Customer Reviews

3 Way Tie for Last

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

For those who were following (or who want to start following) the Minutemen's all too brief glory ride, this was the album that brought together all the changes that had been building and suggested a less dense, longer, more fleshed out future that never happened. A lot of staple tracks are here, and D. Boon turns in some of his finest vocals on "the Price of Paradise", which kicks off his side of Vietnam reflections. Indeed, the A list of material on this often overlooked gem just glitters: "Courage" is another Boon 'Nam winner, and "the Red and the Black" is their definitive take on the old Blue Oyster Cult track. Want a little more funk stomp around the house, kick "No More", Mike Watt's bofo sorta rap kicker that is also on HIS side, which is mostly fun and a bunch o' covers. But its all good, and the only real sadness is the death of Boon just a week after its release. Tied for last? This album is first place all the way, and a fine epitaph for all that D. Boon stood for.

This is the Mintuemen's fourth full length album after Double Nickels on the Dime and sadly their last with the tragic death of guitarist and singer D. Boon in December 1985, not long after the release of this album. 3 Way Tie is a departure from their earlier hardcore punk sound as they slow things down a bit and incorporate other elements in what could be called "alternative" rock. Simply one of their best.

This is their most politically coherent album. If you're old enough, you'll remember that "3-Way" came out during Reagan's second term. The administration was supporting death squad governments in El Salvador and Guatemala, while covertly funding terrorist "Contras" in Nicaragua. This record is a direct response to those policies. The lyrics are EXCELLENT, still poetic and personal but very clear in their anti-war stance.

The album is well recorded. I don't know what "slick" means in this context. They wanted it to sound the way it sounds. And about the covers - "Double Nickels" had a terrible Steely Dan cover, so why complain about Creedence and Blue Oyster Cult?

They were maturing and evolving on this one. Who knows where they might have gone next.

3-Way Tie for Last is a strong followup to the band's musical tour de force that was Double Nickels on the Dime and shows a maturity, particularly in D. Boon's songs. While the band's lyrics always had a topical edge, here that aspect of the band blossoms as evidenced in the excellent anti-war tracks "The Price of Paradise", "The Big Stick", and "Just Another Soldier". Other strong original tunes include "Situations At Hand", "No One", "Courage", and the moody "Political Nightmare". There are also several cover tunes as they take the cowpunk of "Lost" and slow it down to a staccato rhythm, play it straight on the CCR classic "Have You Ever Seen The Rain", and add even more passion to the already spirited Blue Oyster Cult song "The Red and The Black". Musically, the band is still all over the place as they bounce from country-rock to raging punk to mellow instrumentals and all points in between. Sadly, 3-Way Tie for Last would be the band's last and the best material here really does make you wonder what could have been.

I've been a huge Minutemen fan for a long time and regret not having seen them live before their sudden and tragic demise nearly twenty years ago. In my opinion, "Three Way..." is the band's weakest effort, by far. What really spoils this record for me is it's slick production. Previous Minutemen records feature bare-bones production techniques that faithfully capture the raw intensity of their live shows. This record (or CD, if you prefer) is just too glossy sounding for my tastes and seriously dulls the band's edge. Still, every Minutemen record is worth a listen.

But.....

If you are new to The Minutemen, first pick up their classic double LP (or extra-length CD, but with fewer songs) "Double Nickles On The Dime". Then, get "Post-Mersh Vol. 1" which contains their first two LP's on one CD. While you're at it, check out "Ballot Result", a double LP consisting of live recordings chosen by the band's fans. Originally, D., Mike, and George were going to perform these songs live once the results were in. But due to D. Boon's untimely death, the songs were compiled from live shows, rehearsal tapes, and radio broadcasts. Sound quality can be very spotty in places, but don't let that prevent you from enjoying this nice tribute to D. and his bandmates. Also, listen to how much better the live versions compare to the same songs on "Three Way..." No contest!

well i finnally found this on cd. my cassette was since gone and when i first got this i was amazed and excited at last a band of the eightys that had something important to say.it was punk meets bob dylan to me to quote d boom. it was punk with so many outlets and and was a creative peak for the band.in the collection of the minutemen this is the last of a strong career of music.at this point the music seddled down a bit and really focused on song structure and even smarter lyrics.(which was always the case in piont)this easily could of been side 3 to the double nickels on the dime album .the album before this one)but that one had already enough music to listen to . post punk at its highest point maybe the first album. if d boom had not died in 85 i could not even imagine what they would of done next??? .but we did get firehose(good band but they were just stamped out buy the compition)and mike watt doing a great solo album ( with like 90 musicians on it)..so if you like music that has a litte soul and are searching for something with substance. give it a purchase you just may like it.........hmmmm

Despite the 5 covers, slower tempos and for the Minutemen much more conventional and longer songs, 3-Way Tie For Last is a good album. Unfortunately it's the Minutemen's last official album being released just before D. Boon's untimely death and isn't a very good swansong. One wonders what direction this odd and intelligent band would have taken had D. lived. Because this album doen'st really point in any one direction. It's somewhat scattershot and unfocused with moments of brilliance interspersed with moments of boredom and self-indulgence. I wouldn't start here if you are new to the Minutemen. Rather you should start at the magnificent What Makes a Man Start Fires? or their masterpiece Double Nickels On The Dime which is a five star album if ever I've heard one.

'And I want to know, have you ever seen the rain... la dee da dee da thanks D.!'

This album is the greatest. I just love the Minutemen. I can't believe D is gone! But in many ways he is still here- as the Indians say, 'recordings catch the soul'. But while we hear D here, D is flying free.

So baby oooh 'I want to know, have you ever heard D Boon, singing so beautiful and sweet!' la dee daa dee da dee D. And his guitar riffs are awesome! As for Mike Watt and Mr. Hurly- talk about a Burly combo! I bet ole Mike could play a Hurdy Gurdy with his teeth, and upside-down, nonetheless!

Once again, the Ratmouse loves D. Boon, Mike Watt, George Hurley, and the Minutemen! (and ok- Ed from Ohio's OK. But Kirra- she's the sweetest!) uno DOS tres!

If you turned on to the Minutemen after listening to Buzz or Howl... or What Makes a Man Start Fires, the dull, pseudo Creedence on display here will make you wonder how they could go so far wrong in just a few short years. If you're new to the Minutemen, don't waste your ears on this total turkey. Start with Buzz or Howl--amazing record.