brendan Canty.19 Reviews
Other reviews
By freakanthony
"'Waiting Room' is a signature song, stunning in its catchiness and pounding rhythm, introducing the band’s trademark sound."
"'Promises are shit' and 'Promises Promises Promises words' sum up the rage, culture, and power of this American band."
