Sometimes dabbling in relative obscurity is a ton of fun. I mean, how many people would know about the Meat Puppets if it wasn't for Nirvana and their 'Unplugged' album? You can pick off a handful of tracks that were Puppets originals and they covered. Why? I told this story so I'll be brief. Cobain loved the Puppets. They toured with Nirvana for years and he always felt they didn't get the respect and following they deserved. Curt Kirkwood was the master behind all the lyrics and the lead vocals of the Meat Puppets. And he really did write some incredible stuff. I mean, out there type stuff, but really interesting lyrics too. My personal favorite after covered by Nirvana 'Oh, Me' is a prime example. And although the vocals on this album leave a little something to be desired - it's signature in the way Dylan's rough vocal is also recognizable. But yeah, same with the following track 'Lake Of Fire'. Everyone knows that song now. But imagine what Cobain thought when reading through the lyrics for the first time. Such an odd mash up of random thoughts and philosophical ideas. Which honestly, can make for the best music. This originally dropped in 1983, but was re-released in 1999 with a bunch of bonus tracks. On first glance, the album was widely praised, with critics loving 'The Whistling Song'. I really enjoy this whole album. It's so obscure and rock n' roll and all those things that make records good. Sure, I enjoy the covers more than the originals, but as with DJ Sammy from last review, gotta put the chicken before the egg. (yeah, I mixed it up). It's odd, but check it out sometime. Well worth a listen.
TRACK LISTING:
1. Split Myself in Two
2. Magic Toy Missing
3. Lost
4. Plateau
5. Aurora Borealis
6. We're Here
7. Climbing
8. New Gods
9. Oh, Me
10. Lake of Fire
11. I'm a Mindless Idiot
12. The Whistling Song
13. Teenager(s)
14. I'm Not Here
15. New Gods (Demo Version)
16. Lost (Demo Version)
17. What to Do
18. 100% of Nothing
19. Aurora Borealis (Demo Version)
Top 3 Tracks:
1. Oh, Me
2. Lake Of Fire
3. Plateau
FINAL RATING:
3.25 out of 5 stars
i did NOT know 'oh, me' was a cover.
ReplyDeleteI think he says that after the song, no? Been a while since I listened to the real album, not the cut off MP3's on my iPod.
ReplyDeleteVery odd when listening to it via Puppets. Very different vibe.