Repeater

i made a mistake. i went and looked at some of the other reviews before i started writing my own. my original review probably wouldn't have said much, because it's impossible for me to be objective about this album. but you know what, i was there for this - i saw it happen first-hand, and having read a bunch of people complaining that they sound like bands that came along after they did...kinda feels like i owe it to some random someone to put this out there. this was one of many projects ian was involved with, and is a direct descendent of minor threat. ian invented straightedge. he refused to platy shows that cost more than $5 to get into, because he wanted everyone to be able to go to shows. (i have a theory about how this ended up working out as a win for venues. knowing they were gonna get slaughtered at the door, they loaded the bill as much as they could, with the idea of making back their losses on future shows with opening acts, whose names were now much better-known.) anyway, ian was a big deal, is what i'm saying - though he was not (and probably still isn't) super comfortable with the idea of being a big deal. fugazi broke a bunch of rules musically, but they followed a bunch of others. they went into all kinds of improv live (as noted, i was there - at the channel in boston with 1200 other people sweating in leather and stomping in boots and reveling in the heat), and hell, the drummer (brendan canty) had a bell - like, kind of a big one - that he'd use in place of a cymbal sometimes. but at the same time, they were a reflection of their time, so a lot of the lyrics are angry screaming. sorry, that's just how it was. i like it, but i'm a product of that time, too. songs can feel a little repetitive - but that really really works when you're on your skateboard across town for 45 minutes to get to your girlfriend's house. and it works when you're in the pit and just swimming in the sea of humanity that was one of their shows. in short, this isn't an album that was meant to be on in the background while you write code - it's for going out and doing something in the world with. hit the ramp, hit the parking lot behind the grocery store and work on your power slides, climb a rock...whatever - just do a physical thing, and this album will feel more at home in your ears. if i'm wrong, i'll buy you a coke.

This album sits in the perfect place that is post-hardcore, but predates grunge making it that link that so many people unfortunately miss. Dirty, messy, noisy, lots of fun and perfectly imperfect. Love it!

Massive boners all round for this one I'm sure. Speaking of massive boners, I responded to one of those 'spam' emails regarding Viagra last month and the company kindly sent me over 6,000 little blue pills. Needless to say I've had an unbelievably painful dick for 26 days now. I'm in agony. Please help me.

5 stars: one for every dollar it costs to go to a Fugazi show.

I don't feel like there is much left to be said about this album that already hasn't been said. Its an absolute classic and a wonderful entry into the world of Post-Hardcore. When i say Post-Hardcore I mean the amazing genre that started in the 80's and ran throughout the early 90's. I am absolutely NOT talking about those horrendus screamo bands that were popular in the late 2000's and early 2010's that also received the table Post-Hardcore for some reason or the other. This album is a fantastic listen, engaging from front to back, and you pick up new themes and lyrics every time you listen to it that totally change my perspective of each song. One of my all time favorites.

There are very few bands that I have allegiance to, but the five dollar shows, DIY ethos, messages of equality, politically minded rage against capitalism, an outlet for anger and angst are all things that resonated when I was 14. Fugazi (and Ian MacKaye in particular) helped shape my view of the world during high school and beyond. I’ve got nothing but love for this one.

Ian MacKaye, the punk GOAT. This album was so far ahead of its time but that's no surprise, MacKaye has always been ahead of the game. He was wearing the 21st century hipster staple tiny little woolen hat/skull cap thing in the 1980s. What a fella.

Sorry I was late on the Marvin Gaye record, but after it made me pregnant the labor was complicated. Anyway…I think this is my favorite Fugazi record. When I was like 14 or something my family went to the beach and I spent a large chunk of the week shut in my room playing along to this cassette on my guitar. It was one of the greatest weeks of my life. I watched the Instrument doc last week on Amazon Prime. Listened to Coriky the other day. What I’m basically saying is that all the above is how I determine if a record gets five stars or not.

I don’t really like the vocals and although I see how this album could have been influential, I didn’t enjoy much of it. The almost yelled vocals that weren’t in tune were clearly on purpose and it’s hard to say that they are had but they did nothing for me personally. The instrumentals are pretty good but not good enough to make me want to listen to most of the instrumental songs again. Favorite songs: Styrofoam, Song 1, Joe 1 Least favorite song: Merchandise Light 5/10

First hidden gem for me! Jazz punk! Such creative instrumentation

No one likes this one

90’s punk music that started to all blend together after a while. It was hard to distinguish between tracks and I unfortunately found myself waiting for it to end midway through.

I think even if I heard this is in 1990, I still would have found it extremely tiring. Had a drunk pub karaoke rock vibe. Absolutely could not wait for it to end. ‘Joe 1’ is the only ok track due to it being instrumental.

This album might've just jumped from zero into my top 10 favourite albums of all time. What a surprise. Why has it taken me so many decades to realise how awesome Fugazi are. They have always just flown under or besides my radar it seems. There is not a bad song on this album, only highlights. Songs with a dramatic tension, a great rhythm section, immense riffs, basslines and furious vocals.

Love Fugazi! Ian McKay is brilliant, and probably a direct influence on most of the music I loved in middle and high school. Didn’t discover Fugazi until my mid twenties, but all the songs still take me back to being a teenage somehow.

Utterly shit. Like a poor man's Papa Roach

Enjoyed the music. Not such much the vocals. Good pre-grunge stuff though. I knew who this group was, but had never listened to much Fugazi before.

Angry Gen X white guy yelling. In 1990 this is too late to be authentic punk I guess? After wikipedia-ing it this is "post-hardcore." Repeater sounds like pissed off Modest Mouse. I'm sure this was an influence on them. Not as into the more (what I consider) punk tracks like Greed... I like the instrumental tracks. The songs are a little repetitive as I work through it. Strong start that kind of devolves into fodder for angry suburban white kids. Probably would not listen to any of this again.

Not super familiar with post-hardcore as a genre but this shit rocks. As an album this is my jam. Reading about the band, big fan of their ethos of not selling out even though these guys could have made an absolute killing exploiting the same target audience as Nirvana or something. No skips on here, a joy to listen to.

Amazing. This album captures the punk spirit and the appeal of Fugazi beautifully. Not a single miss in the tracklist either makes the album a great listen. Highly recommended.

A masterpiece of post-hardcore. It doesn't get much better than this.

Simply one of the greatest records ever made.

So much energy, so much anger, and so much to say. This album is packed and non-stop from start to finish; punching you in the ears with pure punk rock aggression that it’s an absolute wonder the musicianship is as expressive and complex as it is. I have gotten plenty of electronica albums on this generator that seem to be gold standards of the genre, and I feel this is one of the few times I can say the same about another genre. ‘Repeater’ is a fantastic representation of post-hardcore. The riffs throughout the tracklist are loose, often purposely sloppy; or as I prefer to call it: an organised mess. Yet songs still teeter between that and being efficiently melodic when needed. On top of it all the raw aggressive vocals add both chaos and much needed energy; as societal and personal issues are screamed with such passion you can’t help but admire it. You’re getting just getting hard hitting punk rock, but you’re also getting complex alternative music that all fuses together to create something that both sounds positively familiar and incredibly unique. Special shoutout needs to go to Joe Lally, who is absolutely shredding that bass guitar in almost every track. Highlights for me: ‘Repeater’, ‘Brendan #1’, ‘Sieve-Fisted Find’, and the intense album finisher “Shut The Door’. ‘Repeater’ is a great album. It hits that potent punk anger so well, while also allowing you to enjoy masterful compositions and surprisingly strong production. It feels like a bit of an underrated album in the sense that I think it doesn’t seem to be talked about enough. It hangs with the best punk has to offer, and rivals that of the best alternative bands out there. 4/5

A post-hardcore benchmark album for the scene. Alternative rock interplay between rhythm and guitars throughout the album that tackles intense topics from greed, violence, and drug abuse and does so with an insistence that is prevalent throughout. Honestly, a fantastic good album.

Full of grooves and energy. Love the biting tone and just how infectious every track is on this record - its got that punk attitude and lyrical content, but it's paired with riffs and a musicality beyond a lot of the genre. Granted this is post-hardcore, which has plenty of musically flashy artists, but the rawness on here is seldom kept with such distinct guitar playing and focus on grooves

not the best fugazi album, but infinitely better than most of the shit this list churns out.

I'd never heard of Fugazi before this, and as soon as I heard the first song, I knew it was the singer from Minor Threat - one of my favourite punk bands ever. Unfortunately, this doesn't even come close to Minor Threat, and nor would I have expected to. Nevertheless, this was a solid album and an enjoyable listen. My main gripe with this album is nothing really stood out to me. As a piece of art I did enjoy the sit down and listen through of it, but did anything really pop for me? Not really. I don't have anything I hate about this album, at all, honestly there was no skips on this album - but every song kind of just meshed together as one piece. That's not necessarily a bad thing, but there's nothing in here that draws me back. This was such a hard album to rate. If there was a 10 star scale it would be a 6.5 or 7 out of 10. I was inclined to give this a 4 because it really was an enjoyable listen, but it just feels too forgettable for me to rate it higher than a 3.

My mate Tim and I used to go see all ages punk shows a lot when we were teenagers in the late 80s, most often at the Burland Community Centre in Newtown. Mostly local bands like the Hard-Ons, Massappeal, the Hellmen, etc, but occasional overseas acts like the Butthole Surfers. But I know that I saw Fugazi play the Wentworth Building at Sydney Uni in late 1991. I can see from setlist.fm that they played the Burland two days later. I am really surprised that I didn't go see them there, because I had an enormous affection for the Burland. Maybe I went to the Sydney Uni gig because I got a student discount and the beer was cheap. But I have no strong memories of the show at all. It just seemed like a pretty generic punk show... My problem with Fugazi, like Minor Threat before them, is that I like a little bit more melody in my punk rock. If the Ramones can do it, there is absolutely no reason you can't too, Ian Mackaye. I know I have tried to listen to Fugazi before, and the songs just aren't that memorable to me (exception; Waiting Room, which isn't on this record). But I have played this album through a bunch of times over the past couple of days, and it is growing on me. Here are the things I like about Repeater: - they are the epitome of what Steve Albini describes as the height of great music. It is the sound of great band playing in a room. They are tight and powerful, and a bit noisy, and the recording is a pretty clear and immediate document of what they do. It rocks. - Speaking of tight, check out that rhythm section! Super tight! - They understand dynamics, which is unusual within the genre. It gives their songs a bit more drama than a lot of punk, and it is not as exhausting as non-stop fast and loud (which can be fun in its own way, especially in a live context, but can be tiring to listen to at home). - The lyrics are smart. You can listen to it without feeling stupid. Shame about the singing (which is often just shouting, covering for the complete lack of vocal melody). - The instrumentals are actually worth listening to. The two songs that stick in my mind best are Two Beats Off and Shut the Door. I feel like I now understand and like (if not quite love) this record. I would be tempted to see them live if they played at a re-opened Burland. (Fat chance; it was gentrified into apartments over a decade ago).

This album is all about taking big chunky swings at big topics with a simplistic fury. But I can't help but prefer Fugazi's faster, simpler fare.

Musically I enjoy this album, vocally not so much. The bass work is amazing on this album and the way it fits in the groove with the drums is magical. And the guitar work is fairly intricate and fun for a garage/hardcore band. It just is not a repeat listen album for me. Based off the vocals alone I would give it a 2, but the music and legacy of the album inclines me to bump it to a 3. I was pleasantly surprised with the music.

Cool, got this after just rating Minor Threat so it's gonna be neat to hear the progression for Ian MacKaye. Not sure I love Guy Picciotto's vocal styles, I think I prefer Ian's. The track Repeater definitely could be the opener for me. That squealing guitar is neat, definitely post-park with the interplay between abrasive and clean guitar. In general though... not a huge style of this rock sound.

I was disturbed to discover that there's actually a genre called "post-hardcore", yet pleased I had an album I could dismiss quickly and get on with my life. BUT then, guitar riff in the opening track blew me away and I read that there would be piano somewhere too (song 13 actually). Throughout, the guitar work is original, very riff-based - kind of Gang of 4 meets 80s metal, and they give the bassist and drummer room to play around a bit. The instrumentation deserves high marks, as do the lyrics, but the singing style is not for me. I can tolerate the 80s metal style but I'm not a fan of the pre-post-hardcore shouting.

Fugazi is one of those post-hardcore groups renowned for "breaking the rules", not just musically, just preaching anti-violence at their shows and beyond. This record is no-doubt super influential on bands growing up listening to their music, but I've never quite been able to connect the dots to my own musical experience. While I appreciated the opportunity to sit down and listen through Repeater for the first time, I'm afraid I'll never be able to experience it in the right setting and at the right age. 2.5/5 Fav tracks: Styrofoam and Merchandise.

Much like The Minutemen, I appreciate Fugazi more in principle/theory than in practice. Their ethos and philosophy are really admirable. While I can also appreciate their influence on alternative rock bands to follow, I'm not moved by their music in the same way I am by Hüsker Dü and others. The snarling vocals are a little too grating for me. It probably belongs on this list, but I doubt I'll revisit it. Rating: 2.5/5 Favourite songs: Merchandise

Not for me. Obviously amazing musicians but this could benefit from some melody and clarity. Did not really enjoy

A pretty interesting and complex album. I enjoyed listening to it a few times but I don’t think I’ll ever seek it out. The instrumentals are solid and rocks pretty nicely. The lyrics and singer are what I find difficult to relisten to this. It’s definitely not bad but not good enough for me to really enjoy. 5.5/10

Is this punk? It's mostly yelling. I don't like it. Pass.

The only album yet that I simply couldn't finish.... sorry 😔

I will not include the 3 Songs EP that is added to this album in subsequent releases. Oh hell yeah, this was a nice surprise to get! For those who don't know, Fugazi is a post-hardcore group consisting of Minor Threat frontman Ian MacKaye, Rites of Spring members Guy Picciotto and Brendan Canty, and bassist Joe Lally. These were friends who had each done time with other hardcore punk bands and wanted to try something new together. They released a couple of EPs, which turned into the 13 Songs compilation, and that was my introduction to the group. Then, when it came time to work on their debut, they all decided on a jamming approach, writing songs together instead of MacKaye being the sole songwriter. The result was their debut, Repeater, and I cannot begin to express how awesome it turned out. Right from the get-go with opener "Turnover", the band effectively carried the ferocity and aggression of hardcore punk alongside catchy guitar riffs and more complex bass and drum play. Even when there are no vocals, such as on "Brendan #1", the instrumental compositions come off as intricate and chock-full of miniature hooks, so it's not a problem when no one sings. When Ian and Guy do step in with their lyrics, they trade off bars with pure fiery angst at the various problems that plague society. From the mass ignorance of "Turnover", to gun violence on the title track, to anti-consumerism sentiments on "Merchandise" and "Blueprint", to the poisoning of our planet on "Styrofoam", to the traumas of war on "Reprovisional", to the deep contemplation over the loss of a life to addiction on closer "Shut the Door", these guys went through several issues with the profoundness and poignancy that they deserve in highlighting what's going wrong. The only song that didn't have well-thought lyrics was "Greed" with the repeated lines "You wanted everything/You needed everything", but even that was given the same amount of high-energy aggression that other tracks had. There's no beating around the bush; Fugazi's Repeater absolutely rules as a debut. In a way, these guys captured a sound that predated the alternative rock boom that would happen a year later, and they effectively played in that pocket.

Soort van de soundtrack van m'n jeugd zonder dat ik ooit dit album heb geluisterd. En nog steeds mag ik graag dingen uit grofweg dit genre aanzetten. Dit past heerlijk in m'n straatje en daarom ga ik 5 sterren uitdelen. Het materiaal is een tikkeltje ruw, zeker vergeleken met de bands uit de 2000s (waar ik iets bekender mee ben), maar desondanks is meer dan prima aan te horen. Lekkere gitaren, bas en drums, een lekker schreeuwtje tussendoor. Soms wat chaotisch, soms even een lekker stukje ingebouwde waarbij de basgitarist het grootste gedeelte van het werk op zich neemt. Daardoor is het ondanks dat het herrie is niet vermoeiend: De stukken herrie worden keurig gedoseerd en het is geen schelle bende. Anyway, zoals gezegd dus 5 sterren.

"Repeater" is the full-length debut studio album by Washington D.C. post-punk band Fugazi. They had released several EP's before this LP album. The band formed shortly after the dissolution of the bands Minor Threat and Rites of Passage when Ian MacKaye (vocals, guitar, piano) joined with Guy Picciotto (vocals, guitar) and Brendan Canty (drums). Bassist Joe Lally rounds out the group. The name Fugazi was an acronym taken from Mark Baker's book of short stories on Vietnam War veterans "Nam:" Fucked Up, Got Ambushed, Zipped In (a body bag). An interesting description of the band and album is "an angrier American update of Gang of Four's "Solid Gold."" The album has themes of greed, violence, sexuality, privacy, drug abuse and death. It also received very high critical praise labeling it as the definitive album of post-punk and a landmark of rock music. A long droning sound opens the album and the song "Turnover." Angular guitar and a melodic bass. Picciotto on lead vocals who sounds a lot like the Afghan Whig's Greg Dulli. The songs speeds up. Great guitar interplay and, of course, an ending in feedback. It's a song about kids shooting each other in the crack cocaine violence. The self-titled "Repeater" starts out ridiculously fast. Scratchy guitar. MacKaye on vocals yelling and repeating "Repeater" which is a gun in a song again about the crack wars. More scratchy guitars in "Merchandise." Underlying bass and guitar in an evil sounding song about being not what you own. A melodic guitar strumming starts "Blueprint." Picciotto singing and repeating "I'm not playing with you." Power chords in an absolutely fantastic song about making a conscious choice to buys things and not letting industry dictate that to you. Modest Mouse has based an entire career on the first minute of this song. They crank up the speed in "Styrofoam." Heavy metal-esque guitars and driving music. MacKaye vocals excel in a song about hatred. The music speeds up even more for the outro. I saw Fugazi for $5 in 1993 at the Anaconda Theatre in Isla Vista, CA, and it still is the most intense concert I've been too. The music on this album just plain rocks: intense, urgent, driving, melodic. In-your-face vocals and lyrics. These are very talented and accomplished musicians: the guitar interplay is great and the bassist and drummer steal the show in a number of songs. This is the definitive post-punk album with its tempo and angular guitars laying the groundwork for bands like Slint and Modest Mouse. A very high recommendation.

Rocking heavy rhythm and lyrics

Loved this album!! 5 stars.

Two Beats Off

My second favorite Fugazi album. You say I need a job Well I’ve got my own business You wanna know what I do? None of your fuckin business!

От этого альбома я прям кайфанул. Это просто замечательно - труевый пост-хардкор без всякого эмо. Музыка чтобы бить в щщи и крутить вертухи. Шумная, грязная, душеразрывающая и определённо стоящая внимания. Берите скейт и расшибитесь на нем под этот альбом. Пропишите бону в табло. Побрейтесь налысо и прыгайте в слэмомош, потому что именно это и есть жизнь.

A killer record. Ian Mckaey is the boss

1 2 3 Repeater! Great album.

Fugazi are just badass as hell. 'Nuff said.

I need to listen more Fugazi, this was awesome.

5 I always forget that Fugazi is fronted by two dudes. For some reason, it always just brings Ian MacKaye to mind for me - which is weird given that I’m a fan of Guy Picciotto’s former band, Rites of Spring. Additionally, I didn’t realize how recent of a band they are - this is technically their debut, and it came out in 1990. I guess because I associate the guys with Minor Threat and Rites of Spring, respectively, I just kind of assumed this was more of an early 80s project as well. And yet, despite coming after what’s largely considered the golden age of punk rock by quite a few years and also just being on the cusp of grunge taking over the world, these two guys served up quite possibly one of the most punk albums I’ve ever heard. While I enjoy Minor Threat, I find their music just a touch preachy at times, but I really feel like this project finds a perfect balance of what I like in my punk between energy and messaging - maybe that’s a result of the dual-fronted nature of the band, idk. And while I shouldn’t factor this into my review, I can’t even begin to explain how much I respect the group’s punk ethos off the stage as well. In particular, they were known for refusing to play any show that charged more than $5 for admission, trying to keep their stage available to all. It’s such a selfless, anti-capitalistic, community-driven sentiment that I can’t help but feel my respect for the band go up tenfold because of it - especially in light of a world now where Ticketmaster fucks a lot of diehard fans out of seeing their favorite artists. (Greed!) Anyway, diving into this album, Repeater - great name. My initials thoughts were “Oh, okay, like a gun, I guess”, thinking it was kind of lame, but per MacKaye, it’s actually referring to the cyclical nature of things like greed, violence, sexuality, privacy, drug abuse and death across all of human history (it’s also a slight nod to The Beatles’ Revolver, but looking past that). Song-wise, I really thought everything here just fucking ripped. This was a great gym album, but honestly, I even found myself getting amped up to this while putting friggin’ data into Airtable for work (yes, I’ve sold out to the corporate machine as well). Admittedly, a lot of this does kind of flow together, but with an energy like this, I never once took issue with that. I did walk away with some favorites, those being Merchandise, Blueprint, and Shut the Door, but I see this thing more likely being a full re-listen from me when revisiting in the near future. I wasn’t always planning to give this a 5, but there have been few times on this list thus far I have found myself wanting an album to go on even longer after it was done, and this has been one of those times. The angsty mood punk rock brings just can’t be beat, and this provides that exceptionally. Gotta go with the 5 here. Final note - these guys have the coolest live concert photo ever. I was going to try and link it here, but I just kept finding Instagram and Twitter posts, so fuck that, and besides, the link would probably inevitably die anyway. Instead, I implore you to image search “Fugazi basketball hoop”. Dad, this sticker better still be up on the fridge.

Fugazi is the definitive post-hardcore band. Lead singer Ian Mackaye was at the vanguard of the straight edge movement prior to Fugazi as the frontman of Minor Threat. In the 8 years between Minor Threat’s last record and Fugazi’s first album, Ian Mackaye had played in countless bands, honing his sound from the intense raw energy hardcore introduced to the punk scene, to music that leaned into alternative takes on traditional rock genres. The impact this album had on indie and mainstream rock genres henceforth is immense. Over nearly 15 years, Fugazi continually swam upstream, trailblazing so many experimental approaches that eventually solidified into established sub genres: they notably fused melody and screaming into a sound that would later be popularized by emo and pop punk, they were a critical link in the chain whip that would lead to grunge and garage rock, and the palpable dissonance and experimentation they achieved feels like a choice that embodies the rebellious, anti-capitalist stance of its members, Mackaye especially. I’ve always found his ethical and moral positioning admirable for the strict adherence to principle and the flagrant anti-capitalist foundation. Any band/artist that can shift entire genres into uncharted territory is worthy of consideration, and Mackaye did that twice in his career. Anyone making these kinds of monumental waves in art and culture deserves our highest praises, regardless of whether their creations and opinions are to your taste.

In your face anthems Sated with charging guitars And riveting grooves

Wow that was so good. First time hearing, have put off hearing Fugazi because I’m pretty lukewarm about hardcore punk. This felt like the archetype for the genre of my limited listening so far. The instrumentals are so catchy, the vocals aren’t my favorite but at the same time I can’t imagine what would fit the music better. Only not a perfect rating since the genres not my favorite but that’s not the genres problem Rating: 4.8

I bloody love Fugazi. I loved the vocals, the style, lyrics, it's all great. Such a cool sound. Fugazi and specifically Ian MacKaye have popped up in a few musics biogs I've read as being really nice people and really important for the DIY music scene and especially supportive of lots of Riot Grrrl bands in the early 90s.

absurdo esse que presente de natal. gosto muito de fugazi e ano passado ouvi a discografia deles inteira muitas vezes. são poucos que não são perfeitos e, felizmente, esse aqui é. num eh meu preferido e nem eh o auge deles musicalmente, mas é bom pra caralho. angústia de jovem adulto na melhor forma.

Amazing

Love it!

obviously no secret to my friends and followers i had a big fugazi phase this year, and returning to this kinda feels like putting a cap on it. and after everything else, all the more overtly Arty embellishments of the later records (my fave is end hits atm), this still might have the most straightforwardly gratifying hit-between-the-eyes quality of any of their work. im not sure anyone has ever more effectively combined semi-minimalist exhilaration and punk values with this level of color and creativity and vibrancy. and despite the lack of those later more obvious flourishes, i do think this is supremely Colorful music...a lot of it is just the incredible individual talents and instrumental voices of each member (especially joe lally's mesmerizing, melodic, rich basslines) and how good of a job the production does at making sure u can hear all of it , at all times, distinct and yet part of a sustained combined Attack. picking my fave fugazi record between my two contenders (end hits and the argument) is hard, but picking my Third favorite fugazi record once those two are sorted out is somehow even more torturous lol. i think its probably this one tho...theres something just so rewarding in losing myself in each member's contributions. collectivism vs individuality is and has always been a false dichotomy, in all aspects of life and the world!!

ayyyy get ovah hea ya damn fugazi

Brilliant

i loved it!

You say I need a job? / I've got my own business. This record is a gift to a younger me. It found me at the right time and place in my life. Still singable, quotable and filled with absolute bangers to this day. 1, 2, 3, Repeater. Five Stars. --//-- It's not a hot take to ask: is this Fugazi's best album or is it just my favorite Fugazi album? I think it's widely acknowledged that Repeater, 13 Songs, Red Medicine, and The Argument could all be the best Fugazi record depending on who you ask and when you ask them. Even Steady Diet of Nothing, End Hits and In on the Kill Taker have their well spoken cha-cha-Champions. I can't answer it for you. Never mind what's been selling.

This record is fucking great! The only thing wrong with this album is that it doesn’t have Waiting Room on it.

Our Band Could Be Your Life

I enjoy this group, the fact I have shared this recording studio, 5 dollar tickets and the guitars. When I start my lessons, I am coming back to Fugazi.

Dank post hardcore album with some good instrumental parts

From all the acts on the list, I might appreciate those that are experimental while maintaining accessibility the most. This also holds for Fugazi and their sense of melody makes them stands out. Practically all their work is 5*, including Repeater (13 Songs is a compilation, else I would have perhaps gone for that album). score: 10/10

I had heard of this band, but never got around checking them out. I'm very glad this album appeared on the list, because I love it. The occasionally shouty vocals are not usually something I'm particularly drawn to, but somehow it worked very well with the amazing sound of the band. Will definitely check out their other albums now.

If you don't get it, you don't get it.

I love old school punk type music.

This is as good as it gets. This album remains challenging and complex and thrilling. A modern classic.

I probably didn't discover Fugazi until more than a decade after this album came out, thanks to a friend who was starting his own DIY politically-charged band. I haven't listened to them a lot over the years (never listened to this album) but damn if they weren't one of the best at what they did. Not punk, but punk-like (flawed) vocals and (stick it to the man) attitude. Not grunge, but grunge-like heavy and angry sounds. Not noise rock, but noise rock-like experimentation, scratchy guitars, and irregular time signatures. I'm not sure anyone did DIY and stuck to their principles like these guys. Mad respect. And you know what? I enjoyed this album a ton. Their signature pulsing bass and one fuzzy/riffing guitar combined with one scratchy guitar and pounding drums worked on so many songs. Just listen to the start of Turnover or the changeover to Repeater. Even if you find the scratching abrasive, wait until they get to the choruses or bridges - they show you how they combine melody and idiosyncrasy. Brendan #1 is an impressive all-instrumental jam session. Later songs like Sieve-Fisted Find, Greed, Two Beats Off, Styrofoam (oh that intro), and Shut the Door are equal parts punchy and grating. It shouldn't work but it they make it work so well. They're like the bridge between Black Flag and Nirvana, or some combination of those two, the Pixies, and Sonic Youth. And I don't mean a ripoff of any of them, but they were just as good at some of the key aspects of those bands - in your face lyrics, clever lyrics, brooding sound, experimental sounds, harmony in spite of all the eclectic sounds. Even if they weren't name brand, they and this album are a major link in the chain from how we got from 80's punk to 90's alternative and beyond. That in itself is worth being on this list. But the overall quality of work on this album is what makes it a 5.

I was very confused when this album started because, as someone who never listened to them (yet another one of my musical oversights), I always thought Fugazi was a hardcore punk band. I wasn’t expecting melodic singing. They’re closer to Rancid than Black Flag, at least in vocal sound. As a big fan of The Living End, I definitely recognize the influence of Fugazi now. The second track’s vocals were much closer to what I thought the band would be — but the music is still a lot more melodic than I expected. Holy shit, the drums on track 3 slap. Right up my post-punk alley. I totally get the critics’ comparisons to Gang of Four. The bass line and drums on Sieve-Fisted Find kick ass too. The guitar on Styrofoam! So good. The piano riff on Joe #1 is a cool way of using rhythm in a fresh way to keep things interesting. Really enjoyed this album. The pace of the music keeps things moving (even though 42 minutes isn’t super long), the compositions are interesting and varied, and they say a lot with a few lyrics. Melodic punk music with great melodies and something to say. Sign me up. I’m mad at myself for not giving this band a chance sooner. 5/5

LOVE this band, super proud of my local music scene and this album is easily one of their best. An absolute classic.

Not my favorite album from Fugazi, but it's undeniably great and absolutely essential. Fugazi is maybe the only band that is not bullshit. A beacon to strive towards.

Fugazi stood for something. Something that was, quite possibly, bigger than the world that they inhabited. Bigger than the usual ethos that came from the guitar/bass/drum/vocal dynamic that results in cliche and well-traveled roads. A dynamic that can never be replicated or repeated no matter how many bands that call themselves influenced by Fugazi try to amount to such a thing. Which makes Repeater, the name of the first true Fugazi record, a funny name for it in that, while it marked the beginning of something new, it was probably the only time Fugazi presented themselves as something approaching accessible with the kind of template they set here, for they would not dare to try to replicate (or repeat) it afterwards. Regardless of it all, Repeater still stands as a remarkable record that is a unwitting document of what was about to come in 90s alternative/indie; an uncompromising plant of the flag that lets those who seek to follow Fugazi to know what they stand for and the lengths they were willing to go in order to maintain it, therefore earning awe, praise and respect along the way. The best place to start if you want to know what they're all about.

Post-hardcore of the highest qualify. Music thay makes you want to run through a walk and punch a CEO right in their stupid face, and then teach someone on the street how and why to do it. The rhythm section bulldozes forward, the guitars buzz down anything in their path, and the lyrics and dual vocal attack bite and sting as they attack sociopolitical topics with intensely open eyes and a critically ethical lens. A major development in the genre and huge influence on what came after. Phenomenal album (and still probably not my favorite Fugazi), though the first half is a bit stronger than the back, which is still really good).

Really well executed punk that's raw but not too raw and has fun and interesting instrumentation that has a nice groove

Solid punk rock.

So good. But not even the best Fugazi album.

I listen to this regularly so this will be short lol. Fugazi is one of those bands that I will absolutely judge someone over, and if they can’t fuck with this they don’t get fucked with. Embrace is my favorite Mackaye band but I digress. This is one of those records that every track is perfect. No skips. It’s an experience, if you will. Some bands have an entire lifestyle that matches their music and this is one of them. Automatic 5 stars bitches!

This is my second-favorite Fugazi album after In on the Kill Taker so I'll gladly listen to this any day. And yes I will listen to the version on streaming with 3 Songs because you can't stop me. Turnover starts the album off unsuspecting but by the time Guy starts yelling, you're locked in. Then Ian gets groovy with the title track. Merchandise is upbeat and always gets stuck in my head as a materialistic guy, then Blueprint brings the tone right down. Quit reading this shoddy review and listen to the album!

Probably the #1 most anticipated album of my life. I could easily write 9+ paragraphs about the day I first heard this. I was a huge Minor Threat fan, owned both Fugazi ep’s, and could not WAIT for their first album to be released. Admittedly it’s not my favorite album of theirs (that’s In On the Killtaker) but inarguably it’s the most important to me. It went beyond hardcore. It transcended punk. It felt vital in a way nothing else at that time did. Inspirational, in a way that few other current bands at the time could portray. This is a true milestone in music that I don’t think enough people understand.

When does post-hardcore begin? Right fucking here! Another important album for the history of punk involving Ian MacKaye. Relevance to this list: 5/5 Personal enjoyment: 4/5

How do I review one of my favorite albums of all time without, one, gushing endlessly or, two, listing all the minute details in these songs that stack up to form this galvanizing post-hardcore record? I could talk about the space-filling ways in which Guy Picciotto and Ian Mackaye's contrasting guitar playing blend or the way Joe Lally's crunchy, dub-influenced bass playing complements Brendan Canty's unpredictable percussive patterns to form one of the greatest rhythm sections in all of punk. This album is best described as troubled, and pessimistic but conscious, all while encouraging the listener to understand the world around them. Punk is a genre that promotes cynicism that's often targeted at the artists who risk coming off as disingenuous; be that through their actions outside of their music or lack thereof. Fugazi was a band that stood by the ideas they presented in their music, having never sold out to a major label, or given in to the consumerist shift plaguing the music industry they criticized on the song 'Merchandise'. Alongside capitalist consumerism, themes of violence, division, and even drug abuse are tackled in this album. Picciotto typically approaches these topics in a more enigmatic sense, like in the song 'Blueprint' or 'Sieve-Fisted Find', the former of which pokes at a similar topic as the opener 'Turnover' where Piciotto shows some frustration as he tries to facilitate growth, planning, and change in the face of apathy. Mackaye on the other hand, while generally catchier and more anthemic in his deliveries, is more blunt with his messaging. It's as if he's trying to get the message through to the listener as clearly as possible, as seen on 'Merchandise' and the title track which has one of my favorite choruses here tackling the idea of unprovoked violence. He also does the lead vocals on the closer 'Shut the Door', detailing a heroin overdose. I see this song as Mackaye potentially reflecting on his treatment of drug users in the past given his straight-edge identity. Musically speaking, everything just sounds so damn good. The way the bass pummels you at the beginning of 'Sieve Fisted Find' and 'Repeater' is so electrifying. The title track is probably my favorite song here; I love the sporadic and almost tribal drum beat and the stark contrast between the ear-gratingly noisy tone driving the song and the melodic little riff in its chorus. I love the sudden pauses throughout the introduction of the song 'Greed' and the guitar riff closing out 'Styrofoam' is so unbelievably visceral. 'Turnover' and 'Blueprint' have these sharp and distorted guitar tones that tear through the mix. Fugazi's 'Repeater', to me, is punk in one of its most perfect forms, both in its ethos and in its sound. It sounds very compressed like you're being fed this urgent message through a walky-talky as you stand staring at some oncoming catastrophe not knowing what to do. There is a sense of urgency put on full display here, an effect only amplified by this album's fiery performances.

YOU ARE NOT WHAT YOU OWN WE OWE YOU NOTHING YOU HAVE NO CONTROL

Пушка!!! То чувство, когда у панк-музыкантов скиллов и мозгов чутка больше чем обычно, и получается интересная и чёткая тема. Кончил

This is one of the best albums in the history of music

GREAT BAND AND ALBUM!

Dang, true to form not selling out. They should jam before they die.

Not Punk but clearly of it. Not Grunge but clearly a signpost to it. Faves are - the first 5 songs as a block, and Shut The Door The 3 Songs EP included in this is a nice bonus - Joe 1 is my EP fave.

Look upon my works, ye “punks,” and Despair! Here be no Blink-182s, no Fall Out Boys, but real disaffected malcontents. This is the real shit. All Fugazi is good, but this Fugazi is the best Fugazi. 10/10

Odlične sve stvari!

Loved this album. Dope sounds!

One of the best punk groups!

metal I can get behin

Fugazi is one of those bands that’s difficult to critique. They had such an immense influence on music. Fugazi got America pregnant and birthed a million garage bands. This record is fucking great! The only thing wrong with this album is that it doesn’t have Waiting Room on it.

Ik ben eigenlijk net te laat ingestapt in de hardcore, punkrock en hun post- en emo-varianten, om veelvuldig de grondleggers daarvan te luisteren. Als ik doorklik op post-hardcore op wiki, dan ken ik alle andere bands wel die als voorbeelden worden genoemd. Dit is dus meer eind jaren 80 en begin jaren 90, waardoor het wat grover en wat kaler is vaak. De drums vind ik wel gaaf, vrij droge kale klappen. Soms komt er een geweldig groovend stuk in. En de zang is het beste wanneer het lijkt alsof de zanger 5 meter van de microfoon af staat, want dan blend het het beste in de rest van de muziek. Maar het is uit die tijd allemaal wat ongepolijst en ik ben meer fan van de meer opgepoetste en zuiverder geproduceerde muziek. Al met al kan ik hier wel prima naar luisteren, en ben ik al heel blij dat er dit soort muziek in staat. Ik vind dat er nog betere muziek in het genre is. Maar de kans dat we dat in deze snoblijst ooit tegen gaan komen is vrij klein, dus doen we het gewoon met deze grondleggers. Normaal zou ik 4 sterren geven, maar met het bonuspunt voor het genre klik ik lekker op 5. Bovendien moet ik wat compenseren voor de ratings van de zure broeders waarschijnlijk. :-P

G-G-G-G-GRUNGE P-P-P-P-PUNK