The Evens / mp3

“When things should work, but don’t work.”

Nothing turns you into an activist like getting screwed by a public official. I won’t go into detail (at least not until election season), but I am continually baffled that self-serving individuals are continually elected and appointed to public office by the public they are mistreating. I wrote about this phenomenon a while ago, and liken it to the battered girlfriend who sticks with her abusive boyfriend.

Ian MacKaye of The Evens has long been a resident of Washington D.C., and just as long, has taken issue with those who run the district/nation. From the early days of Minor Threat, Teen Idols, and Fugazi, he has spoken out against social ills and done his best to walk the walk. Fugazi regularly plays benefit shows, his bands have never signed to a major label (instead opting for MacKaye own label -Dischord), they keep their ticket and CD prices as low as possible, and their concerts let out at a reasonable hour.

The Evens continue a legacy of speaking out. Joined by Amy Farina (The Warmers, Mr. Candyeater, Ted Leo and the Pharmacists, sister of Geoff Farina) on drums, Ian adds a softer, more melodic foundation to his political explications. The Evens address political bureaucracy, the use of fear as a weapon by politicians, and the importance of learning and using vowels. That “Vowel Movement” is a catchy little number.

Recommended listening:
• All These Governors (2.0 MB)
• Vowel Movement (4.7 MB) / Quicktime Movie from Pancake Mountain
• NPR interview (04.30.05) / Links to NPR page with (evil) RealPlayer story

If you choose to purchase “The Evens,” I recommend that you buy it directly from Dischord. They don’t charge shipping, the price is fair (as low as you’ll find anywhere), and they’ve always treated me right (including thank you notes for making purchases). This kind of ethics espoused by a label born of punk kids should be mimicked by the adults who run the nation.