Fugazi Song by Song

[version sound]

Burning

Another great Guy track in the early Fugazi mold. I guess this fits the formula others complained about of solid rhythm section + guitar noise + Guy wailing. Works for me.

[lewdd]

The separation of the instruments is incredible and almost jazz-like.

You have any (good) PiL on vinyl?

No, I only have the CDS. I may get that greatest hits 2LP.

[version sound]

The separation of the instruments is incredible and almost jazz-like.

You have any (good) PiL on vinyl?

No, I only have the CDS. I may get that greatest hits 2LP.

Buy the 12” of Memories. You can get it pretty cheap (I bought a “back-up” copy in EX/EX condition for $9.95 not too long ago). Sounds fantastic. They did a great job of giving every instrument (and John’s voice) plenty of space, and the bass on the flip will knock the pictures off your walls.

[version sound]

Give Me the Cure

Another great early Guy jam. I already heard this one a thousand times on the WTBB tape, and the studio version did not disappoint.

[drew]

Give Me the Cure

Another great early Guy jam. I already heard this one a thousand times on the WTBB tape, and the studio version did not disappoint.

Flipping to side 2 and a different feel to the music. Another amazing Guy tune.

[xxxMidgexxx]

Who on God's green Earth calls them "Fuggo"?

oh ...wait.

[version sound]

Who on God's green Earth calls them "Fuggo"?

oh ...wait.

Only the band members and their closest friends.

[kevin]

The Word

Another early Fuggo classic that rocks into a dubby breakdown. If my Discogs search can be trusted, this one didn’t see the light of day until the 30 Years of Dischord set. Apple Music claims the word is “dead.” I always heard it as “change.” Maybe it says both at different parts?

Sorry. Lurking but will poke into this. Dead? Nope. The word is Change. I still have my original Fugazi lyric sheet handed out at a very early show. I always loved this song so much and for so long I actually forgot it wasn’t released until the demo was finally released.

You got a problem?
What can you do?
What was that word again?

Life has got me down
Everything is wrong
Mom and Dad... (and so forth whatever)
What was that word again?

You see ugliness
You see ugliness?
You see reflection
Your reflection

What was that word again?
What was that word again?

The word is...

CHANGE

[version sound]

Suggestion

An early classic that actually addresses an issue clearly (I have no idea WTF they’re talking about most of the time on later records). A solid message (basically, keep your hands to yourself, asshole) backed by that classic early Fugazi sound. I bet they still couldn’t get into the girls only riot grrrrrl shows, though.

[version sound]

The Word

Another early Fuggo classic that rocks into a dubby breakdown. If my Discogs search can be trusted, this one didn’t see the light of day until the 30 Years of Dischord set. Apple Music claims the word is “dead.” I always heard it as “change.” Maybe it says both at different parts?

Sorry. Lurking but will poke into this. Dead? Nope. The word is Change. I still have my original Fugazi lyric sheet handed out at a very early show. I always loved this song so much and for so long I actually forgot it wasn’t released until the demo was finally released.

You got a problem?
What can you do?
What was that word again?

Life has got me down
Everything is wrong
Mom and Dad... (and so forth whatever)
What was that word again?

You see ugliness
You see ugliness?
You see reflection
Your reflection

What was that word again?
What was that word again?

The word is...

CHANGE

Many thanks Kevin!!! Good to know that I was right after all. Those Apple Music lyrics put a weird spin on things...

[drew]

Suggestion

An early classic that actually addresses an issue clearly (I have no idea WTF they’re talking about most of the time on later records). A solid message (basically, keep your hands to yourself, asshole) backed by that classic early Fugazi sound. I bet they still couldn’t get into the girls only riot grrrrrl shows, though.

My first Fugazi show was the homeless benefit in DC w/Geek & Sonic Youth. Amy Pickering sang Suggestion that night, as I understand she did often in DC. That was an incredible show and incredible song.

[scannest]

Suggestion
A solid message (basically, keep your hands to yourself, asshole)...

I know you're simplifying things, but it's actually saying something much more interesting. Ever been caught staring at a women's breasts? I have. And that look of "Jesus fucking Christ, I'm just walking down the street..." And then I think about how I am probably the 10th guy in just as many minutes who's done this - the song makes that frustration palpable. The fact that it was written by a man doesn't change anything. Okay, maybe to a small handful of people it does. But pretending that this is how most people think, and then pretending to be outraged that this is how most people think, is a bullshit game that right-wingers play just to stir shit up. Take an opinion stated by one or two and pretend it's emblematic of everyone not like them. Fuck that nonsense. Pay it no mind.

[SamDBL]

This thread is actually making me like Fugazi less. Thank you, Dag board.

[JGJR]

Suggestion
A solid message (basically, keep your hands to yourself, asshole)...

I know you're simplifying things, but it's actually saying something much more interesting. Ever been caught staring at a women's breasts? I have. And that look of "Jesus fucking Christ, I'm just walking down the street..." And then I think about how I am probably the 10th guy in just as many minutes who's done this - the song makes that frustration palpable. The fact that it was written by a man doesn't change anything. Okay, maybe to a small handful of people it does. But pretending that this is how most people think, and then pretending to be outraged that this is how most people think, is a bullshit game that right-wingers play just to stir shit up. Take an opinion stated by one or two and pretend it's emblematic of everyone not like them. Fuck that nonsense. Pay it no mind.

JFC that is so 100% right on.

[SamDBL]

I find it extremely hard to believe that scannest has ever been caught staring at a woman's breast.

[version sound]

Glue Man

An early peek at what Fugazi would evolve into. The heavy rhythm is there, but the guitar definitely edges more into the noise zone. BITD, I perceived it as Sonic Youth’s influence, but at that point I pretty much thought any guitar noise sounded like Sonic Youth.

[scannest]

Glue Man
...the guitar definitely edges more into the noise zone. BITD, I perceived it as Sonic Youth’s influence, but at that point I pretty much thought any guitar noise sounded like Sonic Youth.

It's a fair comparison - SY was a definite influence on Fugazi, although it became more obvious over time.
I remember when they played this one live, the sound would bounce around with long, slow echo/reverb on Guy's voice. I dunno, I thought it was "cool".

[drew]

Glue Man
...the guitar definitely edges more into the noise zone. BITD, I perceived it as Sonic Youth’s influence, but at that point I pretty much thought any guitar noise sounded like Sonic Youth.

It's a fair comparison - SY was a definite influence on Fugazi, although it became more obvious over time.
I remember when they played this one live, the sound would bounce around with long, slow echo/reverb on Guy's voice. I dunno, I thought it was "cool".

I loved this song live. It was prob the 3rd or 4th time I saw them before it was in the set, or before Ian decided to launch into it...... I think it was at The Marquee.......

[xxxMidgexxx]

Glue Man
...the guitar definitely edges more into the noise zone. BITD, I perceived it as Sonic Youth’s influence, but at that point I pretty much thought any guitar noise sounded like Sonic Youth.

It's a fair comparison - SY was a definite influence on Fugazi, although it became more obvious over time.
I remember when they played this one live, the sound would bounce around with long, slow echo/reverb on Guy's voice. I dunno, I thought it was "cool".

I loved this song live. It was prob the 3rd or 4th time I saw them before it was in the set, or before Ian decided to launch into it...... I think it was at The Marquee.......

I told you back in the day that you would like "Fuggo". SEE??

[drew]

Glue Man
...the guitar definitely edges more into the noise zone. BITD, I perceived it as Sonic Youth’s influence, but at that point I pretty much thought any guitar noise sounded like Sonic Youth.

It's a fair comparison - SY was a definite influence on Fugazi, although it became more obvious over time.
I remember when they played this one live, the sound would bounce around with long, slow echo/reverb on Guy's voice. I dunno, I thought it was "cool".

I loved this song live. It was prob the 3rd or 4th time I saw them before it was in the set, or before Ian decided to launch into it...... I think it was at The Marquee.......

I told you back in the day that you would like "Fuggo". SEE??

Yes, but you liked Marillion so I didn't listen to you at first.

[version sound]

Margin Walker

Apparently, this was the result of a failed album session (thanks, Sal). Guy is fully entrenched in this one, though it’s not clear whether he’s playing guitar yet. Anyone know?

Margin Walker

Pretty much the “modern” Fugazi sound on this one - a solid rhythm foundation with rockin’ guitar(s) on top that veer towards “noise” as often as not. What can I say? A classic, IMO, with a nice balance or noise and melody.

[version sound]

EDIT: Not sure what the fuck I was trying to do, but I definitely didn’t mean to quote myself.

[scannest]

Margin Walker

Top 10 Fugazi song. I love everything about it, especially the arrangement. How it hangs back a little on the verses, then charges forward on the chorus. How the bridge slams really hard and then the bass drops out before the last chorus.
Guy is just singing on most of the live videos I've seen, if that's any indication of whether or not he plays on the recording. Seeing that they recorded these tunes on a very early (maybe first?) European tour, I'm gonna guess no.

[drew]

Margin Walker

Apparently, this was the result of a failed album session (thanks, Sal). Guy is fully entrenched in this one, though it’s not clear whether he’s playing guitar yet. Anyone know?

Margin Walker

Pretty much the “modern” Fugazi sound on this one - a solid rhythm foundation with rockin’ guitar(s) on top that veer towards “noise” as often as not. What can I say? A classic, IMO, with a nice balance or noise and melody.

I saw them play this live a couple of times and Guy did not play gtr. I def remember that from Fugazi/Quicksand show in Syracuse.

[xxxMidgexxx]

something silly
.

I invented rock music.

[drew]

something silly
.

I invented rock music.

No wonder you know nothing about Punk.

[pedro]

Great song. Easily my favorite on the first two records.

[version sound]

Guy is just singing on most of the live videos I've seen, if that's any indication of whether or not he plays on the recording. Seeing that they recorded these tunes on a very early (maybe first?) European tour, I'm gonna guess no.

Makes sense. Definitely sounds like there are two guitars on the record (on this song, at least), but that could be Ian overdubbing.

[scannest]

Definitely sounds like there are two guitars on the record (on this song, at least), but that could be Ian overdubbing.

Apparently the studio was so small that only person record their parts at a time. The rest of the band had to literally take a walk while they put the tracks together, all overdubs.

[version sound]

And The Same

Not hugely different from the demo version. I think I like Ian’s vocals on the demo better.

[lewdd]

Definitely sounds like there are two guitars on the record (on this song, at least), but that could be Ian overdubbing.

Apparently the studio was so small that only person record their parts at a time. The rest of the band had to literally take a walk while they put the tracks together, all overdubs.

I'm not trying to be a dick (this time) by asking this question. How do you know this stuff? I know you have some connections as a musician. I just like more details on the back story being the music nerd I kinda am. Thanks in advance for appeasing me.

[scannest]

I'm not trying to be a dick (this time) by asking this question. How do you know this stuff? I know you have some connections as a musician. I just like more details on the back story being the music nerd I kinda am. Thanks in advance for appeasing me.

I read it in a book. Nothing more than that. The Fugazi chapter in "Our Band Could be Your Life", I think.

[version sound]

Burning Too

An Ian vocal that was not on the demo, with a very similar vibe to the demo tracks. I like it.

[version sound]

Provisional

With popsloppy guitar by Eddie Janney, that means all living members of ROS played on this one. It still mostly sounds like Fugazi more than ROS, but thee best Fugazi. Probably my favorite Fugazi song, period. Did I say Fugazi enough? Fugazi.

[target]

Did mike fellows play on this one.. or did he die?

[version sound]

Did mike fellows play on this one.. or did he die?

Mike Fellows is dead.

[target]

Jeez. I had no idea. While I didn't know him well there was a time period in the early-mid 90s that I'd see him at the Black Cat a lot and we'd chat--very friendly guy. I'm sad to hear this.

[scannest]

Provisional

Great two-chord song. Heck, the guitars may be just playing one chord and only the bass is moving.
"Hoping every slips not a slide!" Guy was expert with the catchy phrases you wanted to shout along with,

[version sound]

Jeez. I had no idea. While I didn't know him well there was a time period in the early-mid 90s that I'd see him at the Black Cat a lot and we'd chat--very friendly guy. I'm sad to hear this.

Sorry target, thought you were in on the joke. That’s a reference to the Rites of Spring demo, where a sped up speech sample plays between songs and at the the end (IIRC) finally slows down enough that you can understand that it’s saying “Mike Fellows is dead.” Their homage to the Beatles “Paul is dead” silliness. He is still very much alive AFAIK.

[target]

aha---no, i am usually not in on the jokes....

[JGJR]

Provisional

"Hoping every slips not a slide!" Guy was expert with the catchy phrases you wanted to shout along with,

This is just more proof that Fugazi was really an arena rock band, but for us, post-hardcore generation. They were our Led Zeppelin or something.

[version sound]

Lockdown

A modern Fugazi song for all intents and purposes. No idea what this song is about. Is Guy admitting to being an android? Your guess is as good as mine.

[the mean]

Lockdown

A modern Fugazi song for all intents and purposes. No idea what this song is about. Is Guy admitting to being an android? Your guess is as good as mine.

I always thought this was about the American prison system.

[scannest]

Lockdown

Never a favorite. A good chorus in search of a verse that never arrives.

[version sound]

Lockdown

Never a favorite. A good chorus in search of a verse that never arrives.

Ditto. I like it fine, but I’ve never loved it.

[version sound]

Promises

Clearly a breakup song. I remember identifying with it strongly during a breakup circa fall of ‘89. The bass line is really great - maybe my favorite part of the song at this point. Feels very teenage to me as an old guy in 2021.

[drew]

Lockdown

A modern Fugazi song for all intents and purposes. No idea what this song is about. Is Guy admitting to being an android? Your guess is as good as mine.

Saw them at City Gardens on the last night of the REPEATER tour. They played until the amps were smoking and strings were popped.
LOCKDOWN was one of the few songs they didn't do that night.
When it was over Ian said "we would keep playing but everything's broken, good night"

[xxxMidgexxx]

Promises

Clearly a breakup song. I remember identifying with it strongly during a breakup circa fall of ‘89. The bass line is really great - maybe my favorite part of the song at this point. Feels very teenage to me as an old guy in 2021.

My all time favorite Fuggo track.

[scannest]

Saw them at City Gardens on the last night of the REPEATER tour.

Did WEEN open this show? The only time I (remember) seeing Fuggo at City Gardens WEEN opened for them. This was two-piece, swimming goggles, drum machine WEEN. Twas innerestin'

[scannest]

Promises

Clearly a breakup song.

I have never thought of this as a breakup song. Just thought it was another in a very long line of Ian "betrayal" songs.
Of course, maybe all of those songs are about breakups, too. I just find it very difficult to picture Ian as a sexual being. I know that's stupid. Don't know if he and Amy are married, but they are a couple with a child. But some people just don't register that way.