Aw yes, another post about music. This time I wanted to share a couple of the most surprising changes to me in the progress of two bands.
Bad Surprise: O.A.R.
When O.A.R. released their first two albums independently, they showed potential (at least for creating more catchy modern drinking songs). When they were picked up by a major label, their sound completely changed and became total crap. I thought getting a record deal normally improved a band's sound.
Good Surprise: Muse
When I first saw Muse, they were opening for the Red Hot Chilli Peppers because the Foo Fighters had to cancel out of the show (Dave Grohl apparently can't handle his own partying from time to time). They pretty much sucked that night (of course my FF anger may have helped bias my opinion). Imagine my surprise when I heard them again years later and actaully enjoyed their music.
Just goes to show that all bands deserve at least two listens during their career.
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Granted, there are many albums over the years that have been severely under-rated, but I'm picking 3 I think everyone should check out (if you like the artists' sound that is).
Up by R.E.M. - Definitely one of their darker albums over the years, but this is the one album besides Monster that is a complete listen-through. Every song is at the least bearable and many are great examples of musicians who know how to keep the hits coming.
12 Bar Blues by Scott Weiland - This album is another listen-through. STP had some great songs, but Weiland shines on his own with this album. Any person who enjoys the "grunge" sound will love this album.
Fire on the Mountain: Reggae Celebrates the Grateful Dead by Various - One of the best tribute albums I've heard. Most tribute albums manage to butcher the original songs. At first glance this seems like it could be a candidate for this category, but reggae and the Dead go surprisingly well together.
These albums won't appeal to everyone, but if you're looking for something new to listen to, give these a chance.
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