The Fagettes Cassettes Review Vol. 1 & 2
The Fagettes are one of my favorite local bands, who I’ve only become aware of in the last month. They are a two girl (vocals/sax and bass), two boy (guitar/vocals and drums) band. Their sound is like what would happen if the B-52’s crashed a sound set where the Jesus and Mary Chain were playing. Based on their sound, I could see how some might lump them in with the 60’s/garage tag, but that would only explain a tiny bit of who they are. They could also be classified as a mash up of the Velvet Underground and The Shirelles since the ‘sixties girl group’ theme seems to be a big influence. Another thought might have them sounding like the Velvets or Jesus & Mary if you subtract the depression and existential despair associated with those bands. You could even mention the New York Dolls as an influence, if you subtract that bands over the top flamboyance. What you’re left with is one very strange, fun, interesting and exciting band.
One thing I like about this band is that nothing they do seems to make sense. “What is your proof?” you may ask, “Oh, absurd one.” Well…, it appears they’re very well known but don’t have a website, facebook or reverbnation; just a blog. Everyone I’ve mentioned them to has heard of them, including a virtuoso guitar player from a metal band who I expected, a) wouldn’t know who they were or b) despise them (but his reaction, “Oh, I love those guys!”). They don’t make CD’s, they put out cassettes. Their singer plays a sax, (quite well … not what you’d expect in a sixties/garage band), but plays off mike a lot so it’s hard to tell. Their drummer plays standing up like a rockabilly guy, but they’re not rockabilly. They cover ‘The Dead Boys’, but they’re not a punk band. The girl will sing the “male’ vocal part (like, “While you checked out the other boys,”) and the boy the female vocal part.
In my book all these attributes are pluses. You see, chickadee, they have no effect on the final product at hand, my good man. And I lucked out, since my car is so-oh-oh old and has a cassette player. But have no fear, you too can download or listen to their tunes for free (here’s the link).
The cassettes are short with only four songs total. And although they pale in comparison to seeing them live, they are very, very good. I think the second volume is better than the first (always a good sign). I could describe their sound as echo-ey and lo-fi. They feature a simple (but effective) rhythm section with a more intricate guitar layered on top and staright male vocals accompanied by wailing female vocals. But that description sounds dull even to a dullard like myself- so, strike that. Let’s talk about some of the tunes.
“I Wanna Feel Good,” starts with some menacing bass almost like a song from Funhouse by The Stooges. Then it explodes into the chorus with Melanie Bernier howling, “I wanna feel good,”. Which is exactly how I feel. Great song.
“Water, Tea and Alcohol,” (the first two I like, but the third I have utter disdain for) is built off a country blues lick and evolves into a roaring chorus. Another great tune as well.
“You’re Destroyin’ Me,” (great title) has a bass line that’s similar to “Mystery Achievement” (by The Pretenders). The girl group influence is in full force here. This time it’s the usually placid male vocal screaming at the top of his lungs, but it’s top of the tops for me, too.
“Catholic Riff Raff and The Allston Amazon”, how’s that for a title? More girl group pop with the great line, “I thought it was a hangover/ But it’s my heart.”
I could go on and on (like I do and do), but I like all the tunes. One thing this band reminds me of is what bands were like around Boston in the late 70’s/early 80’s punk/new wave scene. A lot of bands didn’t make sense then; a lot of mixing of technically good players with not as good, odd juxtapositions, unique frontmen, odd pairings, so to speak; round pegs fitting into square holes (not exactly at first, but better in the end).
My words pale in comparison to the fun and creativity these guys express. “Cause after all, they’re only words and words are all I have to take your heart away”. Check them out, see them live especially and listen to them internet-ally. If you don’t check them out, I swear- I’ll set my nosehairs afire and invade your peaceful domiciles- every last one of you!
(Jim Slimedog)
