3
311
Before the term "frat-rock" was a thing, hell, before the internet was even around & broke down genres to a microscopic level & invented sub-genres & sub-sub-genres (see "Yacht Rock") ultimately re-branding legendary artists- wait-what was my point? I'm getting off track... what I'm trying to say is BEFORE ALL THIS (& that) there was 3-mother-fuckin'-11.
First off, any band that can make a name for themselves in an over-populated field like music deserves some respect; but a band from NEBRASKA that can do something like this deserves respect AND praise. The band formed in 1988 in Omaha, Nebraska. After spending their formative years killin' it in Nebraska, the band, which consists of Nick Hexum (guitar and vocals), Tim Mahoney (lead guitar), bassist P-Nut (you read that correct), Chad Sexton (drums) and Doug Martinez (vocals and turntables), moved to Los Angeles, signed to an independent label and, little did they know, would be on their way to selling more than eight million records in the U.S. alone. After dropping two short self-released efforts, 311 signed to Capricorn Records in 1992 thanks to their unique alt-rock approach which blended elements of jazz, metal, and reggae. Recording one of the decade's greatest albums (see their self-titled 1995 debut album), the band would find themselves scoring a No. 1 single on Billboard's Alternative Songs chart with 1996's "Down". This band would continue to release certified smashes with the triplet of great albums: '97's Transistor, '99's Soundsystem, and 2001's From Chaos.
To bring up another point, this band often gets short-listed on people's NOSTALGIA list or the "I liked them in middle-school" excuse (whatever the hell that means) but this is a band that has been putting out consistently good albums... SINCE 1988! Seriously, their last three albums (2011's Universal Pulse, 2014's Stereolithic, & 2017's Mosaic) have all included songs on them that one could argue are some of the band's best.
In short, this band deserves the respect & appreciation they get from their fans, and deserves at least the respect from the haters. Speaking of their fans- holy smokes- if you ever see 311 live (& I highly recommend you do) you will realize two things:
1.) They put on a great show 2.) Their fans are as devoted as they come.
Let's cut the crap. Anyone who has heard "Amber" knows this band is legit. If you think that song sucks- you need to get your hearing checked. If your hearing is fine & you still think it sucks- you need to get a life adjustment.
My Top 5 Favorite 311 Songs
1. "Gap"
2. "Amber"
3. "Don't Stay Home"
4. "Beyond the Gray Sky"
5. "Champagne"
For the newbies out there who have never gotten into the band... I would recommend one of their three compilations... either 2004's Greatest Hits '93-03, 2010's Playlist: The Very Best of 311 or the more comprehensive, 2016's 2-disc set The Essential 311
For the oldies who are into the band already... may I still give you a recommendation: 2015's box set Archive and 2019's documentary Enlarge to Show Detail 3.
You know what time it is? It's time to get ill. No really... what time is it...?
311
311
First off, any band that can make a name for themselves in an over-populated field like music deserves some respect; but a band from NEBRASKA that can do something like this deserves respect AND praise. The band formed in 1988 in Omaha, Nebraska. After spending their formative years killin' it in Nebraska, the band, which consists of Nick Hexum (guitar and vocals), Tim Mahoney (lead guitar), bassist P-Nut (you read that correct), Chad Sexton (drums) and Doug Martinez (vocals and turntables), moved to Los Angeles, signed to an independent label and, little did they know, would be on their way to selling more than eight million records in the U.S. alone. After dropping two short self-released efforts, 311 signed to Capricorn Records in 1992 thanks to their unique alt-rock approach which blended elements of jazz, metal, and reggae. Recording one of the decade's greatest albums (see their self-titled 1995 debut album), the band would find themselves scoring a No. 1 single on Billboard's Alternative Songs chart with 1996's "Down". This band would continue to release certified smashes with the triplet of great albums: '97's Transistor, '99's Soundsystem, and 2001's From Chaos.
To bring up another point, this band often gets short-listed on people's NOSTALGIA list or the "I liked them in middle-school" excuse (whatever the hell that means) but this is a band that has been putting out consistently good albums... SINCE 1988! Seriously, their last three albums (2011's Universal Pulse, 2014's Stereolithic, & 2017's Mosaic) have all included songs on them that one could argue are some of the band's best.
In short, this band deserves the respect & appreciation they get from their fans, and deserves at least the respect from the haters. Speaking of their fans- holy smokes- if you ever see 311 live (& I highly recommend you do) you will realize two things:
1.) They put on a great show 2.) Their fans are as devoted as they come.
Let's cut the crap. Anyone who has heard "Amber" knows this band is legit. If you think that song sucks- you need to get your hearing checked. If your hearing is fine & you still think it sucks- you need to get a life adjustment.
My Top 5 Favorite 311 Songs
1. "Gap"
2. "Amber"
3. "Don't Stay Home"
4. "Beyond the Gray Sky"
5. "Champagne"
For the newbies out there who have never gotten into the band... I would recommend one of their three compilations... either 2004's Greatest Hits '93-03, 2010's Playlist: The Very Best of 311 or the more comprehensive, 2016's 2-disc set The Essential 311
For the oldies who are into the band already... may I still give you a recommendation: 2015's box set Archive and 2019's documentary Enlarge to Show Detail 3.
You know what time it is? It's time to get ill. No really... what time is it...?
311
eff yeah 311 rules
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