Silly Name, Superb Talent (Blind Melon - Blind Melon)

Name: TallTone

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Product:	Blind Melon - Blind Melon
Date:	17/07/01 (75 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Clean, crisp production, Brilliant drumming, Heartfelt vocals

Disadvantages: None

If you've never heard of this band, please don't let the name put you off. While I've still to find out what it means (if anything!), I am in absolutely no doubt as to the talent of its members, best illustrated on this debut effort.

The first thing to say is that the production is top notch. Every note comes through clear and crisp - it really lets you appreciate the quality of playing. The drumming is particularly good - extremely lively without ever being intrusive. In modern rock, it is so rare to find anything above humdrum keep-time, that this alone is a good reason to have a listen to Glen Graham's talent. Performances on the guitars (Christopher Thorn and Rogers Stevens) and bass (Brad Smith) are accomplished.

But perhaps inevitably, the focus of most fans is on the frontman, Shannon Hoon. Unfortunately he has already joined the tragically large list of depressingly young talents lost to drug overdoses and the angst that he suffered seemingly most of his life comes through in his lyrics ("Look in my eyes - I've been lots of places; can you tell me honestly you'd wanna be me?"). He has a throaty style that often sounds as though he's on the verge of tears (perhaps he was); at his best on the ballads - I challenge you to listen to "Change" and not be moved. This doesn't mean that he can't hack pace or power - far from it. In fact, the opening track ("Soak the Sin") shows there are no problems on either front.

This is a gem of an album right up there in my all-time top ten. If you never listen to this one, you'll be the blind melon.


Track listing:
Soak The Sin - raw opener
Tones of Home - speculation on city life
I Wonder - definite trip inspiration here
Paper Scratcher - more tripping paranoia
Dear ol' Dad - bitter commentary on child abuse
Change - a masterpiece. Just listen.
No Rain - big single in the US f
eaturing the "bee girl"
Deserted - one written after a big comedown...
Sleepyhouse - ...probably from this high
Holyman - religion: who needs it? Discuss
Seed To A Tree - wasted years past
Drive - wasted years future
Time - life

Summary: