Album Details

• Artist: Joe Lally
• Album: Nothing Is Underrated
• Label: Dischord
• Year of Release: 2007
• ME Rating:
• Reviewed by: solitaryman on 2008-04-30

Former long-time Fugazi bassist takes a 2nd stab at the solo thing on Nothing Is Underrated, and the results are about on par with his previous attempt. Fueled by a drum and bass foundation that creates the grooves on which all of his songs evolve, Joe Lally brings in former Fugazi members and a variety of other guests to wreak a bit of havoc over his catchy rhythms. The songs are mostly short bursts of quaking rock, hanging on an edge of unpredictability and some real gritty songwriting.

Since I am one of maybe 100 poor saps in the world who hasn't spent any time ever listening to Fugazi, I cannot attest to anything Joe Lally is doing here being close in sound or style to his former outfit; but I can say that he stands more than well enough on his own as a songwriter. There's a catchy melody to be found on almost all the songs (love the basslines of "Map  of the World" and the rootsy tribal feel of "Skin and Bones"). 

My mind hasn't been blown, but I am comfortable enough with what Joe Lally is trying to do here. Not my usual cup of tea, but I can see myself going to this record when the mood is just right and not much else looks too appealing. I'm guessing fans of the drum-and-bass sound, Fugazi diehards and loyalists and just plain old rock and roll fans might find something good about Nothing Is Underrated, probably more than I have. 

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