10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars
A sad farewell to a great career, September 23, 2005
This review is from: Slap Happy (Audio CD)
Before I begin my review, let me explain the rather cryptic title . After three years of no word whatsoever from L7 and two more years of "indefinite hiatus", L7 co-founder Donita Sparks announced this year that L7 has broken up and that she and drummer Dee Plakas have formed a new band. This news casts my review of SLAP HAPPY in a rather sad light, seeing as it was the group's final album.
After being dropped from Slash Records, the band formed their own label, Wax Tadpole Records. The time forming the label occupied the time that the band would spend writing,and the gals wanted a record out in 1999 so, rather than taking a year to write and record a new album, L7 selected songs that were discarded from their other albums, which explains why SLAP HAPPY has a rather static and sometimes tired feel to it.
Most of the songs are average or inferior filler, with an occasionally interesting experimental touch (the lovely three-part harmony in the middle of "Crackpot Baby' being the best example). The searing, beautiful "Freezer Burn", from THE BEAUTY PROCESS sessions, is the only track worth the price of admission.
Since the band was on their own dollar, the album was recorded in their rehearsal space using first or second takes, which gives the album a raw, spontaneous feel like their early masterpiece SMELL THE MAGIC but the sound here is completely flat and lacks the crunch that the band was so famous for.
Another unfortunate side to this album is the alarming slide the band has taken lyrically. Instead of the witty, sometimes profound gems from past albums, SLAP HAPPY has lines like "Got some lemons/Make some kickass lemonade". Two other songs, "On My Rockin' Machine" and "Mantra Down", consist of three lines repeated over and over to the point where most listeners will probably be scrambling to hit the skip button on their CD player.
To sum it all up, this is an inferior record from a superior band known for their consistency and commitment to quality. As a longtime fan, I can't help but feel cheated, and I think the reason this CD gets so many positive reviews here is because it won back the fans that were turned off by THE BEAUTY PROCESS.
A year later, L7 were recording their next album when singer/guitarist Suzi Gardner, tired of years of life on the road, decided to leave the band, ending their 15-year run. I think I speak for many of my fellow fans when I say that I wish that Gardner had stayed to finish the album, because it would have been a more fitting end to such an amazing, groundbreaking career.
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The best band in the world ....., September 29, 1999
By A Customer
This review is from: Slap Happy (Audio CD)
After seeing L7 in Detriot over Labor Day weekend I knew that this CD would rock. Donita's mesmerizing voice made "Crackbaby" a song that is not easy to forget. They are absolutely awesome live. The only way to describe the show was absolute chaos. I highly recommend ANY L7 CD, and this is a good one to start with or add to the collection.
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
L7 rock harder than ever with Slap Happy, September 25, 1999
By A Customer
This review is from: Slap Happy (Audio CD)
L7 has always been one of my favorite bands due to the fact that with every album they release I am amazed a little more each time. Slap Happy is one of thier best albums yet. L7 has finally merged the glorious guitar sludge from Hungry for Stink with thoughtful, artful lyrics that we saw in Bricks Are Heavy. Freezer Burn is a standout; one of Donita Sparks' best songs. The usual rock you are used to with these gals is not what you're gonna get - they are rocking harder than ever before. Slap Happy is highly recommened by me, a die - hard L7 fanatic since 1987.
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