Compatible with all MP3 players including iPod, iPad, iTunes and Window Media Player
By calling his latest offering THE LEMONHEADS and claiming that "it sounds like the Lemonheads," Evan Dando seems to be responding to the criticisms that his last efforts have been uneven at best. Consistency is the aim here, and he achieves it with a collection that recalls the Lemonheads heyday: grunge-pop chord progressions, bursts of Dinosaur Jr.-lite guitar solos, and hooky melodies all delivered in Dando's lazy bedroom croon.
Bolstered by a line-up featuring bassist Karl Alvarez and drummer Bill Stevenson--both of Descendents fame--and with guest spots by J. Mascis, the songs energetically reimagine early-'90s alt-rock. None of them are as memorable as his best (like "My Drug Buddy" or the title track from IT'S A SHAME ABOUT RAY), but Dando's druggy charisma and flashes of wit can still carry the day. As he sings on "Pittsburgh," he is still "fading in and out of consciousness/with a little bit of common sense."
Audio Mixer: Jason Livermore.
Recording information: Blasting Room, Ft. Collins, CO.
Introduction bys: Gibson Haynes; Spot.
Photographers: Bill Stevenson; Stacie Stevenson.
The Lemonheads: Evan Dando (vocals); Karl Alvarez (bass guitar); Bill Stevenson.
Personnel: Evan Dando (guitar, lap steel guitar, piano, percussion); Bill Stevenson (guitar, drums, bongos, background vocals); Spot (guitar); Andrew Berlin (piano, electric piano); Garth Hudson (keyboards).
Spin (p.102) - 3 stars out of 5 -- "Dando chooses maximum accessibility, offering agreeably chunky guitar pop..." Uncut (p.100) - 4 stars out of 5 -- "THE LEMONHEADS is a moody, giddy, charming album, as ragged and dynamic as those the band were making half a lifetime ago." Alternative Press (p.200) - "There's still something endearing about his confessions...especially when they're this catchy." CMJ (p.39) - "[The album] gets by on charm, energy and his wonderfully lazy, caramel-coated voice, which has rarely sounded better." Mojo (Publisher) (p.104) - 3 stars out of 5 -- "The Lemonheads have never sounded so feral yet so tight....Predictably peerless on the uptempo romps, the ensemble handles more reflective material with real tenderness too."
Recapturing the Early Energy I bought this with more than a little trepidation. Evan was a lot older and some of the recent albums like his peers were devoid of the piss & vinegar that made them so great to begin with. Not the case here. Great songwriting and loads of energy. Definitely as much fun as the early major-label Lemonheads albums. You will not be disappointed. Submitted by pritzlb (Appleton WI) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
Share this Product