Q and not U - No Kill, No Beep Beep, 2000

It hard to talk about bands from D.C. without mentioning Fugazi, especially one so obviously influenced by the masters of the D.C. scene. And I won't lie, there are parts of this record that scream Fugazi, but really only in the homage category. Largely, and impressively, this band offers us a vision of post hardcore that really does make you think. And not just politically, but about love, life, laundry, and symbolism. These men were not fools, nor talentless copies of success. They created themselves amid the huge weight than can and has destroyed many bands out of D.C., and made themselves stand out by not just being in the right place at the right time, but speaking with voices and instruments melodically, methodically, and with hooks that still get me all these years later. "D-O-W-N and that's the way we get down..." My, my, what a wonder thing. And, my, what a wonderful album. Sadly, their later records didn't have the same depth for me, but this album has been, and always will be, quite near the top of my list of the all time greatest. You will not regret this record. No one does.