Gang of Four went disco, Mission of Burma went deaf--and the Clash? Well, the Clash just went, but Fugazi have managed to escape the pitfalls that befell their predecessors. In fact, the Washington D.C. band formed by Mino... more »r Threat's Ian MacKaye and Insurrection's Guy Piccotto may well have become the world's most reliable source of no-sellout noise-pop. 13 Songs brings together the two 1989 EPs that first introduced the group's unique hybrid of hardcore, funk, and art-rock. And while Fugazi's music has since grown in sophistication, fan favorites such as "Waiting Room" and "Margin Walker" are early indicators that something decent can come out of our nation's capital. --Bill Forman« less
Gang of Four went disco, Mission of Burma went deaf--and the Clash? Well, the Clash just went, but Fugazi have managed to escape the pitfalls that befell their predecessors. In fact, the Washington D.C. band formed by Minor Threat's Ian MacKaye and Insurrection's Guy Piccotto may well have become the world's most reliable source of no-sellout noise-pop. 13 Songs brings together the two 1989 EPs that first introduced the group's unique hybrid of hardcore, funk, and art-rock. And while Fugazi's music has since grown in sophistication, fan favorites such as "Waiting Room" and "Margin Walker" are early indicators that something decent can come out of our nation's capital. --Bill Forman
"This is it. Right here. First time I heard this album, I went, "Unh..." Second time I heard it, I realized that I'd been heaping my expectations upon it, and when I let Fugazi tell me who they are, I discovered one of the best cds I'll ever own. If you like guitars, it doesn't get any better than this.This is hardcore punk, but it's more than that. Influenced by reggae, Fugazi crafted an entirely new style that was imitated by EVERY guitar band in the 90s. Literally. But you can't beat the original, and this is it. Fugazi is the culmination of two incredible guitarists/vocalists/songwriters who made some amazing hardcore with their original bands in Minor Threat and Rites of Spring, but their powers had fully come into their own by the time they formed Fugazi, and the result is amazing.Fugazi did EVERYTHING right; the right chords, the right vocals, the right melodies. They leave space when they're supposed to and let go when they have to. This band has a sense of DYNAMICS that not ONE band since them has. I'm not talking about cheap "Loud-soft" or "start-stop" dynamics. This band had much more than just two modes.Their debut is amazing. The two singers are distinct yet complimentary, especially when they're singing together. Ian is just as amazing of a back-up vocalist to Guy as he is a frontman in his own right, and that's why this band is the best ever: the chemistry.Stop reading and BUY THIS ALBUM NOW. It WILL change your life. If you're ready for it."
What alternative really means
the_ninja | 02/12/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The term "alternative" should be used to describe music like this. Rather than being used on anything with distorted guitars, it should describe music that is actually alternative and different from what other people are doing. Well, that is EXACTLY what Fugazi is. 13 Songs is a strange, fascinating ride you won't regret taking. If you are a fan of Minor Threat, you'll probably be checking this CD out because Ian McKaye is Fugazi's frontman. That's how I heard about Fugazi anyways. But don't buy this thinking it'll harcore punk in the Minor Threat vein - it's not. It's something totally different. While there is without a doubt a punk sound to it, it's not really a punk album. Fugazi is really hard to describe: just buy it. It's good. The lyrics can be a little strange. Many say they are insightful but unfortunately I think some of them are saying that because they have no idea what they mean. The lyrics of Fugazi don't make their points as blatantly as Minor Threat did (compare a song like "Out of Step" to "Provisional"). The music is catchy and quite funky on a lot of songs, but with punk bite to spare.To close, buy 13 Songs. It's one of the better CDs of real alternative you can buy. The highlights include "Waiting Room", "Suggestion", "Margin Walker", "And the Same", "Burning Too", and "Promises." Don't miss out on Fugazi."
Life changing
Amber58 | 01/10/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The first Fugazi ep changed punk/hardcore music forever and it changed me. I was a messed up punk kid in high school when I first heard them, and the song "Suggestion" probably saved my life. I've seen Fugazi several times in the past eleven years and I have all of their records but the first two eps are definately my favorite. They touch my soul. I know that's pretty cheesy, but it's true."
Perfect place to start for anyone wanting to know Fugazi
Gogol | England | 08/11/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is an exellent album, kind of like punk going in full circle. You can hear a lot of the music that must have influenced the Fugazi band members in their youth. Waiting room, promises and bad mouth for example brings to mind a lot of early UB40, Clash and even some early 80s Ska (Specials, Selecter) especially in the interchange of vocals between Ian MacKaye and Guy while the impressive margin walker brings to mind Stiff Little Fingers in their first 2 albums.
For anyone who has not heard Fugazi before this album is the best place to start (not least because it is their first one)for someone who has not heard any of the above mentioned bands before or whose musical tastes are more towards faster punk/hardcore music this album may need a few more listens to grow on you (if you have listened to Minor Threat and are expecting a continuation of the same sound you might want to listen to Embrace and Rites of Spring to give you an idea of what to expect on this album)
Highly intelligent lyrics, less direct than many other punk bands (Dead Kennedys, Citizen Fish etc) with the exception of suggestion. Fugazi seem to be a band that prefer their actions to speak for their politics rather than their words.
Exellent and intelligent music and lyrics well worth listening to.
"
Learnification
Mooselover | NYC | 02/07/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The first seven songs (first EP) should be mandatory listening for anyone who claims to like rock. Actually, scratch that. They should be mandatory listening for anyone.