On their second full length, Fugazi decided to keep control of the boards to themselves. The way they tell the story, none of them wanted to offend any of their bandmates by turning their parts down or suggesting second takes, resulting in a very democratic mix and a very safe album.

But the thing about Fugazi is that even when they play it safe, they’re still making more interesting music than anyone else out there. Cautious or not, Steady Diet of Nothing deserves its place between Repeater, their debut full length, and In on the Kill Taker, their first true masterpiece. And with its purchase, the Fugazi section of my record shelf is complete.