Fugazi takes measure with twin Instruments

The best known band that never sold out to the Man has released a stylish documentary, and a surprisingly eclectic CD collection to accompany it. The CD release isn't typical punk, nor is it typical Fugazi, but it should intrigue you nonetheless. On one of their last two albums (I forget which one) Fugazi had strange little between song improv blurbs that tended to annoy more than engage the listener. Here on Instrument, the improv moments are expanded to song length cuts that, fortunately for all of us, engage much more often than they annoy. There are also early and/or updated versions of familiar Fugazi tunes plus some truly cool instrumentals, something the band has always done very well.

The film Instrument was produced by the band and Jem Cohen, a guy who followed them around for almost ten years taping their shows and recording many behind-the-scenes "private" moments for posterity. The film (at the time of this writing) is being screened in European and North American cities (Summer/Fall '99 Instrument schedule) but most of you will probably see it on video. If your favorite video store does not carry this film, consider this a good indicator that particular establishment is in an unhip phase. Get on their case to order it or find a video store that is hip. Or, for a few more clams, you can by a copy of the movie directly from Dischord.

-Mattro

Other Fugazi related items...
Fugazi Discography

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