FDF Volume 3 Issue 366 - Silverchair - Freakshow

Album – Freak Show

Artist - Silverchair
Key Players – Chris Joannou – bass. Ben Gillies – drums. Daniel Johns – guitar, vocals.
Produced By – Nick Launay

Release Date – February 3, 1997

Overview - After the massive success of “Frogstomp” the band released this follow up. It was written even while the band was riding the wave of success and they chose to go a bit darker. It was met with positive reviews and the band launched a tour. They'd go on to release three more studio albums before deciding to take a break.

FDF Comments (aka the songs) - The 13 track 49 minute album opens with “Slave” and fans that liked the bands debut are quickly assured things would be the same. The power trio has a heavy, sludge sound on the opening track with start/stop drums and a swampy bass and guitar. “Freak” continues with the big sound and was released as a single from the record. Another single from the record was “Abuse Me” a track that starts off with a more phased out psychedelic guitar. Its a bit more laid back that the prior two songs and Johns has a voice fit for the role. “Lie to Me” has a punk rock romp to it and changes gears for the band which is a nice touch. “No Association” give Joannou a moment up front as he and Gillies build things up. Johns has hushed and dark vocals before he shouts and the band crashes in. It a record that is a slice in time for this era for sure. “Cemetery” was another single that was the “acoustic” side of the band. Typical of the time to show the bands diversity. Its an okay enough song. “The Door” was a song that grabbed me from the very start of this record. Sort of a sitar type sound opening the record, but it just has a tight rowdy groove to it and Johns sounds comfortable with his range. “Pop Song for Us Rejects” is a more acoustic based track that has a campfire sing along element to it. The band uses some strings again to fill in the sound as well, but then stomp on pedals and make everything loud again, which is fine. “Petrol and Chlorine” has the band in full rage mode and they change gears again for “Roses”. The whole record ends strong with a mixture of the heavy to light. Perhaps a bit too often, but overall its a solid vibe.

Where are they now? - The band is currently on an “indefinite hibernation”. The band hasn't ruled out working together but have spun off on various projects and solo efforts.

FDF Overall Take/Was it worth Dusting Off?

It might not have aged the best but its not terrible. These were young kids sort of thrust in to stardom and they turned out okay. A few singles here and there are worthy of your time if you like the straight up rock sound. Dust it off and smile once more, you probably have one of their records in your collection.

Links, find out more, follow em and buy!

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Disclaimer – I am just a music fan. Feel free to comment about something that may be written incorrectly about the band/members etc. I strive to have a fun and enjoyable site. This site used to post mp3s but ran in to many issues. The audio clips provided are usually from YouTube. No copy write infringement is intended. Please alert me if something should be pulled. Finally, support the artist featured, or your favorite artist by purchasing their music, seeing their shows if possible and saying hi. They need your support.

FDF Volume 3 Issue 365 - Alanis Morissette - Jagged Little Pill

Album – Jagged Little Pill

Artist – Alanis Morissette
Key Players - Alanis Morissette – vocals and harmonica. Glen Ballard – guitar, keyboards, programming. Dave Navarro – guitar (You Outta Know). Basil Fung – guitar. Michael Landau – guitar. Joel Shearer – guitar. Lance Morrison – bass (on six tracks). Flea – bass (You Outta Know). Michael Thompson – organ. Benmont Tench – Organ.

Produced By – Glen Ballard

Release Date – June 13, 1995

Overview – It is sort of hard to “forget” a disc that for over 2 years was pretty hard to escape. Of 12 songs there were six singles released to radio. It started a movement in rock and roll. It sold a crap load. It won awards, made her a household name but has the “other” songs on this record gone unnoticed? Lets look. This record will be 20 years old this June! Morissette would release this, her third studio record, after a hiatus

FDF Comments (aka the songs) - Of the 12 tracks 6 of them were released as singles and they charted pretty well both in the US and around the world. “All I Really Want” was actually the sixth single released (not to the US as a proper single, but still if found the radio). The buzzy and grungy guitar set the tone as Morissette attacks the vocals. The drums feel canned some, but there are layers of guitars to match the layers of vocals. “You Outta Know” was the lead off single and you know it, your mother knows it, your Grandmother knows it. Tossing in Navarro and Flea (not sure I ever knew this honestly) was a cool touch to bring even more credit with some bigger names at the time. It still stands up and a song many would ID right away with the sound of the 90s. “Perfect” is the first song you may have forgotten about. A much quieter and acoustic side of her and the band. The vocals do stand out as being solid and the mix is solid with the bass and drums seeming to fill out the space nicely. “One Hand in My Pocket” follows. The amazing thing about this is it reached #1 on US Rock Charts, but didn't even crack the Top 100 for the “Pop” chart. The liner notes are impressive, its just Morissette on vocals and harmonica with Ballard doing the guitars and keyboards. Another track you still hear fairly often. “Right Through You” is another one, not released as a single, and its curious to see a little bit more of a trend as to why. At the start is quiet, but by the chorus it has the urgency of the other tracks. Morrison has a solid bass line, the guitars are pretty rowdy, its really right at home. “Forgiven” is in the same boat. This record really could have been a set of singles to this point and fans would have ate it right up. “You Learn” was the fourth single and “Head Over Feet” was the 5^th . They both charted in various countries, Might chart in one place, but not the other, then they'd flip flop. “Mary Jane” is a pretty song with her vocals really a highlight. She seems to hit ranges she didn't want to go down earlier on the record. The band is subtle, in no rush to get anywhere allowing her to shine. “Ironic” follows and is/was her biggest single ever (released as the 3^rd single from the record). Charting all over the world and it was nominated for a Grammy award. “Not the Doctor” and “Wake Up” are the final two songs (listed) on the record. “Doctor” is very much like “You Outta Know” with her angst. Wake up is a bit more laid back, but still strong. “You Outta Know” appears again as track 13 and its just an alternative take on it. Buried a bit later is a hidden track called “Your House” which is an acapella track that is worth sticking around for.

Where are they now? - Morissette has had success on and off stage. She has been nominated for awards and won many. She released 5 studio albums beyond this, as well as an acoustic version of this very record on its 10^th anniversary. She has appeared in Weeds, Nip/Tuck. Check out her website or wiki page and feel guilty you are not as busy as she!

FDF Overall Take/Was it worth Dusting Off? - Okay okay, as noted you are saying how the heck can a record that had six singles, some of which are still seemingly in heavy rotation and it sold 30+ million copies and awards “forgotten”. I get it, I agree even...but what brings you back around is some of the “other” things she did on this record.

Links, find out more, follow em and buy!

Official Site

Buy It!

Disclaimer – I am just a music fan. Feel free to comment about something that may be written incorrectly about the band/members etc. I strive to have a fun and enjoyable site. This site used to post mp3s but ran in to many issues. The audio clips provided are usually from YouTube. No copy write infringement is intended. Please alert me if something should be pulled. Finally, support the artist featured, or your favorite artist by purchasing their music, seeing their shows if possible and saying hi. They need your support.