Customer Reviews

Dusted

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The Gin Blossoms are often unfairly lumped in with the faceless crowd of 90s post-grunge bands, but this release, in particular, proves that there was something a bit more intriguing at work within these Arizonans' minds. Before they were pinning infectious, wondrously sung (Robin Wilson truly had one of the most distinctive vibratos of the 90s) pop gems, they were a blue-collar garage band vaguely resembling a slightly poppier installment of The Replacments, or perhaps a rough-and-tumble Byrds. Several later Blossoms classics ("Hey Jealousy," "Lost Horizons," "Found Out About You," etc.) are found here in there earliest, most primitive forms--if you listen to the versions here and then listen to their reworkings on "New Miserable Experience" you will be astonished at how slow the later versions sound. Philip Rhodes drums at a frentic pace, while Doug Hopkins (rest in peace) and Jesse Valenzuela pour on jiterry, jangly guitar lines beneath Robin Wilson's rough drinking voice (he sounds like an entirely different singer on this record). On a parting note, I must say that the fourth track, "Girls Can't Wait," is one of the absolute finest Gin Blossoms records, an astonishing, heartfelt tune that will leave immediate impressions.

Sometimes raw and rough just means poor production or lousy musicianship. Not in this case. This early Gin Blossom disc is certainly less polished then New Miserable Experience (which contains 4 "Dusted" tracks) but it is raw and rough in a good way. To me, this cd has a much more country feel to it. Alt/Country that is. The guitars remind me alot of early Old 97's. One track, "I can't sleep" sounds like it could have belonged on the Long Ryders first record. I think if the band had gone in this direction rather than the sound of "Congradulations, I'm Sorry" then they would have been right in the Alt/Country discussion. If you like the Gin Blossoms and you are a fan of Alt/Country then pick it up. You will not be disappointed.

First of all, let me start by saying, "if you are a Gin Blossoms fan you gotta have this one!!!". Sure, there's different, harder edgy versions of "found out about you" and "Hey Jealousy". But this album is full of gems, written when the band was hungry and before guitarist Douglas Hopkins spiral downward. Doug's sound and writing style is all over this album. If you like songs about old lovers, new lovers, one nighters, drinking, and the arizona heat, you'll love this one.

Prior to the Gin Blossoms' signing to A&M records, the band recorded on their own, this collection of songs in 1989, many of which would be re-recorded to appear on the maxi "Up and Crumbling" and their landmark major label debut album, "New Miserable Experience." Here the listener will hear the band before its association with John Hampton, and the way these songs sounded prior to that influence. The songs are amazingly good, but have a much harder edge than the more familiar versions. This album also gives you a chance to hear Doug Hopkins in all his brilliance as a guitar player. For historic purposes, this album is invaluable. But for a good rocker, it is also very entertaining. Highly recommended! Remember.... these are NOT the same versions of "Hey Jealousy," "Lost Horizons" and so on that would be re-made on A&M. Give it a listen, you'll enjoy. If you're a Gin Blossoms fan, this is an essential chapter in the band's history.

I think this makes an excellent complement to the rest of the Blossom's work. If you love their 2 discs, consider this a supplement, sort of like rounding things out in a box set. Some gems here, some forgettable, but a great look at the band's beginning.

After getting reacquainted with "New Miserable Experience" over the past couple months, it piqued my interest about "Dusted" and I finally bought a copy. I really had some pre-conceived notions about what "Dusted" would sound like. I thought it would show the band as a "work in progress", somewhat unpolished, a band finding it's way. Man was I wrong. Great rock songs, keeping it simple, much more immediate and live sounding than "New Miserable Experience". The line-up of songs here might actually be better than "New Miserable Experience". (Hard to see pop-rock being done any better than on the tracks "Girls Can't Wait" and "Angels Tonight". Both are superb). Two things that really stand out between the two discs are the vocals and guitar parts. The vocals have a much rawer sound on "Dusted", and the guitar work on "Dusted" is much more "front and center". If this was Doug playing these bits, he was a guitar god! (The song "Keli Richards" kicks!!!)

Speaking of Doug Hopkins, I never had any background on him, never thought about it back when NME was released. But for whatever reason I've become somewhat infatuated. I've read "Jesus of suburbia: A holiday tale, of sorts," a couple of times now. (The story was written by Brian Smith for the Detroit Metro Times in December 2007). I've also am constantly listening to the "Chimeras" songs on the Doug Hopkins "MySpace" page. (The songs are "Cathedral City" and "Ponyboy and Johnny", I don't know if the album "Songs of Innocence" by the Chimeras was ever released, but somebody should be working on that. The two forementioned songs are phenomenal). And I usually find myself on the "Lost Horizons" tribute page to Doug Hopkins. How could the life of a guy who wrote such great songs have turned out so tragic? It would be great that if, over time, people gradually catch on to how great Doug's music was. I finally have.

The word "fools" turns up in many of The Gin Blossoms' songs, namely "Until I Hear It From You", Until I Fall Away", and "I Can't Figure You Out".

Dusted offers some raw and unfinished versions of "Lost Horizons", "Hey, Jealousy" and the smash "Found Out About You". Other greats include "Girls Can't Wait" and "Kelly Richards".

A must have for the true Gin Blossoms fan!

Let me start off by saying that I just love the Gin Blossoms. Never played a bad note by me. I just love the jangle in the guitars. Reminds me of the Byrds... I like them to. I have all the Gin Blossoms compact discs now. I was however a hold out on this one. I thought it a bit pricey for a first effort, and then it had somewhat differing versions of the tunes I love so much in the form they are in. SO, I have waited and I'm sad to say, waited for my ship to come in to afford this title. I am a very happy camper with this purchase. I don't know so much if it is a must have, only you know that. But if like me you were sitting of the fence, and or waiting for your ship to come in, you might want to get down and give this one a try. The Gin Blossoms are one of my top bands of this era, I'm not sure exactly why, they just seem to have struck a resonant chord with me that is infectious and have made this old school listener a bit giddy. I've not been so excited about a band in quite a while, it goes without saying. I don't think the Gin Blossoms get the credit they deserve. They are a far better band than most would seem to give them credit for. I'm at a loss as to whats up with that.

Anyway, the disc sounds fine to me, the 'newer to me' versions of the songs did not cause any trauma or drama on my part. They sound just fine. Refreshing perhaps, nice to hear the early work. I have to say that I just like it all... my play list is littered with Gin Blossoms tunes. Never a bad day when you can get these guys on the speaker. I have found this disc to be a worthwhile addition to my collection. I like to explore new bands, thats how I found the Gin Blossoms some many years ago, but sometimes your CD dollars are just best spent on the tried and true of your listening pleasure. I say get this one, and the rest as well, the Gin Blossoms are just a good time listen. Enjoy!

iF YOU LIKED THE GIN BLOSSOMS BEFORE, THEN THIS WILL BE
JUST AS GOOD AS OTHER RELEASES, NO NEW SOUND CHANGES, THERFORE I CANUNDERSTAND
THE NEGATIVITY.

The music is awesome, if you have not heard this one yet you need to get it now. Like all Gin Blossoms cd's this one totally ROCKS!!