Today we’re taking a look at Fugazi and I’m giving my top songs from their Studio albums.
Fugazi are an American punk rock band formed in Washington D.C. in 1987. The lineup of the band has remained consistent since mid 1988. Guitarist and vocalist Ian MacKaye. Guitarist and vocalist Guy Picciotto, bassist & occasional vocalist Joe Lally and Brendan Canty on drums.
The band went on an indefinite hiatus in 2003 & although there have been no public performances and any new releases have been of previously unreleased material, the band still occasionally get together & play in private.
Some of the bands who cite Fugazi as an influence include At the Drive-In, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Deftones, NOFX, Bad Religion, Blink-182, the Offspring, Rage Against the Machine, Silverchair & Pearl Jam.
Fugazi Albums
Jump list
Repeater (1990)
Rating: 
(4.3 / 5)
Key songs: Styrofoam, Merchandise, Sieve-Fisted Find, Turnover
Prior to this albums release the band had recorded a couple of EPs in 1988 & 1989 & released them together as an album titled “13 Songs”. 13 Songs contains some of the bands best known songs & has sold over 3 million copies Worldwide. A number of people seemed to be under the impression 13 Songs was their 1st album & while it may appear so it isn’t.
As for the songs on Repeater. There’s a number of classics here, one being Merchandise which has been covered by several bands, one excellent cover is by the punk band Face to Face. Styrofoam was covered by the punk band Stereotyperider. The theme of the songs cover topics such as privacy, drug abuse, greed & violence. There is a couple of song length instrumental tracks that on any other bands album would feel like filler but not here, they just sound like songs with no words.
The song “Turnover” is a great song which really shines when played live but the version on here doesn’t quite deliver that same punch.
Steady Diet of Nothing (1991)
Rating: 
(3.3 / 5)
Key songs: Exit Only, Nice New Outfit
The album sees the band take a step back from the catchy anthem style songs of previous releases. Self-produced by the band at a time when they had little experience at mixing, the end result is rather flat sounding & is something lead singer Ian MacKaye describes as a “democratic mix”.
Out of Fugazi’s 6 albums, this is the one I reach for least often.
In on the Kill Taker (1993)
Rating: 
(4.2 / 5)
Key songs: Public Witness Program, Rend It, Great Cop, Walken’s Syndrome
There’s more aggression on display on this album reminiscent of their early work. At the same time, the band continues to push forward & explore new directions. The theme of the songs cover topics such as society, relationships, celebrities private lives, history & gun crime delivered in their loudest & most aggressive package yet.
Red Medicine (1995)
Rating: 
(4 / 5)
Key songs: Target, Bed for the Scraping
End Hits (1998)
Rating: 
(3.8 / 5)
Key songs: Place Position, Five Corporations, Caustic Acrostic, Guilford Fall
Around half of this album is straight up rocking out while the other half is of a more slower tempo. A couple of the songs “Recap Modotti” & “No Surprise” leave you scratching your head wondering if this is still Fugazi you’re listening to while “Pink Frosty” just leaves you thinking why is this even on here? That being said there is a level of depth to this & the drumming is some of the most interesting yet. Watch out for those random cowbell hits!
The Argument (2001)
Rating: (4 / 5)
Key songs: Full Disclosure, Epic Problem
Fugazi are listed as being on hiatus, while there’s a chance they could do something together in future it’s looking less and less likely with each passing year. Each year you can bet somebody will fire up the rumour mill that Fugazi might reform. Although saying that, The band Jawbreaker reappeared after a 21-year break so never say never!
If you’re looking for more info on Fugazi, this is their Page on the Dischord Records site. There is also a Facebook. If you want to read more about the history of the band look here Wikipedia Article.
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