Album Analysis V, Secret Samadhi Options

[Merica]

The idea here is exactly the same as in the previous AA threads, just go through the album song by song, stating your thoughts on each of them. You may go into as much or as little detail as you like.

Here is a track list you can copy for your review:

1) Rattlesnake
2) Lakini's Juice
3) Graze
4) Century
5) Ghost
6) Unsheathed
7) Insomnia And The Hole In The Universe
8) Turn My Head
9) Heropsychodreamer
10) Freaks
11) Merica
12) Gas Hed Goes West

This is often regarded as one of the band's best albums, so the reviews should be interesting. Mine is on its way but please, don't wait for me, get posting....

[Badman]

Before I go into this, I just have to say that this was my second album and If this album would have sucked I probably would not have grown into a fan.


1) Rattlesnake-This song is like an intro to Lj for me. The Solo really makes it stand out! The mysterious lyrics and angsty sound made me realize that this was another TC or better.

2) Lakini's Juice-The drumless intro is so well crafted!! Then the drums explode onto the scene. This song has some of the best lyrics of any live song out there. The Angst level is off the charts, LET ME RIDE!! BURN MY EYES!!! XD We're to fuckin' afraid!

3) Graze- I can perform this song in ASL lol... and I did in school. This follows the classic live format of quiet to soft. And I hear a bit of Ed's "All over you" voice in there. This used to be my fav song and was my first sig too

4) Century- This is where I, out of impatience, changed it to freaks when I first got the album. Little did I know that after 2:20 this song comes full on into something rockin'! Similar to Sparkle in it's design.

5) Ghost- This is where the album splits into thirds for me. I love the song esp the drums. It also has meaning to any guy with the " I need a women to help me feel" and the "world tattoo" part is inspired. This song is bitterly dark and works well with the theme.

6) Unsheathed- Oh my, This song is the stage of this album. No one talks of it but it showcases the kind of anger that if tapped onstage could make an awesome show. The haunting screams and the drums are so great, listen to the song and ignore everything else and you will appreciate them more!

7) Insomnia And The Hole In The Universe- Confusingly addicting lyrics. I wonder what inspired this song... The harmonies in the last minute are a rare treat from this band that does not use them enough!

8) Turn My Head- This could have been on several different albums... Good lyrics, "all these Bastards are leaving, whatever we called you it's just a name" This song follows the theme very well to with very pessimistic lyrics.

9) Heropsychodreamer- After the last song I was like "WTF, this is awesome!" The bass driven beat powers this song like some kind of out of control train through a peaceful mountain village. This starts the 3rd and last part of the album. This should have been the Single if it wasn't. THEY CALLED YOU QUEER! It is impossible to choose a best from this album but if I could this would be in the running.

10) Freaks- When I first played through, I felt this song was different. I was drawn without knowing into looking up the lyrics. Perfect positioning on the album btw, Most of the album fits really well. A nice Music video too. The raspy "Labor Labor Labor" part is golden, I'm sure they knew this was big in recording.

11) Merica- i have had so many good things to say about SS, This song is very plain to me. I never understood exactly what it means... It just needed more work in the studio.

12) Gas Hed Goes West- A nice end to the album. If you listen closely you can hear the "All over you" voice again. I can only wonder what inspired this... This is a nice jam but nothing too crazy or spectacular.

Overall: Best Album by Live. It took forever to make and if it just would have came earlier they could be where pearl jam is right now. This is the album you should give to people who have never heard Live.

This post has been edited by Badman: Jan 26 2008, 1:45 pm