JennJoy's Full Review: God Says No [PA] by Monster Magnet
I recall catching about 30 seconds of a video from “God Says No” when it was released in 2001 and having to fight the urge to scream. My beloved Monster Magnet looked and sounded like carefully polished clones of every other teenybopper approved ‘metal’ band. I tried to push the image out of my head and did so successfully until I finally purchased this album last week. I’ve loved every other album Monster Magnet has released and seen their powerful live show, so I really wanted to feel the same about “God Says No.” Unfortunately, that initial glimpse into this album proved all too true and my little bubble where Monster Magnet reigned supreme as kings of over-the-top Jersey metal was popped.
While listening to this album I kept waiting for the Magnet guys to crank the volume up and let ‘er rip, but it never really happened. I can see they are attempting to move in a new direction, to slow things down and mellow out a bit, but I can’t say it’s working as a total package. Singer Dave Wyndorf’s lyrics are still full of sexual innuendos and stories that can only be drug induced, but musically I truly feel like the band is holding back because they don’t know which end is up. The use of drum machines and other electronically created sounds just doesn’t fit Monster Magnet’s style and leaves me wondering if the record company brainwashed the band.
All is not completely lost as there are a few tracks worth mentioning. Melt, which starts off the album, leads me to believe Magnet hasn’t completely forgotten its space metal roots. Slower and mellower, but with a liquid blues riff and hypnotic rhythms. Favorite lyrics: I’ll never make no mortal place cause I don’t care, Just set that plastic world on fire and watch it melt.
Medicine is a re-recorded song that first appeared on Magnet’s 1992 album “Spine of God.” While the original is much more commanding, I can appreciate how this version fits in with the attempted flow of the album. This adaptation sounds different enough that I can almost forget its better predecessor and just groove on it.
Gravity Well is easily my favorite track on “God Says No” and surprisingly its the least like old-school Monster Magnet. The song utilizes a slide guitar in a freaked out Delta blues style with simple drum beats. Dave Wyndorf pulls out all of his rock god swagger and drips it into this one track. The result is completely un-Monster Magnet and I love it!
New fans may appreciate the toned down music found on “God Says No,” but I imagine long-time fans will be left scratching their heads in confusion. I applaud Monster Magnet for taking chances with their music, but as a whole this album misses the mark. I hope the band will take what little works from here, add a few tons of energy, and build on it for their next release.
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