Popularizing The Word "Fools"...Again
Dusted offers some raw and unfinished versions of "Lost Horizons", "Hey, Jealousy" and the smash "Found Out About You". 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". Other greats include "Girls Can't Wait" and "Kelly Richards".
A must have for the true Gin Blossoms fan!.
proto-Blossoms
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. 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. 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.
Gin Blossoms Raw and Rough
Not in this case. Sometimes raw and rough just means poor production or lousy musicianship. 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.
Some rough edges, but overall good
If you love their 2 discs, consider this a supplement, sort of like rounding things out in a box set. I think this makes an excellent complement to the rest of the Blossom's work. Some gems here, some forgettable, but a great look at the band's beginning.
Great Early Effort....
Sure, there's different, harder edgy versions of "found out about you" and "Hey Jealousy". First of all, let me start by saying, "if you are a Gin Blossoms fan you gotta have this one!!!". 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.
You can see a complete list of all Gin Blossoms discography, or go back to the Gin Blossoms tabs
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