The Stiff Sheet: July 1996

Screaming Trees
Dust
Epic

Damn, guys…it’s about time! Four years after their last album, Sweet Oblivion, the Ellensburg band that defined the true Northwest sound are back to further the power of their unique sound. Of course the magic behind this melodic crunch is the vocal/songwriting prowess of Mark Lanegan (the underground king of poetic mastery), who has been busy with his solo career the last few years apart from the rest of the Trees. Now back in the driver’s seat with the Conner brothers (guitar and bass) beside him, they have released an album that demonstrates the continuing development and appeal of the most underrated band of the supposed Seattle scene. Still full of monster sound and tight guitar and drum rhythms, Lanegan’s deeper and mature feel has crept in to create their best well-rounded album so far. Slowing the pace up more often, the Trees slide in a number of tracks that come on slow but very strong, hitting home with much more effect than the usual hard and fast delivery. Combining brilliant guitar work with more of Lanegan’s genius verse, Dust is a satisfying experience for a long but worthwhile wait. —Billy Fish

Slug
The 3 Man Themes
PCP Entertainment

Slowly drifting into the ears like a basement band a few blocks down the street, the new piece of pie from Slug is a very tasty treat to lovers of the 90s ambient sound. Breaking things down to the bare minimum of sound and distortion, Slug gives an eerie delivery of mostly instrumental pieces that float in and out of the noise spectrum, tickling the imagination with wild and uncanny emotion. A refreshing sound for coming out of L.A, the various members of Slug (who all play in other groups and projects), prepare a slow-moving ship (at first) that quickly dips and banks at a second’s notice to continually keep the movement of their tracks fresh and unpredictable. Light and tender, yet quick to become headstrong and abrasive at the drop of a hat, the album is a multifaceted jewel of minimum distortion in the tradition of Some Velvet Sidewalk and Unwound. Drift away from the pull of the mainstream and take a break in the deep pools of sound these underground experimental giants create with their delicate yet powerful music. —Billy Fish

Patti Smith
Gone Again
Arista

Could it be true? Yes, a new record from rock’s original diva. That’s right, no Madonnas,Courtneys, Toris or Morissettes. This is the real thing. It’s to say you either get it or you don’t, but that’s the fact. It is also a little silly to say if you don’t like this record, then you’re thick, so I won’t. I will however disregard your opinion as an intelligent music listener. There is something about every single song on Gone Again that makes you stop and drink it up. Some more than others, but mostly I say it’s the strong lyrical content. That’s the difference between a REAL diva and Alanis Diva. Great lyrics create a distinct mood for a song that is accentuated by the music. So to give this record perspective in the 90s world of ‘any shit will sell,’ you must call it just what it is: Patti Smith’s best record since Easter. Compliments don’t get much better than that. —Maxx

Meshell Ndegeocello
Peace Beyond Passion
Maverick/Reprise

The soul savior album of 1996? Absolutely. Every time I listen to this CD it gets better. Punk rockers, Big Pants People, and fair weather soul/funk listeners need not apply. This record will sail over your head like a Dennis Miller joke in the Mormon Temple. This is one of those rare musical experiences that actually gives you hope that there are still talented people making music in the 90s. God knows there are very few CDs I’ve heard in the last five years that made me think that. If I had to describe it I would be doing injustice to the songs. It is one of the best records I’ve heard. Go to a store and listen to it. If you don’t like it, let someone else buy it who is more deserving. —Mr. Pink

Read more Stiff Sheets from the SLUG Archives:
Stiff Sheet: June 1996
Stiff Sheet: May 1996