Rating:
Genre:
Rock
Release Date: 04/22/2008
Of all the '90s alt-rockers to hit the comeback trail a decade later,
Blind Melon are at once the most and least likely to mount a return. Their end came suddenly when lead singer/songwriter
Shannon Hoon died of a drug overdose in October 1995, just a few months after their sophomore effort,
Soup, so it seemed like they had a great deal of unfinished business. Unfortunately, much of that unfinished business revolved around
Hoon, who was the driving force behind the band, so it seemed like they couldn't continue -- and so they didn't, fading away after putting out a few posthumous albums that tied up some, but not all, loose ends. About a decade later, the group rumbled back to life, defying all odds and finding in singer
Travis Warren a dead ringer for
Shannon Hoon who nevertheless doesn't seem to be aping the late singer's idiosyncratic quirks. Thanks in part to
Warren, the group's 2008 comeback,
For My Friends, feels like a continuation of the band's '90s work, reflecting the elastic, loping
Blind Melon more than the neo-psychedelic excursions of
Soup. To a certain extent, this sound -- lean and rootsy, even when the amps are cranked -- gives
Blind Melon a passing jam band feel, and that could very well be where the band might be most comfortable in 2008, as there's a sense that the bandmembers just want to get out and play, so they're reconnecting to the roots that led to their 1992 debut. As such, there's not a feeling of forward movement on
For My Friends, but that's intentional: this was designed as a reboot of
Blind Melon, something for themselves, their fans and friends, and while it won't win them any new listeners -- everything that the fans loved about the band is here in spades, as is everything that irritated the group's detractors -- it surely does find the band picking up where it left off.
~Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide
Average Review:
Number of reviews: 3
Write an online review and share your thoughts with others!
HOONfreak
from TN
Blind Melon is BACK !!!!
I could not find words to explain the comeback of Blind Melon. All I can say is it has awakened my spirit that I thought was lost forever when we lost our BELOVED Shannon Hoon and the Band as a whole. Buy the album and judge for yourself instead of listening to AMG reviewers that one day will EAT their words..."there's not a feeling of forward movement on For My Friends, but that's intentional: this was designed as a reboot of Blind Melon, something for themselves, their fans and friends, and while it won't win them any new listeners " you decide for yourself....
Ryan
from Grand Rapids, MI
Alas One of the Most Underrated Bands of the 90's Returns!!!
After 13 years Blind Melon has regrouped with a new lead singer. Shannon Hoon will never be replaced and his music will live on through the rest of the guys and new singer Travis T. Warren. This new album showcases that classic melon sound and at the same time adds a little something different. "For My Friends" is a great album that strays away from all the "POP" music you hear on the radio today. Do yourself a favor and pick it up on April 22nd and also go see them live. It is nothing short of amazing! Key Tracks in my opinion are "Harmful Belly", "Sometimes", and "Wishing Well".
Meredith
from Winchester, VA
For My Friends is Blind Melon!
After a very long hiatus since the death of our Beloved Shannon Hoon the best rock band ever is back with a new album. At first I was sort of skeptical about the reunion but after hearing these new songs and seeing the band live I am in love again!
If you are ready for some really good music and tired of the same old same old this album is for you! Blind Melon is making a real comeback, this band has talent beyond measure. Right Set of Eyes and Harmful Belly are two of my favorite songs!
Cart 0 items
Listen
