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Track Listings
| 1. Transistor | |||
| 2. Prisoner | |||
| 3. Galaxy | |||
| 4. Beautiful Disaster | |||
| 5. Inner Light Spectrum | |||
| 6. Electricity | |||
| 7. What Was I Thinking | |||
| 8. Jupiter | |||
| 9. Use Of Time | |||
| 10. The Continuous Life | |||
| 11. No Control | |||
| 12. Running | |||
| 13. Color | |||
| 14. Light Years | |||
| 15. Creature Feature | |||
| 16. Tune In | |||
| 17. Rub A Dub | |||
| 18. Starshines | |||
| 19. Strangers | |||
| 20. Borders | |||
See all 21 tracks on this disc
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
16 of 17 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
I don't understand the so-called "fans" who bash this album for not sounding like old-school 311. This is undeniably 311's most eclectic and experimental album to date, and understandably so; the band was simply at a point in their career where making the same record twice was not an option anymore. Every song on here is amazing, except maybe for "Rub a Dub". Haven't quite figured that one out yet; it's just not 311 at all. This is a long album with only a handful of roof-raising hard rock songs, focusing more on expanding the band's sound into larger territory with songs like "Inner Light Spectrum" and "Stealing Happy Hours". The lyrics here are top notch, not falling into the cheesy territory of the "From Chaos" record. The songs often do not follow traditional song structures, throwing in some interesting time signature changes and rhythmic transitons such as the reggae jam at the end of the title track. Mahoney's guitar work is amazing on this record, focusing less on metal-influenced chords and more on jazz, blues, and reggae soloing. The first thing the 311 listener will notice upon first listen is the greatly reduced usage of rapping. Don't get me wrong; 311 is always good at rapping lyrics, but it's nice to hear two extremely gifted singers finally showcasing their deeper talents. Many people criticize the record for not being like the self-titled "blue" album, but there's one thing you must remember: the self-titled album, while being the band's first big hit album, was in fact their 3rd major label album. They had been doing this act for some time, and it was about time they dared and challenged their listeners to enter new territory with them while still remaining true to their roots. This album may not have all the headbanging party songs from earlier records, but the songwriting is undeniably their best ever. So don't listen to naysayers. 311 has yet to match this album's artistic integrity and genius. Interesting how bands' most creative and interesting albums are often discarded and forgotten by folks these days because they lack the old reliable sound of the band. Other sad examples of this are Nine Inch Nails' "The Fragile", Led Zeppelin's "Presence", and Pearl Jam's amazing "No Code". Listen with an open ear, folks. This record may take a little time to grow on you, but once it does, you'll be glad it did.
12 of 12 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
I know that Aidin Vaziri may be some big shot freelance music reviewer, but everything I've read by Aidin sounds as if he doesn't know much about music at all. Don't get me wrong, he points out how much he knows about different musical groups, but never does he talk about the quality going into those groups. His review on Transistor is ridiculous. This is (in my opinion) one of the most underrated albums of all time, right there with anything by Silverchair. According to Aidin, this album was a bad attempt to follow suit with the reggae movement. Wow. They weren't trying to be something they aren't, maybe Aidin should listen to all of 311's albums. They've always shown their influence in reggae. Absolute masterpiece. If you've heard it before and disliked it, HEAR it again.
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
This record is bliss. I find the beats and rhythms stellar, while the songs transport me to different places with their psychedelic appeal, voyaging into new territory almost on each track. This album was way ahead of its time when it came out in 1997. 311 found their artistic niche with Transistor, and they went against a lot of expectations by the mainstream audience and disapproving media who wanted another "blue album" (a nice record itself, but not as artistic or musical as this one). I believe such criticism must be taken lightly when judging this art form, for we all have our own subjective tastes and separate definitions of what "good music" must sound like. You sort of have to feel it out for yourself and see if Transistor rubs you the right or wrong way. For too many others, they wanted the same thing that came before, dismissing this album.
To me Transistor feels like the future of music, combining many styles and infusing skilled instrumental play with ambient progressions of vocals, melodies, and song ideas. Transistor rocks, but it has so much more to offer than any casual fan will be ready for.
If 311 ever decide to follow such an abstract direction again, then they will truly shatter the limitations that musical mediators try and use to weigh down recording artists that have made it big. There is a notion to be easily digestible and not overstep any creative bounds beyond simplicity. Fortunately for us, there exists 311.
I don't believe there's anything wrong with going against the norm (sometimes it's needed badly), and 311 displayed this by writing what they wanted. I give a lot of respect to them for pushing the envelope and having this much ambition at a time when they were enjoying much success.
This album is amazing. It's probably best to listen to in an atmosphere that is conducive to feelings of comfort and peace, humming along with headphones on. But, to each his own. So enjoy!
I cannot wait to hear what's in store next.
To me Transistor feels like the future of music, combining many styles and infusing skilled instrumental play with ambient progressions of vocals, melodies, and song ideas. Transistor rocks, but it has so much more to offer than any casual fan will be ready for.
If 311 ever decide to follow such an abstract direction again, then they will truly shatter the limitations that musical mediators try and use to weigh down recording artists that have made it big. There is a notion to be easily digestible and not overstep any creative bounds beyond simplicity. Fortunately for us, there exists 311.
I don't believe there's anything wrong with going against the norm (sometimes it's needed badly), and 311 displayed this by writing what they wanted. I give a lot of respect to them for pushing the envelope and having this much ambition at a time when they were enjoying much success.
This album is amazing. It's probably best to listen to in an atmosphere that is conducive to feelings of comfort and peace, humming along with headphones on. But, to each his own. So enjoy!
I cannot wait to hear what's in store next.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
My First and Favorite 311 Album
This was the very first 311 album I ever listened to and I heard it all the way from "Transistor" to "Stealing Happy Hours." Start to finish. Read more
Published 10 months ago by Tyler Ricks Anderson
excellent album
I think this album is one of 311s best to date, and I think because there aren't as many hooky singles on the album (beautiful disaster, etc.. Read more
Published 14 months ago by warwick91
Best album ever made. Hands down!
311 is my favorite band and this album sums it up!
When 311 released Transistor music for me forever changed. Read more
When 311 released Transistor music for me forever changed. Read more
Published on December 30, 2008 by Frank Wallace
Exhaustive Work, 311 Through and Through
With their 4th studio release the boys from North Hollywood really leave a mark on their legacy by stringing out 21 tracks on a whirlwind tour of an album. Read more
Published on December 11, 2007 by K. Dowdell
You're a transistor, lightning resistor, conducting to the Mother Star
THE TRILOGY OF DEBUT ALBUMS, 1993-1996
Music (1993)
Debut Trilogy Part 1: An original, energetic, raw, explosive fusion of rock, hip hop, funk, reggae and rap. Read more
Music (1993)
Debut Trilogy Part 1: An original, energetic, raw, explosive fusion of rock, hip hop, funk, reggae and rap. Read more
Published on October 26, 2007 by Will Mindspin
Renegade Soundsystem 311
First of all, to the guy who recited the chorus of "beautiful disaster" and submitted it as a review-pretty chill, man, u should write it down in your journal. Read more
Published on August 15, 2006 by Monty5
The Most Complete 311 Album To Date
Most 311 albums have stand-out tracks but lack flow and consistancy, like MUSIC and 311. Some flow together perfectly but don't have many standout tracks, like GRASSROOTS and FROM... Read more
Published on July 25, 2006 by Andrew Barnes
Their Most Complete Album, and closest thing to a concept album
While I think Grasroots and Music are the best albums from the band, I think this album is the best one to listen to start to finish. Read more
Published on May 13, 2006 by Nate505
Renegade Soundsystem 311
First of all, to the guy who recited the chorus of "beautiful disaster" and submitted it as a review-pretty chill, man, u should write it down in your journal. Read more
Published on February 26, 2006 by monty
MASTERPIECE
I became a 311 fan a little late in life (6th grade)(Im 21 now) and I quickly ate up all the 311 I could get. Read more
Published on January 21, 2006 by Johnny 5
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SoundUnwound - the personal music encyclopedia
Transistor is 311's sixth studio release.
Nick Hexum, Chad Sexton, P-Nut, S.A. Martinez, and Tim Mahoneyhave been a member of 311.
Nick Hexum, Chad Sexton, P-Nut, S.A. Martinez, and Tim Mahoneyhave been a member of 311.
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