Red Medicine
Fugazi · 1995
43 min · 13 tracks · alternative rock
A raw, experimental blend of post-hardcore intensity and art rock's cerebral edge that pushes sonic boundaries.
Top tracks — play these first
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Do You Like Me — This track opens the album with a punchy rhythm and sharp lyrics that critique self-perception and societal expectations, setting a confrontational tone for the record.
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Bed for the Scraping — Its frenetic energy and complex time signatures showcase Fugazi's signature style, combining urgency with introspective themes about dissatisfaction and societal critique.
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Long Distance Runner — This closing track encapsulates the album’s overarching themes of endurance and struggle, featuring a gradual build-up that mirrors the lyrical journey towards resolution.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's experimental structure and varied vocal styles contribute to its distinct sound within the genre.
What we noticed
- Several songs incorporate spoken word elements alongside traditional singing, creating a layered vocal texture.
- The last three tracks gradually decrease in intensity, with 'Long Distance Runner' ending on a quiet note that contrasts the earlier energy.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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8/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- dynamic emotional journeys
- short, punchy statements
- gradual builds and payoffs
- late-night contemplative moods
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1995, Red Medicine marked Fugazi's fifth studio album, following the critically acclaimed In on the Kill Taker. By this point, the band had solidified their reputation for blending punk ethos with innovative soundscapes, while also navigating the complexities of their growing fanbase and industry expectations.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Minor Threat· At the Drive-In· Shellac
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Latest Disgrace
The lyrics directly address feelings of alienation amidst societal pressures.
The choice to frame personal experiences within broader social contexts emphasizes disconnection while inviting listeners to reflect on their own struggles.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Do You Like Me 3:16
- 2 Bed for the Scraping 2:50
- 3 Latest Disgrace 3:34
- 4 Birthday Pony 3:08
- 5 Forensic Scene 3:05
- 6 Combination Lock 3:06
- 7 Fell, Destroyed 3:46
- 8 By You 5:11
- 9 Version 3:20
- 10 Target 3:32
- 11 Back to Base 1:45
- 12 Downed City 2:53
- 13 Long Distance Runner 4:17
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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