Are you having a bad day? Has life turned its proverbial back on you lately? Do you need to feed your mind with positive thoughts? Do you simply need to chill out and eliminate all your worries about this troublesome world? Well, then, listen up. For $10 or less, I can guarantee that Omaha, Nebraska's own 311 can heal you with their massively successful, self-titled release. You'll be happy in no time! Call NOW, as this is a limited-time offer. (Psst, results atypical).
*insert huge, fake smile here*
I swear, there should be a commercial like that. 311's music never fails to cheer me up. Their positive vibes are contagious -- their music, for the most part, is so lighthearted, fun, and carefree. Of course, it's great to sit down and listen to a talented band with incredibly emotive, mournful, heartbreaking lyrics . . . but sometimes we all need to lighten up and relax. 311 rocks at helping me do just that.
This album is epitomized by all the things that make 311 so undeniably cool: the songs are catchy, and the sound is a very cohesive, funky rock fusion of countless genres. The album opener, the uptempo "Down", is arguably 311's biggest hit ever. Its rap-rock style is fresh and doesn't ever seem dated; vocalists Nick Hexum and SA Martinez trade off quirky lines over Tim Mahoney's slick guitar rhythms. "Random" settles into a comfortably spicier midtempo rhythm, and while it may not have the instant memorability of most 311 songs, it's worth a listen.
"Jackolantern's Weather" offers much more than its intriguing songtitle suggests. Nick's fierce vocals flow exceptionally well in his raps, and the sing-songy, punchy chorus rocks my world: "The kid is smart, the kid is clever / Stompin' in Jack-O-Lantern's Weather / backpack strapped 'cuz the world is cold / headphones pumpin', don't ya know.""All Mixed Up" is a funky, reggae-tinged number with a laid back atmosphere and a positive message. Nick's soothing croons of "You've got to trust your instincts / and let go of regrets," are layered wonderfully over a jumpy, addictive beat.
311 shows off a slightly angrier side with "Guns (Are For P*ssies). This brief, hard-rocking tune is slightly repetitive, but its likable, furious tempo is great for concerts. "Loco" is ridiculously catchy, and its faint, muddy mix of guitars works exceptionally well over Nick's lightning-bolt-fast vocals. "DLMD" (which stands for Don't Let Me Down), is certainly a highlight, with its delectable combination of Nick's smooth trills and SA's angry raps. Lyrically, it deals with a girl that struggles to get out of an abusive relationship. "If you hurt her again, I'll fuck you up," Nick snarls to the abuser.
"Sweet" takes down the tempo, and takes the album down a more lighthearted path. It is a lovely, slow-winding, reggae-esque song with top-notch drumming by Chad Sexton. "Don't Stay Home" is a jaunty, solid track that was a memorable hit single. Musically, it has everything going for it -- everytime I listen to this song, it sounds new. The confident, defiant vocals are a special treat, and alternative rock fans will be attracted to that compelling guitar melody like birds to french fries left in the McDonald's parking lot.
I hesitate to say that this album would be the best initiation to 311's music (Soundsystem and From Chaos showcase a more diverse side of the band), but it's certainly a necessity for casual fans who haven't checked it out yet. 311 boasted a more aggressive sound in these days -- by no means were they heavy metal, but the guitars are punchier here, the sound is generally more uptempo, there are more raps, etc. Whatever the case, rock music fans should not look over 311. The musicianship is top-notch, the songs are fun, and the album has definitely proven its staying power.
...Besides, it's FEEL-GOOD music. And at the end of the day, my friend, what is better than that?
Epinions.com periodically updates pricing and product information from third-party sources, so some information may be slightly out-of-date. You should confirm all information before relying on it.
![311 [PA] by 311](http://di1.shopping.com/images1/pi/49/5a/7e/2002059515-177x150-0-0.jpg)
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.