Fugazi's Joe Lally

[SwamiRob]

What the hell are chops? I imagine they're similar to what are usually referred to as stabs by most people I've played with; sharp sounding syncopated parts. That about right?

Lally's an awesome player though, always plays something interesting even when he's keeping things simple. Like dee said it's nice when bands look out to keep a balanced mix, if Lally was made to play through a sansamp with a bugger load of overdrive and added scoop by some douchebag producer then he'd be totally wasted. Fugazis DIY recordings show what can be done if your willing to put the effort in, that and been lucky enough to have one of your members come from one of the biggest hardcore bands ever so you can afford nice gear

 

[capnsandwich]

"Waiting Room" is one of my most favorite basslines in music. Great line, great opening to 13 Songs. It was the first Fugazi song I heard and it pretty much blew my mind.

I was just about to post about Waiting room when I read your post. Awesome bass line and song for that matter. I used to catch Fugazi at the 930 Club in DC when I lived there back in the late 80's and early 90's. I was a minor but I got in anyway.

 

[MakiSupaStar]

I already told this to P McF, but I had the good fortune to be working in the same studio as Joe Lally this week, and was present as he (and Ian Mackaye) finished his solo record. And get this: he borrowed my basses to play on a couple tracks.

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You Jammu bastard!!

Joe is one of my favorite bassists. Very dub influenced. He's a great player.

 

[noahw1]

Joe's the Man and fugazi were/are awesome. I'm still hoping they'll record another album and tour with it. I first saw them when they were touring for Repeater at Gilman St. in Berkeley and have been a fan ever since. I still have a bootleg my friend made of that show. They opened with an instrumental version of "reclamation," I guess at that point it was still a jam.

 

[XXL]

During sound checks when all the other bassists are playing some Tool riff, I play Suggestion or Shut the Door. MY tribute to Joe.

 

[Godbody]

I just rewatched the "Instrument" dvd. Everyone who is at least tolerant of Fugazi should watch it.
Twice.

Fugazi is the only band that I ever really wanted to buy a tshirt from, and they don`t exist. Go figure.

 

[newbold]

Repeater's one of those albums that has shaped my approach to music and my impression of composition.

Awesome thread.

 

[Pitbull Growl]

Fugazi is the only band that I ever really wanted to buy a tshirt from, and they don`t exist. Go figure.

You are not what you own.

 

[Rob17]

I think Ian Mckay should be given some credit for the greatness of Fugazi, he was the brain behind it I would say.

 

[SwamiRob]

Maybe when they started he was the main drive behind them, but as they progressed the others seemed to have alot more impact on the writing.

 

[MilkyMcMilkMilk]

well thanks to this super old thread i'm hearing Ataxia for the first time.
they've got some dirt laden, beautiful tunes.

 

[noahw1]

And how about "By You" from Red Medicine where Joe gets to sing on an album for the first time! Great tune.

 

[HEADLE]

My buddy turned me on to Fugazi and Joe about two years ago. Awesome band and bassist. All of their live shows were recorded and can be purchased as CD's as well. When my buddy was gushing over them and hooking me up I bought him Joe's solo album and Fugazi's last concert for his birthday. Dude was stoked!

H

 

[jonly]

teenage years = minor threat, fugazi and dag nasty. 13 songs was in heavy rotation for us at the time, everyone just expected that I knew waiting room and we still play it today.

 

[ettsn]

Fugazi didn't leave the tape deck in my car for prolly a solid year in high school. Joe had some great lines. Dig the sound, the vibe... good band.

 

[Pitbull Growl]

I think Ian Mckay should be given some credit for the greatness of Fugazi, he was the brain behind it I would say.

Well, I gotta disagree to a point. I think it was Brendan that made that band what it is musically... and lord knows I LOVE what Joe brought to the table... see my profile and my influences. VERY under-rated... much like Scott Thunes from the MOI. IMHO most of Ian's guitar playing was little more than ambient noise... tho in all fairness, I believe the "$5/All Ages" thing was prolly mostly Ian's idea.

 

[Sunnburn]

When I hear Fugazi, I hear 4 guys that Enjoy making music together and enjoy trying out new ideas. It sounds like creatively they just pushed each other while having fun. My fave Joe Lally line is probably "Pink Frosty". That is one of my sound check noodles.

 

[DanAdams]

Many fugazi songs are completely built around the bass line. Most people are familiar with Waiting Room. hum the guitar part in your head, then hum the bass line, the Song is the bass line. But this holds true for SO MANY of their songs. Listen to Reclamation, Listen to Instrument (the song), and so many others.
Generally Joe and Brendan play the Composition, Ian and Guy "paint" or add texture and style to the top. Most post hardcore / post hardcore bands can't do that.
Joe IS the song and the the rhythm section has as much of a signature sound as any other that has ever existed.
I also challenge the notion that Joe is a simple steady bass player, ANYTHING BUT! Joe is the driving force behind the feel of the band. The last few records really push it harmonically and rhythmically.
Anyone who thinks that being a technical bass player means playing lots of notes will always be a bad bassist.
Joe is a top notch rock bass player.

 

[billgoodwin]

Joe Lally is a great bass player and song-writer. One of the main reasons I got a Stingray too.