Fugazi - 13 Songs

There's a few records over the years that were life changing from the first moment i listened to them, Fugazi's 13 Songs was one of the first. I purchased it a few days after Christmas in '93, having been ingrained into the sound of Fugazi via dubbed tape action, I sought out their first album as to find out how the sound came about. I had only been listening to Minor Threat for a short period of time, but it was already one of my favorite records, the lyrics that Ian spat in enraged fashion had become slogans and an ideology something i would grasp onto and hold for dear life, but then there was 13 Songs.
It started off with "Waiting Room" a true hit by any standard, sing along hooks while the band propelled you through their amalgamation of Hardcore. So many days pounding my chest, dancing to the rhythms of the song. If there was ever a call to arms, then this must be it.
Garnering members from the two most notable bands of Revolution Summer (Embrace & Rites of Spring) , Fugazi managed to etch out their own place in the Hardcore Hierarchy, replete with dual vocals and guitar attack backed by one of the finest rhythm sections rock and roll has ever known. The pounding attack of Brendan Canty mixed with the dub rhythms of Joe Lally, created a formidable backing for the guitar heroics of Ian and Guy.
Originally released as two 12" eps (Self-Titled & Margin Walker), Dischord took it upon themselves to combine the two for one landmark CD. It's strange to think about it at this point as two weeks ago marked the 20 year anniversary of their very first show. Their influence still running rampant throughout the community, you can hear pieces of their sound in a good chunk of current music, while their values are still lauded as one of a kind and heartfelt. Sadly Fugazi still remain on hiatus, the thought of one more album almost a fever dream as the members are all off working on their own projects, most notably The Evens (Ian & Amy (from The Warmers)) and Joe Lally's solo work.
They were better than most bands since or before, earning a place in my heart as the greatest band ever, and something like that doesn't happen overnight.

13 Songs

"Waiting Room" live in D.C. '88


"Bulldog Front" live in St. Louis '88


"Promises" live in D.C. '88