Sublime [PA] - Sublime (Punk)

...album of this length, but Sublime seem to pull it off. Having said that there are a couple of tracks that from time to time I do find myself skipping. That may, however, be because I want to find a track of extremely great quality.

Personally I feel the best tracks of this album have to be "What I Got," "Santeria" and “Doin’ Time”. You may have heard of these to as they did have some playing time ...
...The punkier side of Sublime really shows in the chorus of the song, but they don't go over the top.

5. April 29, 1992 (Miami) – This song starts of with a little sample of a police radio and talks about the riots in Miama in 1992. Another catchy song with a powerful bass line to start the song, which are followed later by regular guitar solos and samples. One of the things you must do is listen to the lyrics of this song which ... more

Hi,

Well if you ever hear someone say a bad thing about this album I would be more surprised than Ian Beale. This is one of the truly great albums in my collection and I do have a fair few. It has been a while since I last wrote an op, as I have been struggling for a few ideas to keep you all entertained. How could I forget I thought as I pulled this album off my shelf, this is definitely worth a write up about.

I do accept that everyone’s cup of tea isn't a bit of ska-punk mixed up with some reggae, hip hop and every other kind of music but I do urge you to give this album a listen. The group formed in 1988 in Long Beach California and is a trio made up of Bradley Nowell, Eric Wilson and Bud Gaugh. This self titled album follows two of their earlier albums 40 Oz. to Freedom and Robbin' the Hood. It was released in 1996 and comprises of 17 tracks.

I have always thought it would be hard for a band to keep interest and enthusiasm with the listener with an album of this length, but Sublime seem to pull it off. Having said that there are a couple of tracks that from time to time I do find myself skipping. That may, however, be because I want to find a track of extremely great quality.

Personally I feel the best tracks of this album have to be "What I Got," "Santeria" and “Doin’ Time”. You may have heard of these to as they did have some playing time on the radio, even though this was mainly limited to the States. I cannot imagine anyone saying they didn't like these two in particular, in fact I would be shocked.

Track Listing:

1. Garden Grove - What can I say, this is a great opener. The songs starts of with one of the most pleasant string notes and after about 10 seconds a powerful drum beat. A nice chilled out track which really shows off the band’s full potential. I couldn’t see anyone wouldn’t find this track appealing to the ear, so if you do, you’ve got something seriously wrong. Lol. After hearing this you can do nothing else but wonder what is on the rest of this album.

2. What I Got – This songs got a great tempo and you can really feel yourself getting into the album. Bradley using the acoustic makes some really beautiful sounds, and one of the nicest solos I have heard. He is able to show his true singing talents and this is why this track is one of my favourites. I only wish it was a bit longer being just under three minutes.

3. Wrong Way - A short little number coming in at just over two minutes this is another great catchy song. At this point the tempo of the album starts to speed up a little. The songs lyrics deal with areas such as prostitution in this song, and with their style of music, one would expect that with their type of music this wouldn't work but it really does and it shows the great downsides associated with prostitution.

4. Same in the End - The tempo has really started to pick up at this point in the album and keeps you listening attentively. The punkier side of Sublime really shows in the chorus of the song, but they don't go over the top.

5. April 29, 1992 (Miami) – This song starts of with a little sample of a police radio and talks about the riots in Miama in 1992. Another catchy song with a powerful bass line to start the song, which are followed later by regular guitar solos and samples. One of the things you must do is listen to the lyrics of this song which are fun to listen to. The saxaphone, which is brought in later in the song makes it stand out above the rest.

6. Santeria - If you go to a party and speak to people about Sublime there is always a song that everyone knows and this has to be it. Undoubtedly one of best songs Sublime ever wrote, in my opinion I think there are some which are on the same par as this but this really is what made the band’s name what it is today. A beautiful start with a really pleasant guitar solo. Again this song has great lyrics and a great video as well, although that doesn’t come with the CD. If you listen to one song by Sublime I beg you listen to this one, just listen to it please and I know you will love it.

7. Seed – A really fast pace to start the song which continues throughout which suddenly slows everyone so often and then speeds up again (there is probably a technical term for this but how am I expected to know it.) A very short song at just over two minutes, but it seems to have everything in it, including a great guitar solo. This song is a true example of Sublime exploring a slightly more heavy side to their potential.

8. Jailhouse – Another superb pace with a good story line and is a song which really shows of Bradley’s voice and the slower side of the band. This song is much longer than Seed and is nearly five minutes long. This is not the best song on the album and I expect most people would agree with that, not to say that it isn’t enjoyable, because boy it is. Again a nice little guitar solo breaks up this song and keeps the ear interested. This is probably a song that one would come more appreciative of after listening and enjoying Sublime for a while.

9. Pawn Shop – Again a much slower track and is full of amazing guitar riffs which go through the whole range of notes. You have to wait a full one and a quarter minutes for Bradley’s sweet voice to come, but it is definitely worth the wait. This is the longest song on the album coming in at just over six minutes and a keyboard is even introduced for a little fill. Furthermore there is a catchy ska riff and quite a powerful bass line played throughout the track. This song definitely focusses on the instruments rather than the vocals.

10. The shortest song on the album and also the quickest, after relaxing throughout Pawn Shop in an almost trance-like mood, you are woken up with this powerful song with, what can only be called a Blues type feel to it.

11. The Ballad of Johnny Butt – A great track but when I heard it I was a little bit disappointed as I thought it was going to go somewhere but it doesn’t really. Apart from that if you take it for what it is, it is faultless and nice to listen to.

12. Burritos – A superb song with a nice summery feel to it. The lyrics are clever with this track as the music is really upbeat and the song is all about his laziness and how he “ain’t getting out of bed today,” not even for food or porn (crazy fool ).

13. The song starts of with a distorted guitar solo, this again is definitely one of those songs that you really come to like after you’ve listened to the albums a few times but most don’t like it when they first listen to the album as it is one of the more aggressive tracks. I have to say I love it, but then again I love all of their songs

14. Get Ready – A song about drugs, not the only one on the album but come on, it’s Sublime there’s got to be one or two. Even if you don’t agree with the lyrics, you can’t disagree with the song which is absolutely brilliant. The song really slows down the pace of the album and Bradley is once more able to show the extent of his voice. Great.

15. Caress Me Down – A great song with great guitar and bass lines, the band really explore their reggae side with this song. You might recognise this song as many other bands have played and covered it, which is quite simply because it is a great song.

16. What I Got (Reprise) – The same song as before but with a few minor changes, still I don’t mind listening to it another time and I don’t think you will either.

17. Doin’ Time – One of my favourite songs and when you listen to it, you may not see why, but I love it, I can’t get enough. There is a great feel to this song and it really puts you in the Summer mood, until you look out of the window and realise its SNOWING Argghhh. This song really makes me think of warm beautiful weather and brings back memories of past summers. I can’t really explain why but you might feel the same way, if you get round to listening to it.

Well there are the tracks, don’t forget to listen to it and some of there other stuff to. I love this album as you can probably see and I hope you get the same enjoyment out of it as I do. Sadly shortly after making this album, Bradley Nowell committed suicide on a drugs overdose. God only knows why but if only he knew how happy he made people feel with his music, including me. One of my biggest regrets is not been able to see this great band live and if you got the chance I envy you enormously. If you do like this music then the other two members of the band have formed a new band which is similar to Sublime, called Long Beach Dub Allstars so check them out.

Thanks
Cortex101
As always I love the feedback.

 

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