Music & Lyrics
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| Robert Christgau | |
| Piero Scaruffi | |
The lyrical content of Steady Diet is more overtly political than any other record Fugazi has released. This is most evident on "Dear Justice Letter" which was inspired by the loss of Supreme Court liberal stalwart William J. Brennan. The band addressed the subject of personal freedom on "Reclamation" and Ian also dedicated "KYEO" to Rodney King during the 'Steady Diet' tour.
Musically the album is far more spare than the band's other works, with the conservative, dry production serving to highlight the rhythm section of bassist Joe Lally and drummer Brendan Canty. "Long Division" and its melodic inter-weaving bass and guitar lines was the band's first foray into pop melodies, while "Latin Roots" recalled the band's earlier dub-influenced stylings, with Canty laying down a Stewart Copeland influenced drum beat. The album is also notable for being the group's shortest, at just under 40 minutes.
Read more about this topic: Steady Diet Of Nothing
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