REVIEWS FROM MY VINYL COLLECTION

Tag: love/hate

LOVE/HATE – Wasted In America

Riding on a high from the first album (mainly due to the success of the single, Why Do You Think They Call It Dope), they were asked to do a follow up, so Wasted In America was released in ’92. As we all know, that was prime grunge unpleasantness, and for band’s of this ilk that usually meant certain death. For some reason, the record company rejected all the initial songs that the band presented for this record, and after this record they were dropped.

It’s not that bad, and lead off track, Wasted In America, is a great tune that could have been on their first album. Spit – on the other hand – has a killer funky rock vibe mixed some Beatles style psychedelic harmonies. Miss America has a very rootsy deep rock groove, reminiscent of Zeppelin at times. Cream does have a slight Seattle vibe, which is understandable. Yucca Man has more of a sleazy LA groove with a monster riff. I really love this track and it’s definitely my favourite. Don’t Fuck With Me I think is aimed at the label and their obviously different ideas. Overall this album lacks a big tune like Dope. It does have its moments that I do really like.

8.5/10 from The Grooveman.

LOVE/HATE – Blackout In The Red Room

A band slightly different in their approach, as the image was anything but LA glam and sleaze, but the music was the same. When you have a song as huge as Why Do You Think They Call It Dope, it sort of defines who you are. Even though the band recorded 7 albums between ’90 and ’99, it’s this one that gets all the attention. Other than Dope, this album has some great tracks making it a killer debut album.

The title track and opener is a great chunk of LA sleaze with a killer groove. Tumbleweed is a favourite of mine as I love the riff and the key changes. She’s An Angel was a follow up single and a poor choice in my opinion. It’s not a bad song, but something like Tumbleweed or the superb Mary Jane would have had more of an impact. Slave Girl is another killer track with an old school picked blues riff and superb melodies.

A really good album and it’s their best, and a great production by Tom Werman.

9/10 from The Grooveman.