Album Review: Nirvana's Nevermind

Part 2 of my look at Nirvana is here fellow Otaku & Metalheads!

At the beginning of July, I examined the band’s first release, Bleach. While it wasn’t perfect by any means, it was obvious that Kurt & the gang had talent, and overtime it did gain a genuinely following. Now, it’s 2 years after, and the trio crafted something nobody was prepared for in 1991. An album that was a nuclear warhead of an emerging genre of music, and would leave an impact so massive it is still being felt almost 3 & a half decades later. So, put on another one of your flannel shirts, let out a sigh, and enjoy my review for Nirvana’s essential album, Nevermind. Let’s begin.

Background
Taken from Wikipedia: 

“In early 1990, Nirvana began planning their second album for their record company Sub Pop, tentatively titled Sheep. At the suggestion of Sub Pop head Bruce Pavitt, Nirvana selected Butch Vig as producer. The band particularly liked Vig's work with Killdozer. They traveled to Vig's Smart Studios in Madison, Wisconsin, and recorded from April 2 to 6, 1990.  Most of the basic arrangements were complete, but songwriter Kurt Cobain was still working on lyrics and the band was unsure of which songs to record. Ultimately, eight were recorded, some of which were later rerecorded for Nevermind: "Imodium" (later renamed "Breed"), "Dive" (later released as the B-side to "Sliver"), "In Bloom", "Pay to Play" (later renamed "Stay Away"), "Sappy", "Lithium", "Here She Comes Now" (released on Heaven & Hell: A Tribute to the Velvet Underground), and "Polly".

On April 6, Nirvana played a local show in Madison with the Seattle band Tad. Vig began to mix the recordings while the band gave an interview to Madison's community radio station WORT on April 7. Cobain strained his voice, forcing Nirvana to end the recording. On April 8, they traveled to Milwaukee to begin an extensive Midwest and East Coast tour of 24 shows in 39 days.

The drummer Chad Channing left after the tour, putting additional recording on hold. During a show by the hardcore punk band Scream, Cobain and the bassist Krist Novoselic were impressed by their drummer Dave Grohl. When Scream unexpectedly disbanded, Grohl contacted Novoselic, traveled to Seattle, and was invited to join the band. Novoselic said in retrospect that, with Grohl, everything "fell into place".

By the 1990s, Sub Pop was having financial problems. With rumors that they would become a subsidiary of a major record label, Nirvana decided to "cut out the middleman" and look for a major record label. Nirvana used the recordings as a demo tape to shop for a new label. Within a few months, the tape was circulating among major labels. A number of labels courted them; Nirvana signed with Geffen Records imprint DGC Records based on recommendations from Kim Gordon of Sonic Youth and their management company. 

After Nirvana signed to DGC, a number of producers were suggested, including Scott Litt, David Briggs, Don Dixon, and Bob Mould. Novoselic said the band had been nervous about recording under a major label, and the producers suggested by DGC wanted percentage points. Instead, the band held out for Vig, with whom they felt comfortable collaborating.

With a budget of $65,000, Nirvana recorded Nevermind at Sound City Studios in Van Nuys, California, in May and June 1991. To earn gas money to get to Los Angeles, they played a show at Seattle's OK Hotel on April 17, 1991 where they performed "Smells Like Teen Spirit" for the first time. The band sent Vig rehearsal tapes prior to the sessions that featured songs recorded previously at Smart Studios, plus new songs including "Smells Like Teen Spirit" and "Come as You Are".

Nirvana arrived in California and spent a few days rehearsing and working on arrangements. The only recording carried over from the Smart Studios sessions was "Polly", including Channing's cymbal crashes. Once recording commenced, the band worked eight to ten hours a day.

Despite receiving a $287,000 advance upon signing with Geffen, Cobain retained a preference for inexpensive equipment—particularly Japanese-made Fender guitars, due to their skinny necks and wider availability in lefthanded orientation. These included several Stratocasters fitted with humbucker pickups in the bridge positions, as well as a 1965 Jaguar with DiMarzio pickups and a 1969 Mustang, the latter of which Cobain cited as his favorite due to its design flaws. For the album, Cobain bought a rackmount system featuring a Mesa/Boogie Studio preamp, a Crown power amp, and Marshall cabinets. He also used a Vox AC30 and a Fender Bassman. Vig preferred not to use pedals, but he allowed Cobain to use a Boss DS-1 distortion pedal, which Cobain considered a key part of his sound, as well as an Electro-Harmonix Big Muff fuzz pedal and a Small Clone chorus.

Novoselic and Grohl finished their tracks in days, while Cobain worked longer on guitar overdubs, vocals, and lyrics. He sometimes finished lyrics minutes before recording. Vig recalled that Cobain was often reluctant to record overdubs, but he was persuaded to double-track his vocals when Vig told him that John Lennon did it. Though the sessions generally went well, Vig said Cobain would become difficult at times: "He'd be great for an hour, and then he'd sit in a corner and say nothing for an hour."

Vig and the band were unhappy with Vig's initial mixes and decided to bring in someone else to oversee the mixing. DGC supplied a list of options, including Scott Litt, known for his work with R.E.M., and Ed Stasium, known for his work with Ramones and the Smithereens. Cobain was concerned about bringing in well known producers, and instead chose Andy Wallace, who had co-produced Slayer's 1990 album Seasons in the Abyss. Novoselic recalled, "We said, 'Right on,' because those Slayer records were so heavy." 

Wallace's mixes most notably altered the drum and guitar sounds, helping bring a slicker edge to the record. Wallace used kick and snare samples to drive reverb sounds, as opposed to replacing the original sounds. According to Wallace and Vig, the band loved the results. However, they criticized it after the album was released. Steve Albini, who engineered Nirvana's next album, In Utero (1993), said Vig's initial mix "sounded maybe 200 times more ass-kicking" than the final version of Nevermind and that Nirvana referred to it while working on In Utero. He said that Vig was an excellent engineer who "had a good, sympathetic relationship with all the noisy bands he recorded in the 80s", which was why Nirvana had hired him. 

Nevermind was mastered by Howie Weinberg on the afternoon of August 2 at the Mastering Lab in Hollywood, California. Weinberg started working alone when no one else arrived at the appointed time in the studio; by the time Nirvana, Andy Wallace, and Gary Gersh arrived, he had almost finished. A hidden track, "Endless, Nameless", intended to appear at the end of "Something in the Way", was accidentally left off initial pressings of the album. Weinberg recalled, "In the beginning, it was kind of a verbal thing to put that track at the end [...] Maybe I didn't write it down when Nirvana or the record company said to do it. So, when they pressed the first twenty thousand or so CDs, albums, and cassettes, it wasn't on there." Cobain called Weinberg and demanded he rectify the mistake. 

At the time of writing Nevermind, Cobain was listening to bands such as Melvins, R.E.M., the Smithereens, and Pixies, and was writing songs that were more melodic. A key development was the single "Sliver", released on Sub Pop in 1990 before Grohl joined, which Cobain said "was like a statement in a way. I had to write a pop song and release it on a single to prepare people for the next record. I wanted to write more songs like that." Grohl said that the band at that point likened their music to children's music, in that they tried to make their songs as simple as possible. 

Cobain fashioned chord sequences using primarily power chords and wrote songs that combined pop hooks with dissonant guitar riffs. His aim for Nevermind's material was to sound like "the Knack and the Bay City Rollers getting molested by Black Flag and Black Sabbath". Many songs feature shifts in dynamics, whereby the band changes from quiet verses to loud choruses. Grohl said this approach originated during a four-month period prior to the recording of the album, when the band would experiment with extreme dynamics during regular jam sessions.

Guitar World wrote, "Kurt Cobain's guitar sound on Nirvana's Nevermind set the tone for Nineties rock music." Cobain played a 1960s Fender Mustang, a Fender Jaguar with DiMarzio pickups, and a few Fender Stratocasters with humbucker bridge pickups. He used distortion and chorus pedals as his main effects, the latter used to generate a "watery" sound on "Come as You Are" and the pre-choruses of "Smells Like Teen Spirit". Though the album is considered a cornerstone of the grunge genre, it is noted for its musical diversity, which includes acoustic ballads ("Polly" and "Something in the Way") and punk-influenced hard rock ("Territorial Pissings" and "Stay Away"). 

After the release of Nevermind, members of Nirvana expressed dissatisfaction with the production for its perceived commercial sound. Cobain said, "I'm embarrassed by it now. It's closer to a Mötley Crüe record than it is a punk rock record." In 2011, Vig said that Nirvana had "loved" Nevermind when they finished it. He said Cobain had criticized it in the press "because you can't really go, 'Hey, I love our record and I'm glad it sold 10 million copies.' That's just not cool to do. And I think he felt like he wanted to do something more primal."”

Basic Description
Focused yet raw.

Bleach wasn’t a bad album by any means, but it was obvious that Nirvana were definitely learning as they were going. Nevermind meanwhile, was a considerably more polished & focused record. It’s far more on the train-tracks than their first release, staying more solid in terms of it’s consistency. Everybody in the band seems to be more confident when it comes to their instrumentation, and even Kurt’s vocals appears to have improved somewhat. That being said, Nevermind didn’t lose any of the rawness that Bleach introduced 2 years prior. If anything, it seems like the band picked up a little more in that regard, but didn’t lose any improvement in the process.

Best Track
I think it wouldn’t be right not to say Smells Like Teen Spirit is the best song of the album. Sure, the lyrics are absolute nonsense, and sure it’s actually hard to understand what’s being sung most of the time, but Kurt Cobain’s vocal range goes from soft talk-like singing similar to Jonathon Davis, to semi-wailing that’s highly reminiscent of old-school punk. Instrumentation is damn good too, as it seemingly goes between the same mediums as the vocal work. Kurt’s guitarwork is subperb, Krist’s bass playing is fantastic, and Dave Grohl drumming is raw but skillful. If the album was a spear that pierces the musical landscape of the early 90s, then Smells Like Teen Spirit was the tip of that spear.

Smell Like Teen Spirit

However, my favorite track would have to go to Come As You Are. A more laid back song when compared to Smell Like Teen Spirit, it was actually the 2nd single off of Nevermind, and yet I actually consider it rather underrated (More on that in a bit). Again, it’s more laid back when compared to the album’s opener: sure things can absolutely be intense, but Kurt’s vocal work is much more calm here, and both Krist & Grohl back that up with instrumentation that’s pretty similar. I don’t know if it’s just me, but I swear there’s a thin Blues influence in Come As You Are. Very thin, but it’s there if you know exactly what to listen for. Never skip this song for any reason.

Come As You Are

Worst Track
As much as Smells Like Teen Spirit deserves rightfully deserves it’s praise, I’d be lying if I said I don’t find it at least somewhat overrated. It was EVERYWHERE when it got put out on radio & TV back in 1991, and it was overplayed quite a bit. Even the 3 other singles of the album (Come As You Are, Lithium, In Bloom) didn’t seem to get as much playtime as the record’s opener, but I’ll chalk that up to being over 4 years old at the time, and not really remembering much from then. Even so, because of it being played so much, Smells Like Teen Spirit overshadowed most of the music on Nevermind in my view. It’s a shame, since practically every track here is wonderful.

Other
If you’re curious about listening to this album, click on the link below:

Nevermind

Overall Impression & Rating
Nevermind truly was a musical colossal in 1991. Metalheads at the time (and some today tragically) placed the blame of the so-called “Death” of classic metal right at this album’s feet. Truth be told, the musical landscape was changing at the dawn of the last decade that made sense, and this release was an unfortunately easy scapegoat. If they even remotely tried to get past their biases, they’d find that Nevermind is one of the most musicallly inventive albums of the 1990s. Maybe it could be considered overrated in some aspects, but all of the musical influences of the genre are on this record in force, and it all stays with you long after you’re done listening to it. In short, Nevermind rules.

Through sheer cultural impact, Nevermind is easily a well-deserved 10 out of 10. Practically? Screw it, just to piss off the anti-grunge people again it also deserves a 10 out of 10!

And that was my review of Nevermind. An icon of the era of Grunge, it has stood the test of time for nearly 3 & a half decades, and continues to be a great album & a wonder record to represent the 1990s. Well, I’ll be away for the rest of this week for Connecticon tomorrow, so see you all in a few days for that, and see you all at the end of the month for Nirvana’s final release. Until then, take care!

Album Review: Nirvana's Bleach

It wouldn’t be right to NOT talk about Nirvana during the Summer Of Grunge fellow Otaku & Metalheads!

That’s right, Nirvana. The band that became one of the biggest faces of Grunge, if not THE face of the genre, Nirvana has been praised by fans, and villainized by elitists who claim that the band helped “kill” classic heavy metal. Truth be told, Nirvana & by extent Grunge were more metallic than their detractors will ever admit during their lifetime, and that’s just laughable if you ask me! Regardless, the band would become pretty significant quick, but before that their start would stumble a little. So, get on your best flannel shirt, find the right pair of ripped jeans, and take a look at my review for Nirvana’s first ever album, Bleach. Let’s begin!

Background
Taken from Wikipedia: 

“Singer and guitarist Kurt Cobain and bassist Krist Novoselic met while attending Aberdeen High School in Washington state. The pair became friends while frequenting the practice space of the Melvins. Cobain wanted to form a band with Novoselic, but Novoselic did not respond for a long period. Cobain gave him a demo tape of his project Fecal Matter. Three years after the two first met, Novoselic notified Cobain that he had finally listened to the Fecal Matter demo and suggested they start a group. Their first band, the Sellouts, was a Creedence Clearwater Revival tribute band. The project featured Novoselic on guitar and vocals, Cobain on drums, and Steve Newman on bass but only lasted a short time. Another project, this time featuring originals, was also attempted in late 1986. Bob McFadden was enlisted to play drums, but after a month this project also fell through. In early 1987, Cobain and Novoselic recruited drummer Aaron Burckhard. They practiced material from Cobain's Fecal Matter tape but started writing new material soon after forming.

During its initial months, the band went through a series of names, including Skid Row, Pen Cap Chew, Bliss, and Ted Ed Fred. The band played under the name Nirvana for the first time on March 19, 1988, at Community World Theater, Tacoma, Washington, together with the bands Lush and Vampire Lezbos. This concert's flyer, designed by Kurt Cobain, also mentioned all of the previous band names: "Nirvana (also known as... Skid Row, Ted Ed Fred, Pen Cap Chew, Bliss)". The group settled on Nirvana because, according to Cobain, "I wanted a name that was kind of beautiful or nice and pretty instead of a mean, raunchy punk name like the Angry Samoans." The band were initially sued by the British band Nirvana over the usage of the name, reaching an out-of-court settlement. Novoselic moved to Tacoma and Cobain to Olympia, Washington. They temporarily lost contact with Burckhard, and instead practiced with Dale Crover of the Melvins, with whom Nirvana recorded its first demos in January 1988.

In early 1988, Crover moved to San Francisco but recommended Dave Foster as his replacement on drums. Foster's tenure with Nirvana was a rocky one; during a stint in jail, he was replaced by Burckhard, who again departed after telling Cobain he was too hungover to practice one day. Foster would rejoin the band, but after Cobain and Novoselic were introduced to drummer Chad Channing, the band would permanently dismiss him (although not before Foster witnessed the group play live without him). Channing continued to jam with Cobain and Novoselic; however, by Channing's account, "They never actually said 'okay, you're in.'" Channing played his first show with Nirvana in late May 1988. 

Nirvana released its first single, a cover of Shocking Blue's "Love Buzz", in November 1988 on the Seattle independent record label Sub Pop. They did their first interview with John Robb in Sounds, which made their release its single of the week. The following month, the band began recording its debut album, Bleach, with local producer Jack Endino. Bleach was influenced by the heavy dirge-rock of the Melvins, the 1980s punk rock of Mudhoney, and the 1970s heavy metal of Black Sabbath. The money for the recording sessions for Bleach, listed as $606.17 on the album sleeve, was supplied by Jason Everman, who was subsequently brought into the band as the second guitarist. Though Everman did not play on the album, he received a credit on Bleach because, according to Novoselic, they "wanted to make him feel more at home in the band". Prior to the album's release, Nirvana became the first band to sign an extended contract with Sub Pop. 

Bleach was released in June 1989, and became a favorite of college radio stations. Nirvana embarked on its first national tour,  but canceled the last few dates and returned to Washington state due to increasing differences with Everman. No one told Everman he was fired; Everman later said he had quit. Although Sub Pop did not promote Bleach as much as other releases, it was a steady seller, and had initial sales of 40,000 copies. However, Cobain was upset by the label's lack of promotion and distribution. In late 1989, Nirvana recorded the Blew EP with producer Steve Fisk. In an interview with Robb, Cobain said the band's music was changing: "The early songs were really angry... But as time goes on the songs are getting poppier and poppier as I get happier and happier. The songs are now about conflicts in relationships, emotional things with other human beings."”

Basic Description
Rough & Tumble.

Nirvana’s first release is certainly a messy affair, but that’s not to say it’s bad either. Kurt Cobain’s harsh vocals match with the atmosphere & his guitar work equally so, Krist Novoselic kills it on bass, and Chad Channing takes it to the drums like no tomorrow (Also plays the tambourine on the best track of the album). Jason Everman was pictured on the album’s cover & credited in the liner, but didn’t play on the album proper. The rough & tumble nature of Bleach comes from the punk attitude and atmosphere, and while it potentially harms the identity of the album (More on that a little later), it also is a statement from the band as well. 

Best Track
Long before I ever listened to this album, there was always one track I definitely remember listening to on the radio, but I had never remembered the name of it.....until now. About A Girl is about as grungy as one could get, yet there’s a little bit of refinement here as well. You got the raw instrumentation, and you have Kurt’s patented vocals, but the recording & production gives the song a little bit of clarity. The end result is a dirty little tune, that none the less is mildly crystal clear. Definitely a great tune!

About A Girl

Worst Track
While an absolutely awesome album from top to bottom quality-wise, it doesn’t have a solid identity in a sense. Now, this could be due to the intense punk atmosphere, and in which case I’ll let it slide. However, I was oddly reminded of Motorhead’s 1998 release Snake Bite Love as I listened to this: malleable when it comes to identity, but rock solid with everything else.

Other
If you’re curious about listening to this album, then click on the link below: 

Bleach

Overall Impression & Rating
Bleach is definitely a rough start, but it’s not a bad start either. Again, it’s identity is all over the place, but Kurt Cobain & the rest of the band show they’ve got the instrumental & vocal talent to make things work. It may not have been a giant upon initial release, but over time has become quite beloved by many people and is considered a Grunge classic. It might not be the most essential Nirvana album to listen to, but it’s certainly not horrible either.

Bleach gets a 7.5 out of 10.

And that was my look at Bleach. It stumbles here & there because of it’s identity, but when it manages to get some solid footing it’s delightful. Like I said above, it’s not the record you absolutely have to listen to from Nirvana, but it’s certainly not a bad one to listen to either. However, come around 1991, and not only would they release their most important album in the band’s entire career, but the album that would become the face of Grunge itself. See you all around the middle of the month!

Album Review: Green River's Rehab Doll

Man, this month has flown by fellow Otaku & Metalheads!

In the middle of this month, I began examining the pre-grunge era of the genre, starting off with the first release of the Melvins. Today takes us just 2 years after Gluey Porch Treatments’s release, and the band I’m covering today is a little more advanced than that. Not by a massive amount, as the grungy vibes are perhaps a little more potent here, but it’s still as dirty as it should be. So, get just the right kind of psychedelic substances, find the most comfortable spot in your house/apartment to imbibe said substance, and take a look at my review for Green River’s first release, Rehab Doll. Let’s begin!

Background
Taken from Wikipedia:

“In its first practice sessions in early 1984, Green River's members were vocalist Mark Arm, guitarist Steve Turner, drummer Alex Vincent (also known as Alex Shumway) and bassist Jeff Ament. Prior to joining Green River, they had played for a variety of rock, punk, and hardcore groups, often with overlapping lineups. Arm and Turner had played together in Mr. Epp and the Calculations and the Limp Richerds. Determined to start a new band together, they first recruited Vincent, whom Turner had briefly played with in Spluii Numa, as drummer, and then set about convincing Ament to join. He and Turner worked at the same Seattle coffeeshop, and Arm had befriended him after a DJ set by Ament at Metropolis, a local club. Ament had a low opinion of Mr. Epp, but agreed to join the new band due to Turner's persistence and Ament's frustration with Deranged Diction, his band at the time. The first Green River rehearsal was at the Turner home on Mercer Island. Stone Gossard, a high school friend of Turner and Vincent, joined as a second guitarist shortly thereafter. 

The idea for the name "Green River" came to both Arm and Turner independently. Arm has cited several possible inspirations — a local community college, the 1969 Creedence Clearwater song — but the most resonant association was with the Green River Killer, an infamous Washington state serial killer who was prominent in headlines at the time. To Alice Wheeler, a band photographer, the name reflected undercurrents of depression and danger that would come to characterize grunge: Turner later came to see it as "a dumb joke."

On June 23, 1984, Green River recorded their first demos at Reciprocal Recording. They were released on vinyl in 2016. By late 1984, the band was playing shows in and around Seattle. The band began production in December 1984 on its first record, Come on Down.

By the time the band finished the record in mid-1985, Steve Turner had left the group. Turner has attributed this to his increased interest in 1960s garage rock, Billy Childish, and the Replacements, and dislike of the band's new more hard rock and heavy metal material. He was replaced by former Deranged Diction guitarist Bruce Fairweather.

In late 1985, the band embarked on its first nationwide tour to promote Come on Down. Release of the record was delayed, however, thus negating the purpose of the tour. From all accounts the experience was less than positive, though it helped cement alliances with other emerging American indie rock bands. Among them was Sonic Youth, who later quoted the song "Come on Down" on its own composition "Nevermind (What Was It Anyway)". After the tour, Come on Down was finally released by the New York-based Homestead Records. The record was released to little fanfare, and did not sell well. However it is often considered the first record to be released by a "grunge" band, as it predated both the Melvins debut EP and the Deep Six compilation album.

In 1986, the band continued to play in and around the Pacific Northwest to steadily larger crowds (especially in the band's hometown of Seattle). Early in the year, the now legendary Deep Six compilation album was released on the local C/Z Records label. Alongside two Green River songs, the compilation features the music of fellow Washington bands Malfunkshun, Melvins, Skin Yard, Soundgarden, and The U-Men. Kathleen C. Fennessy of AllMusic stated that the compilation "documents a formative period in Northwest rock history".

In June 1986, the band began production on its second EP, Dry as a Bone, with local producer Jack Endino. Green River chose to record Dry as a Bone for Bruce Pavitt's new label, Sub Pop. However, Pavitt couldn't afford to release it until the following year, and, as had happened with Come on Down, the record was delayed. In the meantime the band issued the one-off "Together We'll Never" single on the local Tasque Force Records label. Dry as a Bone was finally released through Sub Pop in July 1987, a full year after it was recorded. It was the new label's first non-compilation release. Dry as a Bone was promoted by Sub Pop as "ultra-loose GRUNGE that destroyed the morals of a generation". Steve Huey of AllMusic called it Green River's "strongest individual release...perfecting their sleazy, raucous fusion of '70s hard rock and post-hardcore punk".

Almost immediately following the release of Dry as a Bone, the group re-entered the studio to begin production on its first full-length album, Rehab Doll. Band in-fighting, though, took center stage over the music. A stylistic division developed between Ament and Gossard on one side, and Arm on the other. Ament and Gossard wanted to pursue a major-label deal, while Arm wanted to remain independent, viewing the duo as being too careerist. The in-fighting came to a head following an October 1987 show in Los Angeles, California. Apparently, without informing the group, Ament had filled the show's guest list with major label representatives, instead of the band's friends; nonetheless only two of the representatives appeared. On October 31, 1987, Ament, Gossard and Fairweather stated their desire to quit the band. Although the band members agreed to complete production of Rehab Doll during the next three months, Green River had by late October 1987 ceased as a band. Rehab Doll was released in June 1988. Ned Raggett of AllMusic called it "a record that sounded caught somewhere between grunge mania and metal/corp rock folly".”

Basic Description
Grungy Buffet.

You definitely hear more of the influences that gave birth to the genre on Rehab Doll than you do with Gluey Porch Treatments before it. Not that the Melvis didn’t help deliver the baby, because they certainly did. However, Green River showed the variety of music styles that Grunge built it’s foundation on. You can hear Hard Rock, Punk, Indie Rock, Garage Rock, and even some Heavy Metal all throughout this record’s run time. Because of that, there’s something for just about everybody to listen to on Rehab Doll. Not only that, but despite the fact there aren’t as many song on this album, all of the songs are longer in length, and stay with you longer because of that.

Best Track
The opening track Forever Means hooked me immediately upon listening to it for the first time. You can definitely hear & feel the Punk attitude on here front & center, yet the other styles you can come across on Rehab Doll sharpens the Punk to a fine edge. The lo-fi like sound just adds to the rawness of it all, and the vocals are somewhat hoarse yet can still be heard without trouble. As dirty as the whole runtime is, you can hear the diamond in the rough easy, and that’s a win in my book!

Forever Means

Worst Track
Honestly, I can’t think of a single bad song on Rehab Doll. Compared to my last review, it’s a more meaty affair (Like I said above), and as such it takes longer to listen to, which in turn means it sticks with you for a greater period of time. Really the only thing I could complain about with be there’s a few moments of “whininess” in some of the songs (Not sure if I should actually use that word), but they’re not frequent. Still, they are noticeable, and those moments might turn some people off.

Other
If you’re curious about listening to this album, click on the link below

Rehab Doll (w Re-Release Tracks) 

Overall Impression & Rating
Rehab Doll was definitely an evolution from prior Pre-Grunge bands. More of the influences of the style were front and center, yet it was still it’s own thing at the same time. Perhaps whiny in some spots, the album none the less has power behind it as well, and lays the groundwork upon which future Grunge bands would build on. Definitely worth your time!

Rehab Doll gets a 9 out of 10.

And that was my review for Rehab Doll. Further building upon the emerging Grunge style, and it’s only hampered by just a few “Whiny” moments. A couple songs shorter than Gluey Porch Treatments for sure, but the songs we get on here are considerably more meaty affairs. Well, tomorrow is July, and as such the 2nd leg of my Grunge journey begins, and it’s on the band that practically embodies the genre. See you then!

Album Review: Melvin's Gluey Porch Treatments

Getting grungy now fellow Otaku & Metalheads!

While it might seem like the genre came out of nowhere once it hit 1990, the truth is that he had actually begun to come out of the dark alleyway a few years prior in the late 80s. A time where Hair Metal, while still beloved by many, was beginning to fade away from popularity for a few reasons. Regardless, it was during this time that bands that formed the foundation upon which Grunge would build it’s home, and today we look at one of those groups. So put on your flannel shirt, get a little disillusioned at the world, and take a look at my review of the first Melvins album, Gluey Porch Treatments. Let’s begin!

Background
Taken from Wikipedia:

“The Melvins were formed in early 1983 by Buzz Osborne (guitar, vocals), Matt Lukin (bass), and Mike Dillard (drums) who all went to Montesano Jr./Sr. High School in Montesano, Washington The band was named after a supervisor at a Thriftway in Montesano, where Osborne also worked as a clerk; "Melvin" was disliked by other employees, and the band's members felt it to be an appropriately ridiculous name.

In the beginning, they played Jimi Hendrix and Who covers, and also began playing fast hardcore punk. Dillard left the band in 1984 and was replaced by local drummer Dale Crover. The band's rehearsals moved to a back room of Crover's parents' house in Aberdeen, Washington. Soon afterward, they started to play songs slower and "heavier" than nearly anyone else at the time. In 1985, C/Z Records was created to document the Washington music scene. The label released Deep Six, featuring four songs by the Melvins. In 1986, the band released their debut, the Six Songs EP, on C/Z Records (later releases expanded and retitled this as 8 Songs, 10 Songs, and eventually 26 Songs in 2003 on Ipecac Recordings). The album was recorded live to a two track at the now closed Ironwood Studio in Seattle on February 8, 1986.

In October 1986, they recorded their first full-length album, Gluey Porch Treatments, at Studio D in Sausalito, California. The album was released in 1987 on Alchemy Records. Gluey Porch Treatments was later coupled with their second album Ozma for the Boner Records CD release. It was expanded again for the 1999 re-release on Ipecac with some garage demos.”

Basic Description
Sludgy Black Sabbath. 

Sounds a little odd to say, since Sabbath were always sludgy in some way. But here, it’s different somewhat. Whereas Ozzy & the gang’s first release was influenced by the nature of their hometown, the Melvins channeled something different. Though later releases from other bands (including themselves) would expand upon this, they channeled the disillusionment of what the youth at the time was feeling. The loss of hope, how perhaps the fantasy of what some of the music scene was just a fantasy, you name it. This is also reflected in the music: the instrumentation is most definitely in the Sabbath style, but there’s also a bit of a punk edge to it as well, adding a bit of speed because of that. Granted, that speed does cause an issue (More on that in a bit), but it adds to the energy that’s contained on this release. 

Best Track
Over from Under the Excrement, apart from it’s goofy name, is perhaps the biggest example of Sabbath worship on this album. Though there isn’t any vocal work to be heard, there doesn’t need to be any when the instrumentation is so brutal! The instrumentation, from the guitar & bass to the drums, is played at a Doom Metal like pace. So doomy, in fact, that it feels like you’re crawling through the mud as it plays. Coupled with raw screeching from the guitars at certain points, it just feels absolutely dirty to listen to.

Over from Under the Excrement

Worst Track
Gluey Porch Treatments’s only fault lies with the overabundance of faster tracks. Only 4 songs are above 2 minutes, while the rest are in the 2 minute range & below (The worst is Exact Paperbacks at 43 seconds). Because of this, it takes a couple turns on the record player or cd player for the album to stick in your head. Quick songs are fine in my book, but if there’s too many, then it’s sometimes a chore to listen to them all.

Other
If you’re curious about listening to this album, click on the link below: 

Gluey Porch Treatments (w Re-Release Demos)

Overall Impression & Rating
Gluey Porch Treatments is an absolutely raw kind of album. The fact that Dave Grohl described this record as heavier than Black Sabbath is a testament to the kind of energy it’s producing. Sure, a majority of the songs go by incredibly fast to the point where a repeat button needs to be pressed at least once or twice, but it’s somehow still obvious that the Melvins came into making this record with a lot of drive & passion. Almost 40 years later, there’s still some porches out there getting some glue.

Gluey Porch Treatments gets a 7.5 out of 10.

And that was my review for the first release from the Melvins. Gluey Porch Treatments, fast as it can be, still delivers a dirty but pleasant musical experience that’s positively delightful. Still metallic enough for the diehards, yet something different was happening underneath it all. So, see you all at the end of the month for another Pre-Grunge progenitor. Until then, take care! 

The Summer Of Grunge Begins!

That’s right everybody! 2026 is the Summer Of Grunge here!

This is honestly a music genre I’ve wanted to cover for a long time. Demonized by old-school metalheads that blame it exclusively for the so-called “killing” of classic metal, and not having enough time in the spotlight, Grunge was actually inspired by a variety of music, and as some Grunge veterans might not admit....metal had more of an influence on it than anyone would expect. Originally I had planed on examining Grunge a few years back, but with the political climate being what it is, and with the vibes the whole world is probably feeling, it seems only right to finally take a look at it. 

So, from this month to August, I’ll be giving you all some big slices of Grunge reviews. June will be all about Pre-Grunge, July will be devoted to the biggest Grunge colossus of them all, and August will take a brief look at Post-Grunge bands & the albums from the style I think are the best. In between those reviews, I’ll still continue to update & fix older posts, so don’t you worry about that. July is also the month where I head off to Connecticon for the weekend, and I’ll have my review for that as well. So, I’ll see you all on the 15th. Until then, take care!


Pre-Grunge: 
Album Review - Melvin's Gluey Porch Treatments

Album Review - Green River's Rehab Doll

Nirvana:
Album Review - Nirvana's Bleach

Album Review - Nirvana's Nevermind 

Post Grunge:
(Will Update Later)

Top 5 Albums Of 2016 (Revised)

Here’s something a little bit unique fellow Otaku & Metalheads.

You might remember from 2016 the top list of albums I had that year. Rather than 5 releases, I put up 10, simply because I had listened to so much music that year it would have been a crime to leave everything off. It’ll be a decade this December since I released that list, but in recent years I’ve been thinking about what I would have done different. Again, my top albums list that year was filled with good music, but in hindsight comes across as exceptionally bloated. So to trim off some fat, I’ve made a revised list of top albums from 2016. Virtually every choice I put here are incredibly predictable, but it’ll be the order that might surprise some of you. So with that said, here’s my revised top 5 albums of 2016. Let’s begin!

5) Septicflesh - Revolution DNA Re-Release (Song)

I stated it back in the original list, but this re-release of Septicflesh’s 1999 album was my least favorite of the re-releases in the mid 2010s. The overall quality was fantastic, and I still stand by that, but what made it disappointing were the bonus tracks. When this came out, it was actually the re-release of the 2005 version of the album: it had everything from the 1999 original, and included 3 bonus tracks, one of which was a version that was already on the album, but with parts that were sung in French rather than the original English. Again, it was certainly disappointing, yet it was nice to see one of the band’s more obscure entries return for newer audiences. The irony was that I had actually bought an original 1999 version earlier in 2016 through sheer dumb luck (Though it did cost me a pretty penny), but I was still thankful that I could get this one. 

4) David Bowie - Blackstar (Song)

I do find it ironic that David Bowie’s swan song was number one on my original list, but is much lower on this revised version. It’s not a bad album by any means: it’s still an incredible experience, and showed that even as he was truly at the razor’s edge of death due to cancer, Ziggy Stardust gave it his all. Sure, it is a bit on the pretentious even a little over a decade since it’s release, yet it remains an incredible piece of art that has stayed within the minds of Bowie’s fans since 2016. It has moved out of my mind for the most part, yet on rare occasions the Blackstar still shines it darkened light on me once in a while. 

3) Korn - The Serenity Of Suffering (Song) 

Korn were continuing their recovery in 2016 with The Serenity Of Suffering. The return of Brian "Head" Welch 3 years prior on The Paradigm Shift gave the band a massive shot of adrenaline to the arm, and it’s still fueling them to this day. The Serenity Of Suffering, despite losing a little bit of heaviness (I genuinely mean a little), still manages to grab you by the throat & throttle you hard, yet moved you at times as well. It’s really funny to listen back almost a decade ago (Officially a decade on the 21st of October of this year) & hear just how well this album has aged, and to continue to feel the unity of the band as well. Definitely an album to listen to if you haven’t already.

2) Devin Townsend - Transcendence (Song) 

It’s insane to me that I didn’t put this at number one on the original 2016 list, or this one. Epicloud may have made my jawdrop back in 2012, but Transcendence blew my mind to the point where I swear it opened my 3rd eye. Every single song is nothing short of beautiful & artistic, whether on the main album, or the B-Side CD that contains some wonderful hidden gems. Devin Townsend, through each & every album he puts out, shows just how creative he was in 2016, and still is today. It does fall a little short when it comes to two of the Japanese bonus tracks (Read here for details), but that doesn’t ruin what is a genuinely phenomenal experience.....yet it just barely missed the number one spot, and for anyone who knows me personally.....you will not be surprised as to what did make it to no. 1.

1) Sabaton - The Last Stand (Song)

Again, none of you should be surprised by this. 

Celebrating it’s decade anniversary on the 19th of August, the Swedes from Falun sing the praises of armies that went through some of the toughest odds in their life. While you can certainly argue that there are many similarities with their prior album Heroes, the difference is subject matter & attempts and musical experimentation definitely sets it apart. It’s a crying shame that this is the album where the criticisms & dislike for the band seemingly began, because this was one of the strongest releases in their career after their split with some of their prior bandmates. An oddity or two in spots for sure, but The Last Stand has made it’s mark, and NOBODY can deny that.

And that was my revised top 5 albums of 2016 list. A more streamline version of what I put out back about a decade ago, the releases I brought back for this one I felt definitely represented that year nicely. Not to say that the other records from 2016 were bad (Because they weren’t), but the ones I put here have just a little more weight to them. And with that, back to some corrections!


***
If you like to take a look at the original list, click on the link below:

Top 10 Albums of 2016

Album Review: Ozzy Osbourne's Diary Of A Madman

Doing something different this Easter fellow Otaku & Metalheads!

In the past, I’ve covered a variety of media that all dealt with faith in some way. From the Christian Hair icons Stryper, to covering the 3rd entry in the God’s Not Dead series last year, it seemed only appropriate to review stuff in that sphere, but 2026 is different. I wanted to look at an album that I got in my basket all the way back in 2017. An album that, if we’re being serious, is perhaps the furthest thing from the rebirth of Jesus as you can get. So, put on your studded Easter bonnet, grab a nice chocolate egg, and take a look at my review for Ozzy Osbourne’s 2nd solo album, Diary Of A Madman. Let’s begin!

Background
Taken from part 1 of my Ozzy Osbourne overview:

“With the incredible success of his solo debut, Ozzy Osbourne & the rest of the band were already setting up & getting ready for their next release, and the public wouldn’t have to wait that long. Released on the 7th of November in 1981, there was only a remarkable 3 week recording period from February to March of that same year, so that shows the incredible skill that everybody had. As stated on Wikipedia:

“Although bassist Rudy Sarzo and drummer Tommy Aldridge are credited in the liner notes and pictured on the inner sleeve for the American vinyl and cassette release and later CD re-issues, it was bassist Bob Daisley and drummer Lee Kerslake who performed all bass and drum parts on the original release. Aldridge has stated of the album, "I think it's pretty obvious that it's not my drumming on that album. I have never taken credit for that recording and have always given Lee Kerslake, whenever asked or interviewed, the credit he rightly deserves.”

Unfortunately, things didn’t completely fly completely straight during then. Also from Wikipedia:

“Daisley provided significant contributions to the album's songwriting, having written some of the music and most of the lyrics. Kerslake claims to have also had a hand in the writing of the album, even performing lead vocals on some of the original demo recordings. "'Flying High Again' was one of my ideas, 'Over the Mountain' was another. The basic (demo) tracks were just Bob's words, my vocals—though some of the words I wrote—and Randy's playing. It was unreal. And then we got Don Airey to come in and do the keyboards", he stated in 2009. Kerslake says he used a piano in the studio to write many of the songs with guitarist Randy Rhoads.  Daisley and Kerslake were not given credit for their performance or songwriting contributions, a situation which resulted in a later lawsuit.

During the album's recording, Kerslake says the band members were given no money to live on, prompting them to approach management. Shortly after, both Kerslake and Daisley were fired. "Everything was working fine," said Kerslake. "It was only when Sharon (Osbourne) came in that we had a problem. When she started managing—taking over—she wasn't the manager until Diary of a Madman. Before that was her brother, David. He didn't really want to handle it. He had too much to do for Don (Arden) in the office. So she came in and it started to get edgy. But we never suspected a thing until we went away on holiday. Next minute, they're rehearsing with Tommy Aldridge and Rudy Sarzo, and going to America.”

Diary Of A Madman would go on to be quite a big hit. To date, it has sold 3 million copies worldwide, and it’s reviews are pretty positive! Steve Huey of AllMusic stated "it's not uncommon to find fans who prefer Diary to Blizzard, since it sets an even more mystical, eerie mood, and since Rhoads' playing is progressing to an even higher level". BBC Music referred to Diary Of A Madman as "a classic rock record in every way", "lifted out of the ordinary by the legendary rock axe god, Randy Rhoads". Finally, Canadian journalist Martin Popoff called Diary of a Madman "a lasting classic that stands as the definitive showcase for Randy Rhoads”. It’s ironic that so many reviews were so positive, since reviews from 1981 at first were not. As an example, J. D. Considine of Rolling Stone, opined upon the album's original release that “the songs here are little more than riffs with a vocal line pasted on top" and referred to Rhoads as "a junior-league Eddie Van Halen – bustling with chops but somewhat short on imagination”. The irony of that is the magazine would change it’s stance on the album, ranking it 15th on its 2017 list of "100 Greatest Metal Albums of All Time".”

Basic Description
Blizzard Of Ozz but better!

Let’s get this out of the way: Blizzard Of Ozz is not bad. Far from it actually! As an album it was incredible, and showed that Ozzy genuinely could hold out on his own as a solo artist alongside other talented musicians. However, it’s lone fault for some lies with it’s age. It is over 4 & a half decades old, and nowadays really shows the wrinkles on it’s face. Diary Of A Madman doesn’t really have that issue: sure, it’s been around for a long time (More on that later), but it’s managed to age the passage of time really well. Not only that, but Diary Of A Madman is an improvement over it’s predecessor, with better vocal work, instrumentation, recording, and production. Can’t go wrong with that!

Best Track
Opening with it’s best foot forward, Over The Mountain is a strong beginning song. We get some drumming for a few moments from Lee Kerslake, only for everyone on instrumentation to come charging in like a thunderstorm right after that. Sure, the beats & rhythms are repetitive for the most part, but the sheer energy of it is nothing short of powerful. Ozzy’s vocals match this as well: his vocal patterns are largely the same throughout the tune’s runtime, but there’s a spot or two where he changes things a little. Coupled with just a little bit of fantasy sewn in, you truly have a perfect opening track!

Over The Mountain

But if I’m being genuinely honest, it’s kinda hard to ignore the title track. Like metal alumni Iron Maiden with their 1992 classic Fear Of The Dark, Ozzy closes the album with an absolute banger. Embodying the lunatic vibes that’s prevalent across most of the record, the song creeps along with it’s instrumentation, punctuated with loud & bombastic moments that feel like they’re out of a horror movie. Ozzy’s vocals are the same way, as they creep along, and then turn up to 11 to heighten the tension. Definitely a tune to creep out your friends & family with!

Diary Of A Madman

Worst Track
Honestly, even with it being 4 & a half decades old this year (It’ll be exactly that old on the 7th of November) there’s nothing wrong. Unlike Blizzard Of Ozz, it doesn’t have the dated vibe to it as much, and every single song on Diary Of A Madman is fantastic!

Other
If you’re curious about listening to this album, click on the link below:

Diary Of A Madman

Overall Impression & Rating
Diary Of A Madman took what already made the wonderful Blizzard Of Ozz so good, and turned the knob up a little. From the instrumentation, to the vocals, to pretty much everything else, Ozzy’s 2nd solo outing showed that the Prince Of Darkness can roll with the punches on his own, and create some memorable music. It may be old, but this is one diary that’s worth looking through. 

Diary Of A Madman gets a 10 out of 10.

And that was Diary Of A Madman. An upgrade from a prior album that was already a classic, it builds on those qualities & shows that Ozzy could evolve in even a short amount of time. Even if Blizzard Of Ozz started his solo run strong, then this carries the torch more so. So with that, it’s back to correcting some more posts. See you soon!