Something I Learned Today

well, I don’t hate the sound of guitars, but these guys do have a point with this one (lyrics):

Fugazi - Target (live).mp3
I love that Fugazi has decided to dig into their live show archive and release 20 odd shows on CD for the fans, nicely priced at $10 a pop. Details here. “Target” is probably my favorite track from 1995’s Red Medicine. While not their strongest album, there are more than a handful of classics ( “Target”, “Bed for The Scraping” “Do You Like Me?” amongst others ) to make it worthwhile. You should know what Fugazi is all about at this point, so I won’t give the spiel. Their integrity and commitment to the band, the scene, independent music, etc. is legendary. Above all, they seem like a band that truly cares about their fans.

I had the opportunity to meet Ian Mackaye years ago after a show in Rochester. Very down to earth, humble, and welcoming to all those around him. All I could say was “Great fucking show, man”. I was 17 at the time and I was meeting the man who started a revolution in Minor Threat, I had so much to say and yet that was all I could blurt out. Anyhow, I’m amazed that 15 years later I’m still intrigued by the band, their music, everything. I guess it doesn’t hurt that they keep putting out great records. ( see 2001’s The Argument for proof )

Great pics from the Fugazi Gallery at Southern:

starting off a week full of live ones with an old song in a new setting

Pixies - Into the White (live) .mp3
if you haven’t heard that the Pixies are back together then you need to stop reading this and pickup a copy of Spin or something. This is great news for old folks like myself who are stuck living in the past, man. I never had a chance to see them, and unless I’m willing to hoof it to Toronto in November I may not ever have the chance. Anyhow, “Into The White” is a b-side cut from way long ago that has been made a part of the current show ( and latest “Best of” release ) for good reason. A breathless Kim Deal vocal overlaid with a driving rhythm and chaotic guitar skronk, this one is gem that is finally receiving it’s due. This particular version was the show closer for the opening date of their latest tour, April 13, 2004 in Minneapolis. As you can hear, the sound is excellent.

It looks as if some of the latest shows have been officially made available. Info here

A review of this particular show from the self-important blowhards at Pitchfork

kick relax, have some food and drink. It’s the 4th of July for Chrissakes! Let’s get mellow!

X - 4th of July.mp3
a demo cut from X’s “Beyond and Back” anthology two disc set. This would later be the lead single from “See How We Are”. A much mellower, country tinged X on these post Billy Zoom records, but still enjoyable. This song has grown on me over the years, and I can’t think of a better day for it to be played.

One last song for the week on a day when this nutjob is once again front and center:

The Cure - Killing An Arab.mp3
The Cure’s 1979 single, “Killing an Arab” is an instant classic. Starting with a cool descending bass line and then kicking in with sparse guitar full of reverb. This is still one of my favorite Cure songs of all time. The lyrics are often misinterpreted by meatheads and knee-jerk do-gooders. An explanation of the song can be found here. The song is available on either the first US album “Boys Don’t Cry” LP or the “Staring at the Sea” singles compilation. Both are excellent.