Blind Melon - For My Friends
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Free Music Notes for For My Friends
Free Music Review: Great Album
Hit: 5 Stars
This is an outstanding album with great musicianship by all. Travis Warren is a find.Free Music Review: A worthy entry into the Blind Melon Canon
Hit: 4 Stars
Facing an uphill battle by coming back after 12 years (and with a new and much younger singer and frontman!) it's kind of amazing this album isn't the disaster it had every right to be. In fact, it's a reason to have real hope about the band's future. New singer Travis Warren sounds enough like Shannon Hoon that the band's sound is still recognizable, but not so much so that he sounds like a cheap imitation. His range is similar to Hoon's but his vocals tend to be a little rougher and perhaps a bit more structured. Not a bad thing; he may lack the wild-eyed soul which made Hoon perfect for the job, but when the songwriting really comes together on the new album, Travis's vocals can really shine. Remember, too, that Blind Melon was always a group effort. Shannon may have been the singer but as a songwriter he was merely part of the creative process. The rest of the band proves their worth by playing their hearts out, really putting forth an outstanding musical collaboration.
This is not to say that the album is perfect. It's actually closest in tone, probably, to the original Blind Melon album, with a few standout tracks, and a bunch of interesting but not-quite-there numbers. "Wishing Well" comes across pretty strong, as do tunes like "Father Time" (featuring a nicely evocative guitar lines) "Make a Difference" "Last Laugh" and the wonderful but atypical "Sometimes". Other songs, ("Tumblin' Down", "Harmful Belly") have some nice parts but ultimately come across as kind of meandering, without real solid pop hooks and melody. Like the first Blind Melon disc, this one tends to rely too heavily on mid-tempo Zepplin-esque rockers, and suffers for it in a way which the more diverse "Soup" and "Nico" don't (nothing like tense, mostly acoustic "mouthful of cavities" or even weirdo cannibal ode "Skinned" to be found here). More troubling, the lyrics here are often a bit on the weak side. They can tend towards being something which Blind Melon never was before, and should never be: literal.
Still, ultimately the CD plays like the start of something really cool. If it has it's flaws, they're probably the result of a band overjoyed at being given a second lease on life, and still trying to shake off the rust and get back in the groove. It's not a home run, but I think it qualifies as a solid base hit to prove to the naysayers that Blind Melon definitely deserves a second chance.
Free Music Review: With the Right Set of Eyes
Hit: 4 Stars
I had tickets to see Blind Melon on Nov. 4th, 1995. Unfortunately, Shannon passed away on Oct. 21st, just a few weeks shy of the show. I remember thinking that I would never be able to see Blind Melon play live and I was so depressed. Last week on May 2nd, 2008 that all changed. Blind Melon played the El Rey in Los Angeles and totally rocked. It was so great to finally hear songs from the debut, "Soup" and even "Nico", performed LIVE! Of course, Shannon wasn't there but he created that music and his energy will always be in and part of those songs. The fact is Shannon Hoon can never be replaced. I know that, Blind Melon fans know that, and so does Blind Melon. Travis Warren, the new frontman, is not there to replace Shannon, but rather, to keep the music alive and bring back a great band that's been gone far too long.
With all that said, the new album is solid. There's not a bad song in the bunch. There's not a real radio single in the bunch either, but "Wishing Well" is the closest. Travis doesn't emulate Shannon's style very much at all. I noticed slight "Hoon-isms" but just briefly. Yes, they have a similar range and tone, but their style, energy, and approach to song writing (melodically and lyrically) are completely different. Shannon was a free spirit, so free that he was at times, out of control. That energy is apparent on the first album and especially on "Soup". Travis is a bit more structured and has a controlled and steady energy. That's not bad, it's just different.
I think this album is a great start for the new lineup. I think they're just testing the waters right now. Once the band is together for a while I think they will venture into more uncharted territory. My favorite songs on the album are "Wishing Well", "Down On the Pharmacy", "With the Right Set of Eyes", "Last Laugh" (which is a song Christopher Thorn wrote about Shannon), "Father Time" and "Cheetum Street".
All in all, I definitely recommend this album, however, if you're expecting it to be just like the Shannon Hoon era Blind Melon, you will be disappointed. If you keep an open mind and focus on what the music is and not what it used to be, you should really enjoy it.
Free Music Review: So glad they are back!
Hit: 4 Stars
I grew up in Columbus, MS 10 minutes away from West Point... Needless to say I knew who Blind Melon was before they ever had a record deal. When Shannon passed away, a peice of music died forever.
When I heard there was a new album and a new singer I was extremely concerned I was going to hate it and that I would be further reminded of the loss. I was mistaken. I had the pleasure of seeing Blind Melon play again in march '08 with Travis behind the mic, and the show was amazing. It was a night I will never forget. To see the guys jamming out again and to hear my favorite songs again was un-believable... and then there were the new songs...
They are GREAT! The whole album is classic Blind Melon musically (only sounds like Blind Melon and not this bubble gum crap thrown at us all the time) and the singing is great as well. Travis does NOT attempt to mime Shannon, tho he does sound a bit like him from time to time. I chalk that up to him being a fan of the band his whole life.
I recommend you pick up this album. You will not hear Shannon Hoon... but you will without question hear Blind Melon!
Matt R
Nashville
Free Music Review: Close, but still enjoyable
Hit: 4 Stars
First, I dig the CD. The more I listen to it, the more I like it. BUT. Travis needs to let the music play more often. I don't think there is a musical solo longer than 3 seconds on the whole cd (intros not withstanding). The lyrics are shy of the high expectations Shannon left us.
BUT, it's still a whole heck of a lot of fun, and some(times) songs are pretty dang catchy. I wish they'd make "For My Friends" a single, though, as it has the potential to be a summer anthem. I just don't think "Wishing Well" has the hook, or the musicality to appeal to the masses enough to really be a single. Honestly, it's probably my least favorite song on the CD. With the title track, Sometimes, and Cheetum Street being tops on my list.
Oh, and their concert was all kinds of cool. So much energy.