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01/10/07 02:12 AM: Favorite Albums of All-Time (Part IV)

Q and Not U, No Kill No Beep Beep (2000, Dischord)

I had a hard time picking between this and Different Damage for a Q and Not U record to feature. This is the record that got me into the band, so I figured it was a good bet. I was only a fan for about a year and a half before the band called it quits in 2005, but I was at least able to see them three times at the Black Cat. Other than Fugazi, Q and Not U is what first introduced me to DC music. With their breakup, the disbanding of Black Eyes and Fugazi’s indefinite hiatus, the Dischord empire has for the most part crumbled.

“A Line in the Sand” from this record is one of my favorite songs, and is a fairly good example of the Q and Not U sound. “And the Washington Monument (blinks goodnight)” is another stand-out, with clashing guitars and a driving beat. “Kiss Distinctly American” also demonstrates a slower side, even maybe “prettier” side. It’s a bit difficult to describe this band’s sound. I can pick some rather meaningless genre names, such as “post-hardcore” or “dance-punk” but that’s not helping you understand. There’s a lot of rhythm, dance beats and other unique uses of percussion. I haven’t heard a lot of things like Q and Not U, and I pretty much refer to it as having a “DC sound.” It’s catchy, and makes for great dance music and works well for encouraging speeding while driving.

Q and Not U only produced three records, and I’m just going to suggest picking up their entire catalog. The first three songs of Different Damage are some of my favorite Q and Not U cuts. I wouldn’t want you missing tracks such as “Soft Pyramids” or “So Many Animal Calls.” I really miss the sound of Q and Not U. The closest thing I’ve heard to a band building on this style was an ill-fated DC band, the Guins, that have since disbanded as well. Hopefully someone will revive this sound eventually.