13 Songs

Fugazi | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (April 11, 1990)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Dischord
• ASIN: B000000JO0
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (71 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #14,039 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #18 in Music > Indie Music > Alternative Rock > American Alternative
  • #22 in Music > Indie Music > Alternative Rock > Indie & Lo Fi
  • #23 in Music > Indie Music > Alternative Rock > Hardcore & Punk

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

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

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

39 of 40 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of my absolute faves, May 9, 2003

By 

Nathan B. Hyatt "Psychonaut" (San Francisco) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: 13 Songs (Audio CD)

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.

18 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What alternative really means, February 12, 2000

By 

"the_ninja" - See all my reviews

This review is from: 13 Songs (Audio CD)

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.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars life changing, January 9, 2000

By 

Amber58 - See all my reviews

This review is from: 13 Songs (Audio CD)

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.