I tried to think of a snappy title for this one, but the reality is better. Not only have Fugazi released a first-try recording of In On The Kill Taker, but buying it donates to a charity that meant a lot to Steve Albini, who engineered this album. I’ve only ever heard the official, released album, which is canon in the Fugazi collection.

As you might expect, the Albini version has a very different feel. I know all the songs, but it almost sounds like Meat Wave covering Fugazi. The main thing I noticed was the difference in the bass guitar and drums. The snare drum in the Albini version has throat and presence, where that gets muted or gated out on the official version. Bass guitar on the Albini version sounds more twangy (Weston-esque, if you will) but sounds more neutral on the version I’ve heard a million times.

One reviewer on Bandcamp noted that they were glad both versions existed. I agree and love how we can, after many years of getting to know the official version, hear very clearly what Steve Albini brought to the table. Considering that this was back in his early career, it’s impressive to remember that while the finished version was done at a full, professional studio, Steve’s version was done at his house. This was the era where if he liked you, he’d even record you for free.

I can’t think of anything more Chicago than that. Punching way above his weight and providing a world-class outcome from a tiny basement  studio environment.

Back to this album – it was shelved and not released until this year, and done so as a memorial to Steve, but also to benefit Letters Charity. The video at the link above tells the story. It’s nice to hear Steve talk passionately about something that meant something to him. He talked about bands he loved and helped in the same way, and Fugazi was one of them.

I’ll have to listen a few more times, but while there’s something a little less polished about it, I think I like this version better.  Fugazi rode the line between aggressive and measured in their music. Steve caught the aggressive part, where the later, official release aimed more for perfection. Make a donation and see for yourself!