Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Why?
Why arent me and my brother closer than we are? Why wont he come to visit me? I wish this were not the case. I feel so disconnected from my entire family living in California yet at the same time relieved that I do not deal first hand with the drama that goes on there. Everything is personal and none of my business. What the hell?! I think one reason that I never went back for good is because so many things changed around me that it made it unsafe for me mentally to sustain myself there. James and I need to have an adventure. Our own Joshua Tree!
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Inspiration sometimes starts with these lines...
The kindest thing to do would have been to call me on the phone like a person instead of a polite email bowing out. At least I kindly wouldn't have felt like an asshole then.
Friday, July 3, 2009
311 Uplifter Review
I have decided that my skills as a self proclaimed musical prude should not only be used to demonstrate my never ending gift of gab but should also serve as a record of my keen ability to type my opinion into oblivion. So without further adieu, I present the first of hopefully many music reviews. I hope to summon my inner vulture in order to properly pick the bones clean from the decomposing wildebeest that is 311's "Uplifter."
Uplifter is 311's first studio attempt in close to 5 years. Bob Rock has been hired to produce and mix. I think Bob was a great choice and provided 311 with the most dynamic sound that any of their CD's have to offer to date. I do however disagree more with certain audio selections on this presentation than any other 311 issue in their history. The track breakdown:
Track 1. Hey you. In true 311 fashion, the lead track is against the underground norm that the band stands for in order to receive a decent amount of radio airplay ala "Amber" or "Love Song". Kind of a catchy track for someone who isnt a diehard 311 fan. Great harmonies during the chorus but in my opinion a terrible solo interlude by SA Martinez. Poor choice of vocal as well as a complete loss of the rhythm and bounce of the track. The song climaxes pretty well and almost redeems the shortcomings the earlier minutes. Great video guys! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSezXqULS7c
Track 2. Its Alright. This really wouldnt have been my choice for the second track on this album. I actually passed by it for the first week or so that I listened to the CD. 311 likes to start a lot of really good songs with calm, flowing melodies which is great unless you come off of a bouncer like "Hey You" and want to keep it going. Nice bass solo towards the middle letting P-Nut beat that thing, melodic round following the solo and then back to the chorus. I would have liked this track to be just a little longer. Second single? Really? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzWBuHcHVK4
Track 3. Mix It Up. Another track that I passed on for the first few days. Once you get past the miniature train wreck at the beginning the track becomes a funky stone groove. Probably the most righteous groove on the CD. Love it when the track comes to a calm during the second "I was never too good at math anyways" verse at about 1:34 into it. Listen to Tim Mahoney's fuzzy guitar riff hint a little bit of pre-millenium 311 style before it fades away. This track would be rated in the top 3 of this album. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_HPf9URyj8E
Track 4. Golden Sunlight. I feel like I may be repeating myself. Skipped over it for a while but came back and now prefer this song over many others. Such a great relaxing rhapsody. Drawn out Mahoney strums and flowing Hexum vocals break into an epic chorus filled with feelgood emotion and a raw sense of wonder. Bring it down again for another go round. The best part is yet to come for this one. Skip to 2:43 of this one for the real deal Holyfield! Leave it to Doug Martinex to rip out such a memorable climax that I will keep this one on the rewind for a while longer. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d1EJk5gavZg
Track 5. India Ink. This will have to be the most catchy tune on the entire CD. It caught my attention right away and kept on going. It makes me want to do exactly what the song asks, scrawl your name on my arm in a fit of passion. The chorus is lacking slightly but with this killer track grasping your ears in a musical stangle hold it really doesnt matter. Crack yourself a beer and turn the bass up on this one. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KK-ef542Wyg
Track 6. Daisy Cutter. 311 must on all albums write a song for the ladies. In this one Nick tries to impress a sweetie by name dropping his band. Not a very creative track, typical reggae riff mixed with off beat strums and Chad Sextons notoriously tight snare to top it off. Chorus is the best part of the song only to follow at 3:02 by a crowd pleasing breakdown in the action. I do like how 311 uses catch phrases in their songs that remind hardcore fans of lines in previous album hits. For example, "musical laughter..a more beautiful disaster." http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rV7a65wVLXw
Track 7. Too Much Too Fast. Contrary to what many people say about this song I believe it to be a poor attempt at simply filling the CD with tracks. I would really suggest just skipping by it and not giving a second chance. I really dont event think I heard them play it in concert on the debut show. If anything 0:44 of the track has a semi decent interlude. Im am not happy at all with SA's vocal solos in this song. The only thing that couldnt come fast enough was the end of this song. Sorry guys! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8fkM6j5vQM
Track 8. Never Ending Summer. Way to hit the nail on the head with this one! Catchy little Jamacian chant of "3-11 3, 3-11" at the beginning to break into a crowd hoppin, funky, groovin, flowing track that will grace shows for years to come. This song incorporates all the qualities that make 311 likable. They stand for fun, unity, and good times and that is what they have to say here. I definitely want to "rock the hood" and "play it mellow" when this one comes on. Good guitar solo by Mahoney although I would prefer a more traditional sound than the wah pedal, Slash influenced ring it has to it. I do, however, walk around singing to myself, "these are THE good ol' days." Start a show with this one and the crowd will go batty! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_vR66fm19yM
Track 9. Two Drops in the Ocean. Another one that could be merely filler. This is one to listen to if you are just looking to chill and relax after a long day. Other reviews tend to appreciate this one but I know better. I can just see Bob Rock saying, "You really want to burn this one?" I have nothing more to say than that for this one. No real positives or negatives. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0uE16VglqkI
Track 10. Something Out Of Nothing. You said it! Lets play one note and rap a boring vocal track over it while trying to sound insightful. 311 tends to do this on every album that they put out. After a few great tracks they fill some space with nonsense. I find it humorous though that these are always songs that are primarily sung by Doug Martinez. 2:40 brings about a thick solo that ends abruptly with a half vibrato bend, and half open cheeked fart. Its magic that I am still writing about this one as well. Next! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PjZKEmRIpQY
Track 11. Jackpot. This track starts to turn this album around once again. The only thing I think I would make fun of right off of the tee is Hexum's vocal interludes in the first seconds especially the hilariously awkward "woo" at 0:16. This one breaks into an awesome chorus by 1:27 and a great crowd participation chant of "whoa" at 1:44. I believe this one will be kept on constant rotation at future 311 events simply because of the crown pleasing nature of it. All around good tune ala Grassroots meets Transistor. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQ0FOFOw23c
Track 12. My Heart Sings. Our boys last chance on the standard version of the album to pull it together. It was an awesome idea to end with a ballad. Maybe they played it a little safe with the typical Mahoney style reggae riff and soft Hexum vocal but what the hey! Its worked since 1990 so keep it up. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aU6Zl4f-yJ0
Track 13. (Bonus track only found on the deluxe version) I Like The Way. What dont I have to say about this song. Why in the world with all the tracks that screwed the pooch on this album did this one not make it? Im banging my head on the wall every time I think about this. I will proclaim this song one of the finest studio productions in 311 history. There is nothing I can say that I would change about this one. From the lyrics to the instrumentals, my boys perfected their style this time. I firmly believe that there is a 311 track out there for everyone and every situation. This one reminds me of a recent acquaintance and may be why I prefer it ("so many other girls just make my mind slack") Play it loud, then play it again! My hats off to you on this one! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=raTI6Gu49pE
Uplifter is 311's first studio attempt in close to 5 years. Bob Rock has been hired to produce and mix. I think Bob was a great choice and provided 311 with the most dynamic sound that any of their CD's have to offer to date. I do however disagree more with certain audio selections on this presentation than any other 311 issue in their history. The track breakdown:
Track 1. Hey you. In true 311 fashion, the lead track is against the underground norm that the band stands for in order to receive a decent amount of radio airplay ala "Amber" or "Love Song". Kind of a catchy track for someone who isnt a diehard 311 fan. Great harmonies during the chorus but in my opinion a terrible solo interlude by SA Martinez. Poor choice of vocal as well as a complete loss of the rhythm and bounce of the track. The song climaxes pretty well and almost redeems the shortcomings the earlier minutes. Great video guys! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSezXqULS7c
Track 2. Its Alright. This really wouldnt have been my choice for the second track on this album. I actually passed by it for the first week or so that I listened to the CD. 311 likes to start a lot of really good songs with calm, flowing melodies which is great unless you come off of a bouncer like "Hey You" and want to keep it going. Nice bass solo towards the middle letting P-Nut beat that thing, melodic round following the solo and then back to the chorus. I would have liked this track to be just a little longer. Second single? Really? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzWBuHcHVK4
Track 3. Mix It Up. Another track that I passed on for the first few days. Once you get past the miniature train wreck at the beginning the track becomes a funky stone groove. Probably the most righteous groove on the CD. Love it when the track comes to a calm during the second "I was never too good at math anyways" verse at about 1:34 into it. Listen to Tim Mahoney's fuzzy guitar riff hint a little bit of pre-millenium 311 style before it fades away. This track would be rated in the top 3 of this album. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_HPf9URyj8E
Track 4. Golden Sunlight. I feel like I may be repeating myself. Skipped over it for a while but came back and now prefer this song over many others. Such a great relaxing rhapsody. Drawn out Mahoney strums and flowing Hexum vocals break into an epic chorus filled with feelgood emotion and a raw sense of wonder. Bring it down again for another go round. The best part is yet to come for this one. Skip to 2:43 of this one for the real deal Holyfield! Leave it to Doug Martinex to rip out such a memorable climax that I will keep this one on the rewind for a while longer. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d1EJk5gavZg
Track 5. India Ink. This will have to be the most catchy tune on the entire CD. It caught my attention right away and kept on going. It makes me want to do exactly what the song asks, scrawl your name on my arm in a fit of passion. The chorus is lacking slightly but with this killer track grasping your ears in a musical stangle hold it really doesnt matter. Crack yourself a beer and turn the bass up on this one. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KK-ef542Wyg
Track 6. Daisy Cutter. 311 must on all albums write a song for the ladies. In this one Nick tries to impress a sweetie by name dropping his band. Not a very creative track, typical reggae riff mixed with off beat strums and Chad Sextons notoriously tight snare to top it off. Chorus is the best part of the song only to follow at 3:02 by a crowd pleasing breakdown in the action. I do like how 311 uses catch phrases in their songs that remind hardcore fans of lines in previous album hits. For example, "musical laughter..a more beautiful disaster." http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rV7a65wVLXw
Track 7. Too Much Too Fast. Contrary to what many people say about this song I believe it to be a poor attempt at simply filling the CD with tracks. I would really suggest just skipping by it and not giving a second chance. I really dont event think I heard them play it in concert on the debut show. If anything 0:44 of the track has a semi decent interlude. Im am not happy at all with SA's vocal solos in this song. The only thing that couldnt come fast enough was the end of this song. Sorry guys! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8fkM6j5vQM
Track 8. Never Ending Summer. Way to hit the nail on the head with this one! Catchy little Jamacian chant of "3-11 3, 3-11" at the beginning to break into a crowd hoppin, funky, groovin, flowing track that will grace shows for years to come. This song incorporates all the qualities that make 311 likable. They stand for fun, unity, and good times and that is what they have to say here. I definitely want to "rock the hood" and "play it mellow" when this one comes on. Good guitar solo by Mahoney although I would prefer a more traditional sound than the wah pedal, Slash influenced ring it has to it. I do, however, walk around singing to myself, "these are THE good ol' days." Start a show with this one and the crowd will go batty! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_vR66fm19yM
Track 9. Two Drops in the Ocean. Another one that could be merely filler. This is one to listen to if you are just looking to chill and relax after a long day. Other reviews tend to appreciate this one but I know better. I can just see Bob Rock saying, "You really want to burn this one?" I have nothing more to say than that for this one. No real positives or negatives. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0uE16VglqkI
Track 10. Something Out Of Nothing. You said it! Lets play one note and rap a boring vocal track over it while trying to sound insightful. 311 tends to do this on every album that they put out. After a few great tracks they fill some space with nonsense. I find it humorous though that these are always songs that are primarily sung by Doug Martinez. 2:40 brings about a thick solo that ends abruptly with a half vibrato bend, and half open cheeked fart. Its magic that I am still writing about this one as well. Next! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PjZKEmRIpQY
Track 11. Jackpot. This track starts to turn this album around once again. The only thing I think I would make fun of right off of the tee is Hexum's vocal interludes in the first seconds especially the hilariously awkward "woo" at 0:16. This one breaks into an awesome chorus by 1:27 and a great crowd participation chant of "whoa" at 1:44. I believe this one will be kept on constant rotation at future 311 events simply because of the crown pleasing nature of it. All around good tune ala Grassroots meets Transistor. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQ0FOFOw23c
Track 12. My Heart Sings. Our boys last chance on the standard version of the album to pull it together. It was an awesome idea to end with a ballad. Maybe they played it a little safe with the typical Mahoney style reggae riff and soft Hexum vocal but what the hey! Its worked since 1990 so keep it up. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aU6Zl4f-yJ0
Track 13. (Bonus track only found on the deluxe version) I Like The Way. What dont I have to say about this song. Why in the world with all the tracks that screwed the pooch on this album did this one not make it? Im banging my head on the wall every time I think about this. I will proclaim this song one of the finest studio productions in 311 history. There is nothing I can say that I would change about this one. From the lyrics to the instrumentals, my boys perfected their style this time. I firmly believe that there is a 311 track out there for everyone and every situation. This one reminds me of a recent acquaintance and may be why I prefer it ("so many other girls just make my mind slack") Play it loud, then play it again! My hats off to you on this one! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=raTI6Gu49pE
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