Soundsystem [Explicit Lyrics][Original recording reissued]

311

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 12, 1999)
• Original Release Date: October 12, 1999
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Explicit Lyrics, Original recording reissued
• Label: Volcano
• ASIN: B00005ABI1
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (257 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #64,229 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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  Music > R&B > Funk > Metal

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

When "Down" shot up the singles charts in 1996, it was the culmination of eight years of hard work for Nebraska-bred, Los Angeles-based 311. Soundsystem ups the ante on the quintet's good-time, never-forced amalgam of hip-hop, rock, funk, and reggae. "Come Original" features Nick Hexum's identifiable talk-singing style, and the tune's lilting dancehall and reggae overtones make it perfect for convertible cruising. From the odd but compelling rhythms in "Freeze Time," to the Santana-influenced stylings and Tim Mahoney's intricate guitar work in "Life's Not a Race," to the almost metallic riffing of "Evolution," 311 have constructed a diverse yet cohesive collection. The band's crisp, edgy sound, well showcased by producer Hugh Padgam (XTC, the Police), is especially winning on the irresistible and rollicking "Mindspin" and the aggro closing cut, "Livin' & Rockin'." It's a good bet that this Soundsystem will find its way onto the sound systems of fans old and new. --Katherine Turman

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What hasn't been said?, December 25, 1999

By	Ilker Yucel "Kryptych" (Annapolis, MD United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Soundsystem (Audio CD)

When I first heard of 311, it was when I saw their video for "Down." My initial reaciton was not positive since at the time I was so out of sorts with the current music scene that I just didn't understand this weird blend of rock and hip-hop. Then I heard "Mixed Up." Same reaction, though I did like the lounge feel of that song. Then I went to college a few years later. Met a guy who was a BIGtime 311 fan (his password was always 311, he always looked on clocks and room numbers and anything that had a number for 311...can we say obssessed?). After about a month, Soundsystem came out, and I heard "Come Original" on my way to HFStival with some friends. By this time, I was so against hip-hop and this trend of bands like Kid Rock and Limp Bizkit (who both suck) blending it with metal rock, but "Come Original" surprised me. I actually LIKED it. Then I heard "Flowing" and later "Freezetime." I couldn't believe what I was hearing: an actually good blend of rock, blues (a la Santana-style solos...Tim Mahoney's playing, like his PRS guitar, does justice to Santana's very hard-to-duplicate sound), funk, jazz, and hip-hop that I found very listenable and enjoyable. This is the album that got me into 311, and now they are one of my favorite bands. This is a band that brings dignity back to a music scene that has been flushed down the toilet by boybands and Kid Rock/Limp Bizkit/Korn freaks. They're not "entirely" original, but they keep trying, and it shows because they do a good job of continuing to improve the quality of their music. I love this CD, and 311 are a band for the history books.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars FABULOUS CD!, December 3, 1999

By	Jessica (Seattle) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Soundsystem (Audio CD)

I "borrowed" my little brother's Discman a week ago, and Soundsystem was the cd inside it. After having listened to it about a thousand times, I must admit that I'll return the discman, but I'm keeping the cd!

This is such a great album, every song is distinct, catchy, well-made, polished, fun, and at times a little bizarre and odd. I love it! There are complaints that the songs are dull or unoriginal or all sound the same. All I can say is, these songs flow together, but they certainly don't sound the same, and as for that, don't most bands have a running theme? Can you see Nine Inch Nails doing a bubbly pop song? Can you see Britney Spears (ugh) doing something sombre, slow, dark, and meaningful? Bands and musicians play what they love to play, and 311 definitely has fun playing what they play. They have a definite style, and as each cd comes along I see all kinds of different themes and styles.

All in all, this cd rocks, and 311's sound is totally unique!

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars How the hell do they do it?, March 13, 2000

By	Rob Troha (Cleveland, OH) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Soundsystem (Audio CD)

When I first bought this album I wasn't really expecting it to be great. After hearing "Freeze Time" I was amazed at how much I liked it. Despite liking the first song I got the impression that the CD sounded stale and lacked creativity. The more you listen to this CD though the more you realize how completely wrong that is. This CD has got so many positive elements to it I don't know where to start. It grows and grows and grows on you. 311 is purely about music and their efforts definitely pay off. READ the lyrics. There are some things in there that have made me a stronger person. They truly do amaze me. Seeing them in concert just reinforces how much energy they put into their music. They're completely unique and seem like they will NEVER stop making mind blowing music. I guess when you add talent and hard work together you get 311. Nick and SA are the perfect combination and the other three are truly great musicians. Great job and keep doin what you're doin.