They had one really awesome song…you know the one…
The Toadies first blast onto the scene with their 1995 hit ”Possum Kingdom”. To put it in plain English, this song rocked. But, they formed six years earlier in Fort Worth, Texas. A year later (1990), the Toadies became finalists on MTV’s Battle of the Bands. Still, fame didn’t come easily…either did a big record deal. The Toadies recorded a cassette demo called Velvet that finally landed them a coveted record contract with New York indie label Grass Records.
Grass Records released a few recordings from the band during the early 1990’s including Pleather. These vinyl and CD offerings got the band noticed by Interscope Records. Interscope then released the band’s major label debut Rubberneck in 1994. Two singles were released before the band struck gold (literally). ”Possum Kingdom” soon garnered lots of attention on MTV and on mainstream radio stations. It seemed that the band would have quite a career based on the merits of that song. Of course, things aren’t always what they seem.
Despite touring with the likes of Bush, Red Hot Chili Peppers, White Zombie, and Butthole Surfers and having a platinum-selling record, the band still got little attention from anybody. They faded into obscurity in the late 1990’s. The band re-emerged briefly in March 2001 to release their long awaited follow-up album Hell Below/Stars Above. It barely made a splash on radio stations and the record industry.
So, what the Toadies will always be remembered for is their one hit. Sure, they had other singles, but ”Possum Kingdom” remains the song that defines the band. The Toadies were at the time of this recording four strong. Todd Lewis (vocals, guitar), Darrel Herbert (guitar), Lisa Umbarger (bass), and Mark Reznicek (drums) helped to make this album a memorable one for a band that’s probably gotten less attention than it deserves. As a whole, this CD falls into the amorphous ‘alternative’ category. But, what makes it the slightest bit different is that Lewis can sing. They rely on post-grunge sentiment to drive the songs. Rubberneck as a whole is good rock and roll. I really couldn’t ask for much more out of a band of Texans.
”Possum Kingdom” is by far the most popular song on this album. It found a pretty big audience on the now boy-band entrenched MTV and on radio stations all over the United States. It was also the third single released from the Toadies album, but the only one to hit home with listeners. Beginning with big electric guitar riffs and Lewis’ smooth voice, this song is exceptionally fun. Two guitars wail away with a methodical drum beat solidifying the song. Umbarger’s bass is also a big part of ”Possum Kingdom”. The track is energetic, loud, and wild yet remains somehow melodic. This is a must listen for rock fans. Here’s a refresher on this song (maybe you’ll better remember it this way):
I'm not gonna lie
I'll not be a gentleman
Behind the boathouse
I'll show you my dark secret
Two singles were released from this album in 1994 and made into modest videos. ”Mister Love” and ”Backslider” both primed audiences for what was to become a huge hit. ”Mister Love” is loud and unrelenting. The fast, grinding guitars and loud drums are great. The song screams with what can only be described as punk attitude. I can understand why this was never a huge hit, but on the whole this is a decent song and one of the better tracks on this album. ”Backslider” is also a good song, although I don’t like it as much as some of the other songs. It’s not as loud as ”Mister Love” and not as melodic or interesting as ”Possum Kingdom”. The track seems forced, thus proving somewhat boring and lackluster.
In 1996, two more singles were released from the now two-year-old album. ”Away” and ”Tyler” were officially released during the first half of the year. ”Away” would sound like a normal guitar-laden heavy mental track if it wasn’t for the reliance and funky use of bass guitars. Lewis sounds great and uses his voice as a method to drive the song. The music is repetitive with the same rhythm and melody throughout the entire track. It bores me a bit…I keep expecting that the song will eventually do something. Oh well. ”Tyler” is a good alterna-rock tune. I like it’s sound, it’s tempo, and it’s ambiance. It’s quality is on par with ”Possom Kingdom”. This track should’ve been a hit. The song actually is dark, the lyrics talking about a drunk who insists that I will be with her tonight. Great song.
”Mexican Hairless” leads off the CD. It’s got those fast guitars and heavy drums like other Toadies songs. The sound of the song actually reminds me a bit of Cheap Trick. The song is completely instrumental…I hate instrumental rock as a rule. I’d just prefer that there were some kind of vocals rather than wailing guitars (albeit good guitars).
Another loud and angry track, ”Quitter” proves to be better than some of the other songs. As the song nears the chorus, it builds to a frenzy and Lewis seems to channel Courtney Love screaming at the top of his lungs in a nearly inaudibly harsh voice. It’s a good song, but may prove a bit difficult to listen to for some people. It’s definitely rock and roll more so than the often wimpy alternative music.
”I Come From The Water” seems more like a novelty track than anything else. It actually sounds a bit like a Southern Rock track. The guitars aren’t as loud and the drums aren’t as overwhelming as other songs. Although, I have to say that this song is mediocre. I’m not crazy about Southern Rock unless it’s done well. This isn’t done well at all.
The last three tracks don’t strike me as special in any way. ”Happyface” is bland, sounding like a more boring version of ”Possum Kingdom”. I don’t like the odd guitars, nor do I like the feeling or sound of the song. ”Velvet” has an interesting, um, topic. The Toadies scream about how much they hate women calling them various words not appropriate for this setting. It’s a speed-metal track…you can barely hear Lewis over the growl of the guitars. Again, I don’t like the song. It’s average for this band. The final song is ”I Burn”. It’s quieter and softer than other offerings. They use an acoustic guitar rather than their usually overdone electric guitars. That’s the only good thing about this song. Besides that, I am bored to tears by the repetitive vocals and melody.
There are good and bad aspects to Rubberneck. Of course the good is most notably ”Possum Kingdom”. As a whole, this album is average. I wanted to like it more, but there are just too many pseudo-heavy metal tracks for me to appreciate it. Keep in mind that I am a huge fan of big guitars and booming drums. Anyway, if the Toadies could put together an album full of good songs, I wouldn’t have any problem buying it. This one is worthy of a listen if you like their big single or if you like the alterna-rock scene of the mid-1990’s. Beyond that, you may want to pass it up in favor of better albums from different artists.
I will give this album 3/5 stars. Like I said, it could have been better if the songs didn’t all sound the same and if there was a bit more creativity apparent. Maybe the Toadies still have some of that fire left in ‘em. Then again, maybe we’ll never know…
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