Cover Image: Fugazi's In on the Kill Taker

Fugazi's In on the Kill Taker

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Member Reviews

For a lot of people, their first introduction to the DC hardcore scene can be abrasive; either you take right to it or you don't. But, then there is Fugazi. A nearly unclassifiable band which emerged out of the remnants of several classic DC hardcore bands, which are frequently talked about in reverential tones by critics, fans, record collectors, punks, and other music geeks. This book, part of the 33 1/3 series provides a look at (one of) Fugazi's classic albums, In on the Kill Taker. This book may be the perfect introduction to Fugazi for people who "don't get it" (and if you do get it, you should get this book, the interviews with Ian and Guy are worth it alone). Having an understanding of what gave rise to Fugazi, why they play what they play, how they construct their music, and the ethics which act as a philosophical grounding for their sound can provide some critical insight and context which in-turn illustrates the depths of their work - it can help a listener get beyond the initial sonic onslaught. Joe Goss, the author, clearly "gets it" but writes about the album in a way that can act as both an introduction to the noobs and as a nice read for those who already have a detailed knowledge of the Teen Idles and Rites of Spring. The section of the book going over the first round of recording with Steve Albini is especially interesting. Highly recommended for anyone.

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