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Mad Season - Above Audio CD

A fair review of the Mad Season "Above" Audio CD. Please note that the below review is the views of the authors, and authors only. You can get a complete list of all Mad Season reviews here, or go back to the Mad Season tabs.

Mad Season Band: Mad Season
Title: Above
Rating:
Release Date: 1995-03-14
Media: Audio CD

Tracks: 1: Wake Up 2: X-Ray Mind 3: River of Deceit 4: I'm Above 5: Artificial Red 6: Lifeless Dead 7: I Don't Know Anything 8: Long Gone Day 9: November Hotel 10: All Alone

A Diamond in the Grunge
It's been growing on me ever since. Just to be clear, I bought this album when it came out, and I loved it. Most albums fade, but I really started to listen to it again about 5 years after it came out. I think it is because the music is great and not purely angst driven and the lyrics have mature subject matter that most of the "grunge" albums didn't have. It is about Layne's introspections and realizations about his life and where he was headed.
It still gets regular plays nearly 15 years later. There are not many albums I can listen to all the way through, but this one I can repeatedly. It may be one of my all time top 10 favorite albums. I can understand the people who were disappointed (all 3 of them), because this album doesn't sound that much like AIC. To me it truly sounds unique. Given that Jerry Cantrell moved on to make mediocre AIC like music sans Layne's talent, it is really impressive that Layne could be so successful venturing so far from the AIC sound. But Layne proved here that with another group of talented musicians, he had the talent to carry another band. Whereas, his band mate had to cash in on the AIC name to sell his solo sell records.
Although some may find the music depressing, I find it to be more uplifting than any AIC album. Sure it lacks the heavy, energetic riffs of AIC, but that's not what it is going for. It is hard to compare the music on this album to other bands, because it so unique. It reminds more of Screaming Trees than Pearl Jam or AIC, which is ironic, since you wouldn't expect the drummer to have the most influence over the musical direction.
"Wake up" is an incredibly soulful track with Staley pouring out his realizations of his self destructive behavior. I wish he could've "Woken up" and recovered and continued to make music, but. . . (5/5)
"X-Ray Mind" is a much more energetic track with some insightful lyrics, which most believe to be about the manipulative record companies, but only Layne knows for sure. I love the bongo intro. To those who are looking for great riffs like AIC had, well, this songs has some great rhythm. (5/5)
"River of Deceit" of course is the radio classic that most people know. A soul cleansing ballad for sure. This track is one of the reasons I say this record is mature. How many radio hits are there about excepting the consequences for ones actions? (4. 5/5)
The title track continues the mature theme. A song about forgiveness and being the bigger person. Being "Above" those who you have confronted. It is a heavier track for this album, but it isn't that heavy or angry. After all, it isn't about anger but about absolution. This song has one of my favorite acoustic guitar solos too and Lanegan's guest vocals are just icing on the cake. (5/5)
"Artifical Red" is a bluesy jam about rehab. I didn't like this song that much at first, but it has grown on me. (4/5)
"Lifeless Dead" is a tragic love song on the heavier side, but more about the tragedy of loss than head banging. (5/5)
"I Don't Anything" is a simply catchy song with repetitive verses and great guitar hook. It reminds me of a softer predecessor to AIC's "Again". (4. 5/5)
"Long Gone Day" is Mad Season's venture into a laid back jazzy lounge track. I like to think it's one of the first trip hop songs ever written. Once again Lanegan makes a great appearance and the split verse style creates a groovy ambiance for this song. (5/5)
"November Hotel" is great instrumental that builds into a guitar driven climax. (4/5)
"All Alone" is a somber psuedo-instrumental about being, well, all alone. (4/5)
Even though this album leaves us with instrumentals that are definitely not the best of the album, it still leaves you wanting more. A great record for sure. Through the years this album has stayed with me. Not being the angst riddled teenager I once was, I have found myself listening to less of the classic big grunge 5's old albums, even though they were great, but Mad Season has grown with me.


Staley Masterpiece
Encapsulates the Northwest rock and roll scene in the 90's and wraps it up with a bow. Haunting vocals and and just an incredible effort on all fronts. Begins with "Wake Up" and doesn't let you go untill it's over with "November Hotel". Great F**king Album!.


Buy It
I love Alice and Pearl Jam, and I also loved Mad Season the very first time I heard this album.
This album is worth every penny. Tracks 1 and 8 are exceptionally soothing in my opinion. I enjoy this album from start to finish. Play it on a warm summer night when you're out for a drive or hanging around by the beach. You won't regret it.


For every AIC fan
Want to know if you'll like it? Listen to "Wake Up": the cool jazz chime of that xylophone over a pulsing, almost sub-sonic bass, as Layne Staley cries: "Slow suicide's no way to go. Haunting and beautiful - chill music for the AIC fan. . . " I'm a big Pearl Jam and AIC fan and this album blew me away.


Amazing!
Beautiful, haunting and brilliant. This cd has been in my cd player since it arrived.


You can see a complete list of all Mad Season discography, or go back to the Mad Season tabs. There is also a good guide on how to read guitar tabs here.

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