Customer Reviews

8-Way Santa

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

A large dark figure looms above. That figure is nothing less than Tad Doyle, and he's crushing your stupid Pearl Jam collection underfoot.
I was totally dismayed that '8-Way Santa' has been deleted from the catalog. I still own it on vinyl LP. This and the Melvins should have been what the Seattle music explosion was about, with Soundgarden and Mudhoney in tow. Everthing else was a bastardization of 1980's Mid-western alterna-punk-whatever (see Die Kruzen, Husker Du, early-Replacements).

Just look at the used price...starting at $25. You bet it's the shizznitz, so get your posterior perpendicular and get some real RAWK culture, you little glucose-deficient MTV junkies. Oh yeah, start with this...Tad's "8-Way Santa".

Where does one begin to describe how excellent this album is? Is it the earthy, soulful yelling of the lead singer? The hard-rocking music? The scary slow burn of Candi? The wonderfully haunting 3-D Witch Hunt? The humorous cinematic atmosphere of Jack Pepsi, Delinquent or Trash Truck? The superb guitaring and bass playing? The thunderous drumming? The clear, punchy and solid production? Maybe it's just the whole combination and how it goes together so wonderfully.

This is one of THE best of the early-90's grunge albums. It has a bizarre, twisted sense of humor, a perfect balance between the hard rocking and the melodic and the excellent, mountainous vocals of lead singer Tad Doyle. Such a shame that this band never made it big. Highly recommended for anyone who appreciates good, unpretentious, humorous, and rugged hard rock. One of the unsung classics of the grunge era.

This band, with their beards and flannel shirts, did more than any other to perpetuate the myth that Seattleites are a bunch of redneck lumberjacks to the overseas press. This is also by far their best album, and it got rave reviews in the local rags when it was released back in '91. Although Tad is considered a "grunge" band, this is probably the least grungy thing they ever did. It reflects the pop sensibilities that many Seattle bands were starting to move toward at the time -- a fact that's either little known, or conveniently glossed over by the press. Nirvana's Nevermind--which came out that same year--also showed them moving in that direction -- as did earlier singles. I think 8 Way Santa is Tads best album ever. It was as good if not better than Nevermind but never came close to the widespread acceptance that Nevermind obviously had. At least Nirvana was a good band. When I think of how bands like Pearl Jam and Alice in Chains made it big while Tads label dumped them, it makes me cringe.

One of those bands that you never hear of until you start looking under the surface of what the mainstream shows you, it's a major shame that this band never got any recognition. The fact they were dropped by their label is ridiculous, especially when this music is as good or better than any other huge band of the early 90s like Nirvana, Soundgarden, Pearl Jam or whatever. And I'm a big fan of Nirvana.

Anyway, while my favorite song here is "Jack" and that's why my review is titled the way it is, there isn't a weak track on the album. While I have heard some people have had trouble finding the album for a reasonable price, I just bought it at Sonic Boom records here in Seattle for 7.99 plus tax so the possibility is out there. And you should definitely check out this album.

This is truly a classic album by a very innovative band. No disrespect, but forget Nevermind. 2011 is the 20th anniversary of 8-WAY SANTA! Where's our mega-deluxe reissue!?! No worries. Order the LP. Still sounds incredible!

How great are these guys? And why didn't we hear them as much as all the other guys 20 years ago? I would have been ALL OVER THIS! Anyway, seriously. I have this, Inhaler, and Live Alien Broadcasts, and they all will stomp a mudhole in your face! Awesome, awesome band, love the fat bass lines in their music. If you don't know TAD, BUY THIS! FOR REAL!

TAD was one of the pioneers of the Seattle grunge scene in the late 1980s, and 8-Way Santa sees them at the height of their powers. Under the guidance of Butch Vig (who later produced Nirvana's Nevermind) Tad's sound is more polished here than in earlier efforts, but the band still maintains its growl thanks to front man Tad Doyle's sludge guitar and sandpaper-rough vocals. "Jinx" is one of Tad's all-time best, and it's a killer of an opener, but in truth there are very few weak moments here. Were it not for legal troubles over the album's original artwork, AND over the artwork for the single "Jack Pepsi," 8-Way Santa undoubtedly would have gone on to very big sales, and Tad to even greater things. Oh well, whatever, never mind. But this is well worth a listen.

Tad is the perfect blend to my ears. Grunge and Heavy Metal combined is what best describes Tad, and I love it! 8-Way Santa is near perfect form of "Heavyness" and Grunge and it flat out kicks butt! 8-Way Santa isn't for sissys or hippies, this is for big burly bearded guys and lumber jacks! Seriously, if your a fan of Grunge or Heavy Metal, or both, you have to listen to 8-Way Santa, you'll thank me! [...]

The People that are selling this record for that much must be joking. Its a GREAT record but still available on Sub Pops site for $9.00. I recommend the record from people that sell it at an honest price!

Nirvana? Soundgarden? You guys are high. Tad is as close to that scene as Primus and the Rollins band. This is real music. Tunes tempting you to rip out your soul and smash it against the wall, laugh and keep on dancing.
TAD was the first band that got me to jump into the pit and slam around with the guys. I'm still crashing into people for fun 16 years later. By the way, being a girl doesn't slow anyone down. TAD is viciously outrageously crazed joyous pissed off and exhilarating. Just like life...