It's difficult to discuss a solo record without examining how it fits with that particular artist's former band. And
Joe Lally's
Nothing Is Underrated is no exception. The first three tracks are perfect examples of what the non-drum-playing members of
Fugazi brought to that band. "Day Is Born" is a prime example of
Joe Lally's contribution, that organic, woody, slow groove that was so prevalent on
Red Medicine; "Scavenger's Garden," featuring the twin talents of Guy Picciotto and Eddie Janney, is a slightly less-hinged affair, with feedbacking guitars à la "Burning" or "Bad Mouth"; and "Map of the World," which features Ian MacKaye, is reminiscent of the quieter explorations of the band that were brought to light on the
Instrument soundtrack. That is -- most certainly -- not to say that
Nothing Is Underrated is
Lally simply rehashing his early work. While
There to Here was a slightly jarring affair, best described as an artist suddenly out on his own and finding his feet,
Nothing Is Underrated is
Lally a bit more comfortable, settling into a really solid groove at times ("Via Nomentana," "Skin and Bone"), calling up a mantra at others ("Motora"), and yet others summoning up the ghosts of
the Velvet Underground without sounding -- as is the case with most bands or artists who try -- like some sort of sycophant.
Nothing Is Underrated is a fine record that shows, without a doubt, that
Lally is continuing to grow as an artist on his own. ~ Christopher M. True