4 Out Of 5 Stars
One of those weird, tragic stories of Rock and Roll, the Gin Blossoms found themselves riding a massively successful record only to fall victim to the stresses of the rock and roll lifestyle. "New Miserable Experience" walked a near perfect balance of jangle-pop with guitar rock, churning out a multitude of hit singles that remain memorable today. "Hey Jealousy" and "Follow You Down" were written by singer and guitarist Doug Hopkins, who was dismissed from the band for alcohol abuse just as the new album was peaking. The songs that were making folks sing along weren't enough to save Hopkins, who committed suicide in 1993. None of that overshadowed the album, which went on to platinum status all the same.While Hopkins' story dominates Gin Blossoms own history, the album has its own story to tell. Singers Jesse Valenzuela and Robin Wilson also were serious songwriters and contributed the well known "Alison Road" and "Until I Fall Away." Valenzuela also ventured into roots rock with "Cajun Song." There was just enough of an edgy vibe to the better rockers on "New Miserable Experience" to keep it from falling through the cracks of grunge's popularity of the time. It was as if Nirvana had studied with R.E.M. and created a hybrid. That successful duality dominated this album, keeping it as fresh today as it did in the early 90's.
No comments:
Post a Comment