Back in high school, I worked at a ski & snow board shop. I started watching snowboard videos and was finally exposed to Punk. Pittsburgh had limited alt radio up until that point. So, for me, there was no exposure to early punk. But through these 'board videos and a monthly music mag video, I had finally been awakened to Bad Religion, Offspring, Pennywise, and many other bands. 311 was the best of these new sounds. Not only was the punk aspect heavy, but the melodies flowed, and the funk was strong. The videos featured the second 311 major album Grassroots, which is awesome in it's own rights. Soon I found their major label debut, Music which had taken the style to a whole other level.
Music starts out with the appropriately titled 'Welcome' introducing 311 fans to their mantra of playing music for enjoyment rather than making money. This was rap/rock at it's finest, almost a decade before Cypress Hill and Limp Bizkit brought it to the forefront as a genre. As with many 311 songs it rotates back and forth with S.A. Martinez & Nick Hexum volleying lyrics back and forth over some heavy guitar. The album picks it up a notch with 'Freak Out' and continues with 'Visit' the 311 ode to getting out to see the world.
'Paradise' comes fourth. Nick sings on this track, rather than the typical rapping. The vocals come out comfortably from Nick, and amply backed by S.A., Unfortunately, this is rarely accomplished on later albums in which 311 had completely lost their groove and vocals come out forced. It's really a great softer break before the collection starts to ramp back up with 'Unity'. The chorus "311 is down with the unity" is repeated throughout, which amazingly wasn't enough to fight off rumors that the band's name if looked at as three 11's (K+K+K) was a reference to their relationship with a hate group.
More rap come through with 'Hydroponic' then the playful groove 'My Stoney Baby'. Track number 8 on Music, is a brave move, as who really has the cajones enough to have a song about their own singer/rapper's style, on their debut album. 'Nix Hex' comes through strong minus the ego, complete with grooves, and curiously at 3minutes11seconds an outro comes on with a reference back to 'Visit'.
Finally the funk chest is sprung wide open with 'Plain', started off with a super funky opening rift. If you didn't think it would get better, you would be left mouth agape as my favorite, 'Feels So Good', their anthem against their haters, continues the album closing four pack. The grooves keep coming at you as "Do You Right' leaves the rap behind for the moment, and the bass and guitar comes out strong. Finally, 'Fat Chance' closes out Music, starting with a rap, and at 1:23 the killer second half sometimes known as 'Fuck the Bullshit' begins. Their lyrical prowess is on full display as the song shows off brovado and political awareness:
311 Music, is one I can listen to over and over again to. It's a throwback to my full energy high school days. Without a doubt, if I was washed up on a deserted island (with a cd player, electricity and this cd) I would have no issues listening to this disc on heavy rotation through the end of my tropical days.
Until next time. when the Desert Album review goes again back to my high school days thinking back to my first exposure to Bob Marley and Chuck D, men in reflective makeup, and songs of skid row.
Enjoy.
For a listen of 311 Music check out iTunes
For more info on 311 check out: wiki/311 or iTunes 311 profile
Other great 311 tracks you may know:
'Amber' - From Chaos
'Beautiful Disaster' - Transistor
'All Mixed Up' - 311
Music starts out with the appropriately titled 'Welcome' introducing 311 fans to their mantra of playing music for enjoyment rather than making money. This was rap/rock at it's finest, almost a decade before Cypress Hill and Limp Bizkit brought it to the forefront as a genre. As with many 311 songs it rotates back and forth with S.A. Martinez & Nick Hexum volleying lyrics back and forth over some heavy guitar. The album picks it up a notch with 'Freak Out' and continues with 'Visit' the 311 ode to getting out to see the world.
'Paradise' comes fourth. Nick sings on this track, rather than the typical rapping. The vocals come out comfortably from Nick, and amply backed by S.A., Unfortunately, this is rarely accomplished on later albums in which 311 had completely lost their groove and vocals come out forced. It's really a great softer break before the collection starts to ramp back up with 'Unity'. The chorus "311 is down with the unity" is repeated throughout, which amazingly wasn't enough to fight off rumors that the band's name if looked at as three 11's (K+K+K) was a reference to their relationship with a hate group.
More rap come through with 'Hydroponic' then the playful groove 'My Stoney Baby'. Track number 8 on Music, is a brave move, as who really has the cajones enough to have a song about their own singer/rapper's style, on their debut album. 'Nix Hex' comes through strong minus the ego, complete with grooves, and curiously at 3minutes11seconds an outro comes on with a reference back to 'Visit'.
Finally the funk chest is sprung wide open with 'Plain', started off with a super funky opening rift. If you didn't think it would get better, you would be left mouth agape as my favorite, 'Feels So Good', their anthem against their haters, continues the album closing four pack. The grooves keep coming at you as "Do You Right' leaves the rap behind for the moment, and the bass and guitar comes out strong. Finally, 'Fat Chance' closes out Music, starting with a rap, and at 1:23 the killer second half sometimes known as 'Fuck the Bullshit' begins. Their lyrical prowess is on full display as the song shows off brovado and political awareness:
Excerpt from 'F the Bullshit' by 311
"Yes, and I am from Nebraska&
My girl is satisfied, you can ask her
You know I've never visited Alaska
You know I've never visited Alaska
Huh, where the oil was spilt
That drunken captain should be killed
For polluting the sea, an atrocity
He still walks free, well
This one goes to all the birds that drown
Fuck the bullshit it's time to throw down"
For polluting the sea, an atrocity
He still walks free, well
This one goes to all the birds that drown
Fuck the bullshit it's time to throw down"
311 Music, is one I can listen to over and over again to. It's a throwback to my full energy high school days. Without a doubt, if I was washed up on a deserted island (with a cd player, electricity and this cd) I would have no issues listening to this disc on heavy rotation through the end of my tropical days.
Until next time. when the Desert Album review goes again back to my high school days thinking back to my first exposure to Bob Marley and Chuck D, men in reflective makeup, and songs of skid row.
Enjoy.
For a listen of 311 Music check out iTunes
For more info on 311 check out: wiki/311 or iTunes 311 profile
Other great 311 tracks you may know:
'Amber' - From Chaos
'Beautiful Disaster' - Transistor
'All Mixed Up' - 311
311, punk? More ska then anything, although they can't hold a candle to the originators of ska-Madness!! They are still the best.
ReplyDelete311 in that era I do associate to Punk, ska is certainly an element of their sound throughout. Their best ska stuff, is from a very early and rare album, WORLD TRIBE, especially the track Sugar!! Keep the comments coming, don't let me get away with any false info!
ReplyDeleteAlright, I just did some double checking on that last post.. 311 did not do WORLD TRIBE, that was ELEMENT
ReplyDeletehttp://www.cdbaby.com/cd/worldtribe
Please allow me to educate you all. Stop listening to this ear candy. May I suggest you get your hands on some Augustus Pablo or any of the Stooges first two records(on vinyal of course). Report back when you have completed this assignment.
ReplyDeleteDirk, I don't know what you are talking about. This music sounds very nice. I am glad I discovered this blog. There are many neat songs I have not heard before, although some of the strong language is offensive.
ReplyDelete