311...in a rut?

WordIsBorn79 · #1 07-16-2009, 04:01 PM

Hello Ladies & Germs,

I just gave their new album a listen, and I have to admit that their last 3 albums have been mediocre, at best. Moreover, P-Nut, who is one of my favorite bassists, does not seem to have any feel left in his basslines like he did back in the 90's.

I started listening to these guys when their second album, Grassroots, came out in 94', and have slowly seen the band's quality of music decline since "Evolver". Does anyone else feel the way I do? I am a loyal fan, so I will always buy their music, go to their concerts, and watch their DVDs, but I just can't help feel this way, especially with P-Nut in the band (seeing him play "Nutsymptom" live in 96' made me pick up electric bass).

Uribam · #2 07-16-2009, 04:03 PM

Sadly, lots of great bands decline after popularity. It's either they get popular so some record exec tells them to change their sound to be radio-friendly, or they stop doing drugs. Take the Chili Peppers, they were doing great punk/funk/nonsense music that I loved for a long time, then they mellowed out and make crap music for radio airplay. Blah I say.

Scott

Bochafish · #3 07-16-2009, 06:36 PM

I felt the same way the first time I listened to "Uplifter." But since then, it has grown on me, and I have been listening to it constantly. Give it a few more spins, especially tracks 9-15, which I believe are better than the beginning of the album.

**funkybass4ever** · #4 07-16-2009, 06:44 PM

I remember seeing them a few years back with Snoop Dog as opening act and they said their new album was going to be real different and great with lots of hip hop and stuff. It is the same old stuff they have been doing for years. I had never seen P nut live and he was a disappointment- he never strayed or challenged the other guys musically. It was so plain and predictable and unexciting-older stuff sounding much better. I am glad they didn't go all hip hop but maybe add more reggae elements. Snoop Dog was actually the better act. 311 is definitely not playing up to their potential.

Pete528 · #5 07-16-2009, 06:44 PM

Uplifter is a great album. It's really meant to be heard live; I saw 311 live a few weeks ago when they were in New Jersey, and I would have to say that they put on one hell of a show. Uplifter is a much heavier sounding album than they've put out in years, so the basslines compliment that. List to It's All Right, there's a pretty slick bass groove there.

And P-Nut was definitely not in a rut that night. He had a bass solo that went a few minutes and he was playing a 10 string bass, even!

MattAT · #6 07-16-2009, 06:44 PM

I still like all of the music 311 puts out. I don't listen to it often but I still think it's good stuff. As for RHCP, I love all of their music. People change, moods change, styles change, attitudes, etc. etc... To me, having all your music sound exactly the same is boring.

The Lurker · #7 07-17-2009, 08:10 AM

I think 311 has got pretty formulaic over the years...

RCCollins · #8 07-17-2009, 08:13 AM

they should bring back that alternating white dude rapping horribly/white dude singing horribly format that linkin park stole of them

van_gogh_bass · #9 07-17-2009, 08:21 AM

Big 311 fan, but agree that their music has gotten a bit formulatic sounding.

I must say that I thought the last Chili Peppers CD was among their best. Sure, they're not doing the same bombastic punk-funk that was their signature sound back in the 90s, but I think the music they are making now is quite appropriate for this stage of their careers. Then again, I've probably mellowed a bit myself!

Jim

ransombass · #10 07-17-2009, 09:07 AM

Transistor was the last album of thiers that I liked all the way through. Since then there have only been a hand full of songs that I have liked.

It seems that they are just calling in thier performances on their records these days. Uninspired and formulaic.

FunkMetalBass · #11 07-17-2009, 09:24 AM

Uplifter wasn't bad if you listened to the second half. The first half, though, was pretty stock.

KPAX · #12 07-17-2009, 03:36 PM

I vote we demote them to 310 until they get it together.

Quote:

Originally Posted by WordIsBorn79

Hello Ladies & Germs,

I just gave their new album a listen, and I have to admit that their last 3 albums have been mediocre, at best. Moreover, P-Nut, who is one of my favorite bassists, does not seem to have any feel left in his basslines like he did back in the 90's.

I started listening to these guys when their second album, Grassroots, came out in 94', and have slowly seen the band's quality of music decline since "Evolver". Does anyone else feel the way I do? I am a loyal fan, so I will always buy their music, go to their concerts, and watch their DVDs, but I just can't help feel this way, especially with P-Nut in the band (seeing him play "Nutsymptom" live in 96' made me pick up electric bass).

KPAX · #13 07-17-2009, 03:41 PM

Actually, the Peppers bombastic punk-funk was the 80's.
Listen to Uplift Mofo and Mothers Milk.
Subway To Venus is crazy.

Quote:

Originally Posted by van_gogh_bass

Big 311 fan, but agree that their music has gotten a bit formulatic sounding.

I must say that I thought the last Chili Peppers CD was among their best. Sure, they're not doing the same bombastic punk-funk that was their signature sound back in the 90s, but I think the music they are making now is quite appropriate for this stage of their careers. Then again, I've probably mellowed a bit myself!

Jim

Lulz · #14 07-17-2009, 03:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WordIsBorn79

Hello Ladies & Germs,

I just gave their new album a listen, and I have to admit that their last 3 albums have been mediocre, at best. Moreover, P-Nut, who is one of my favorite bassists, does not seem to have any feel left in his basslines like he did back in the 90's.

I started listening to these guys when their second album, Grassroots, came out in 94', and have slowly seen the band's quality of music decline since "Evolver". Does anyone else feel the way I do? I am a loyal fan, so I will always buy their music, go to their concerts, and watch their DVDs, but I just can't help feel this way, especially with P-Nut in the band (seeing him play "Nutsymptom" live in 96' made me pick up electric bass).

Since when do YOU dictate what another person feels?

Bass_Trax · #15 07-17-2009, 03:57 PM

From Chaos was the last really good album by 311. Everything from then on has been hit and miss. I understand bands need to evolve (If I was in a major band I wouldnt want to release the same album over and over again either) and since I'm a 311 fan I'll go along for the ride. Besides, their music is much more interesting than most of the bland bands on the radio today.

chondro776 · #16 07-17-2009, 03:58 PM

I have been a rabid fan since I heard 'Welcome' for the first time on the CD player in the back of the Little Caesar's where I worked at in 92 I think.

THAT is some $%)#(@@ music alright.

I saw them rock The Masquarade here in Atlanta better than I have seen done, ever. They played the night that Music went Gold, or Platinum or whatever. Couple of thousand people at best. Point being, they were stoked, and the vibe was electric.

Nick did not sing 'Unity' after the first verse, the Audience did. Perfectly, at that. It was a special night.

The next year, I think was the pinnacle of 311. I saw them at the same venue, but outside in the 'music park'. I am in the Homebrew video. Not that you can make me out or anything...but I can show you about where I was (my most fame ever). That was the night I understood how cool the song 'Visit' is.

I say all this only to point out HOW much and for how LONG I have loved this band.

Unfortunately, I think Grassroots and Music are the only two albums that approached their potential. Even though the production on both leaves a lot to be desired.

Make no mistake, They all have their moments, and I REALLY like some of the stuff off of Transistor and Chaos, but this uber new stuff leaves me sad.

Plus Nick has become more and more of a d-bag as time has worn on. He was wearing white and sporting a mohawk last I saw them.

All that said....they still get my vote for sickest rhythm section in modern rock. Chad is beyond words, and I don't have to explain P-nut's awesomeness around here...

All things change, us, them, music, the world.
Enjoy things while they last.

CapnSev · #17 07-17-2009, 04:08 PM

I thought the new album was a step up from their last few actually. A lot of the lyrics are cheeseball on it, but it still sounds pretty good to me.

Their first three albums are gold from start to finish though- especially Music. I think I'm on my second copy of that album because I wore the first one completely out.

I think Transistor was the turd that clogged the toilet.

AwesomeMcBadass · #18 07-17-2009, 04:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by funkybass4ever

Snoop Dog was actually the better act.

You're surprised by this?
Snoop is the ****in' man, so there's no doubt in my mind he'd be a better act than most.

nothumb · #19 07-17-2009, 04:24 PM

doesn't "in a rut lately" imply that they weren't in a rut at some time in the past? i think a rut might be a step up for them.

CerealKiller · #20 07-18-2009, 05:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uribam

Take the Chili Peppers, they were doing great punk/funk/nonsense music that I loved for a long time, then they mellowed out and make crap music for radio airplay. Blah I say.

Did you even listen to Stadium Arcadium? Yea, it is mellower, but far from being crap. Did it occur to you that maybe the artists themselves want to express themselves in different ways rather than do the same old thing?