Release Date: Oct 12, 1999
Label: Polygram International
Genres: Funk Metal, Alternative Pop/Rock, Rap-Metal, Rap-Rock
Number Of Tracks: 13
It's a good bet that this Soundsystem will find its way onto the sound systems of fans old and new.
Soundsystem
Reviewed by:
silhouettica, on february 26, 2007 2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Sound: 311 has always been a ban with several different styles working together to come up with a sound which is not seen anywhere else. On this album everyone is performing at the best they ever have, and the harmonies are incredible. One extrodinary fact about this album is the bass work by P-Nut. This is probably some of the best bass work he has ever done. A latin theme is very proficient after the 5th track (cant fade me), and it is just one of the several extrordinary things that make this a good album. One song which really stands out is Sever. While the lyrics seem smple, they really have a lot of hidden meaning while still having the traditional upbeat sound. all in all, this is defanetly the best 311 record in terms of sound. // 10
Lyrics and Singing: 311 always have incredible thoughtfull lyrics which inspire countless hours of thought. This album is no different, with songs like "Large In The Margin" and "Flowing". These two tracks, along with "Eons" are the lyrical highlights of the piece, and the other tracks are no fillers either. As always, nick hexum's voice shines like the fury of 1000 suns, and the interplay and harmonizing with SA martinez make this album a lyrical delight // 10
Impression: All in all, this is defenatley the best 311 record. It combines just the right ammounts of funk, metal, rock, and latin rythms to form a masterpeace which has not been seen since. the most impressive songs are defenatley "Flowing," "Eons," "Life's Not A Race" and "Sever", all of which contain the right ammount of incredible lyricwork, as well as rythms. My only gripe about it is how leaving babalon is kind of like a low point. That song only gets a 9/10, but the rest are all tens. All in all, a great buy, defanetly go pick it up, and your ears will thank you. // 10
Soundsystem
Reviewed by:
Kaervek, on december 02, 2008 0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Sound: I went to my friend's house one day to smoke shisha and he didn't have any metal. He put this on and I was skeptical because I thought 311 was one of those cheeky alternative rock bands. Man was I wrong, these guys really throw down. The next time I actually started listening to them was in a bar back home in Indonesia. After hours we got really drunk and listened to the greatest hits CD (many songs from this album). Many good memories to these songs. This album is really funky, groove with a deep pocket, but also heavy alternative rock distortion (which, on this album, takes strumming rhythm from metal.) The music, is however, reggae, with rapping (not the best, but entertaining and sounds good) and DJing. The bottom line is that they sound like no other, and very listenable, chill music. Pot-smoking reggae lovers will love this. // 10
Lyrics and Singing: The lyrics are not particularly emotional, but pertain very well to song material. 311 is famous for having the lead singer use an ethereal, echo effect on vocal and sing very harmoniously with the backup singer, who also raps. However, the backup singer's voice is not excellent, but his lyrics make up for this somewhat. // 8
Impression: There's nothing to really compare 311 to except maybe other alternative rock albums. The closest would probably be RHCP, and in my humble opinion, 311 kicks the shit out of them. My favorite songs on this album are Come Original, Flowing, Freezing Time (in that order). I love that this album is totally original, and doesn't steal material from anyone. I don't like the backup singer's voice at times, but the overall groove of the album usually makes up for it. If I lost it I would probably buy it again. (but try downloading it first.) // 8
They outta stop trying to be anything like Sublime, and 311 should open for Pepper, Pepper is better they shouldn't have to be disgraced by OPENING for 311
Pepper DISGRACED are you crazy?I'm sure even Pepper would tell you they are privledged to open for 311.Pepper are not bad, just a less talented sublime-much less talented.311 have been around for a long time and have alot of people's respect.
I've seen both bands seperately. 311 was much better in concert. Pepper was drunk and sloppy, forgetting lyrics and stuff. I like both, but 311 wins hands down. No one is disgraced when opening for 311. Soundsystem is the best tho?! What about "from chaos" or the blue album? Sound quality doesn't necessarily mean song quality.
Its a decent album, freeze time and flowing are good as well, 3rd favorite album behind transistor and grassroots. 311 is one of my favorite bands. Vrstone87 is on crack. Pepper is good don't get me wrong, but 311 has been around for a longgggg time and has paid there dues, pepper still has a ways to go before 311 would ever even think of opening for pepper, if ever.
I hate to say it but this last album "Don't Tread on Me" was in my eyes not a good album. I have been a fan of these guys since 1997 and they are one of my favorite bands. But I think it could have used a lot more punch, yeh know. "Music" is probably my favorite album.. Gotta give the B-sides some love too. "Dancehall" and "bomb the town" are sick tight son! lol..
Speaking of 311 and Sublime, anyone ever hear the interview where someone from Sublime was talking about being on tour with 311 (Warped, I think)? Apparently, the guys in 311 were being stuck up toward Sublime cuz they didn't have a fancy tour bus or anything, so Brad went and erased all the samples from 311's keyboard/sampler. Good times!
ALeMmjon :
I hate to say it but this last album "Don't Tread on Me" was in my eyes not a good album. I have been a fan of these guys since 1997 and they are one of my favorite bands. But I think it could have used a lot more punch, yeh know. "Music" is probably my favorite album.. Gotta give the B-sides some love too. "Dancehall" and "bomb the town" are sick tight son! lol..
VrStone has lost he marbles..
Ive heard that from a more than a few people too, I dunno, I liked Don't Tread On Me, but people seem to have mixed opinions on it.
