Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 26-30 of 43
 With the Right Set of Eyes May 23, 2008
Michael Stouffer (Los Angeles, CA United States)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I had tickets to see Blind Melon on Nov. 4th, 1995. Unfortunately, Shannon passed away on Oct. 21st, just a few weeks shy of the show. I remember thinking that I would never be able to see Blind Melon play live and I was so depressed. Last week on May 2nd, 2008 that all changed. Blind Melon played the El Rey in Los Angeles and totally rocked. It was so great to finally hear songs from the debut, "Soup" and even "Nico", performed LIVE! Of course, Shannon wasn't there but he created that music and his energy will always be in and part of those songs. The fact is Shannon Hoon can never be replaced. I know that, Blind Melon fans know that, and so does Blind Melon. Travis Warren, the new frontman, is not there to replace Shannon, but rather, to keep the music alive and bring back a great band that's been gone far too long.
With all that said, the new album is solid. There's not a bad song in the bunch. There's not a real radio single in the bunch either, but "Wishing Well" is the closest. Travis doesn't emulate Shannon's style very much at all. I noticed slight "Hoon-isms" but just briefly. Yes, they have a similar range and tone, but their style, energy, and approach to song writing (melodically and lyrically) are completely different. Shannon was a free spirit, so free that he was at times, out of control. That energy is apparent on the first album and especially on "Soup". Travis is a bit more structured and has a controlled and steady energy. That's not bad, it's just different.
I think this album is a great start for the new lineup. I think they're just testing the waters right now. Once the band is together for a while I think they will venture into more uncharted territory. My favorite songs on the album are "Wishing Well", "Down On the Pharmacy", "With the Right Set of Eyes", "Last Laugh" (which is a song Christopher Thorn wrote about Shannon), "Father Time" and "Cheetum Street".
All in all, I definitely recommend this album, however, if you're expecting it to be just like the Shannon Hoon era Blind Melon, you will be disappointed. If you keep an open mind and focus on what the music is and not what it used to be, you should really enjoy it.
 Lacking May 23, 2008
Dylan A. Neary (WA USA)
1 out of 2 found this review helpful
I bought this CD because I heard a song on the internet and it really reminded me of the old Blind Melon. I loved the old band dearly, and I did not expect this CD to come close to the old stuff. But when I listened to the CD I was surprised, at first. The band can still play music the same ole way, boucing between hopping tunes with great guitar mixtures to the eerie sounding tunes. The new singer sounds enough like Hoon that you get the genuine feeling you are listening to THE Blind Melon. It all seems to good to be true, AND it is! Once you get down to it and start really listening to the lyrics, you find that they are absolute garbage. There are no more "got sewage fruit and its growing out back from roots and i dont know if they belong to me....and a rummage sells some rubbish to me, but if i could buy the sky", no more "schuffle can to can, no body really gives a damn, for every living day i give myself a hand." No more of that drowning sorrow balanced with far off hope. No more pictures of that rare and beautiful life of Indiana. The new lyrics are laughable at best, something the 14 or 15 year old would enjoy and then forget in 2 weeks. The more I listen to the CD, which is not much, the more it becomes apparent that it was just a music company's money making scheme.
 perfect timing May 23, 2008
Manon Rain (Lapeer, MI United States)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I have not bought the album yet (I can't wait to) but I saw them perform live last night and they were absolutely amazing. In this dreadful era of crap music, it was a sigh of relief on my part, to see these guys back. And, add to it a lead singer of amazing timeless sound and ability (check out his own material on his myspace) His songs felt like home to my soul on first listen, not because he may sound like Shannon, but that he has that quality of being a shining light straight from his soul out his lips. His presence is soothing. Let's just say, myself, a super Shannon fan, did not for one minute in the show wish he was back to sings these songs on this night, only happy that his and his band's music is living on and living well.
Love that I have for my friends June 3, 2008
LEX_O (California)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
This is one of those albums that you have to have. I was fortunate enough to meet Brad Smith the bassist for the Melons. While on tour I taught him a tennis lesson. Hes pretty good too. Anyway, afterwards he put me and my buddy on "the list" we got to see the melons in Boise Idaho. Needless to say they rocked. I had to get their album and I wasnt dissapointed indeed from start to finish, this is a classic jam band album. Travis Warren by the way is one of the best lead singers ive ever witnessed in real life. I could not believe his voice was able to carry that pitch for so long. For those who say, hes trying too hard. Not at all that is how he actually sounds for hours. My God they were impressive. Back to the review, from start to finish this is a great album you have to hear to really appriciate. I was a fan back in the day but I cant stop listening to the album the second song is definatly my favorite, makes me think of that girl, that youve had, but now has gone away. Makes me emotional everytime I listen to it. Get the album, Blind Melon is back finally and I hope for the long haul.
Empty shell June 19, 2008
Rusty Shackleford (Bethlehem, PA)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
This album may sound like Blind Melon of old musically (even vocally) but the depth that Blind Melon possessed years ago is sadly missing. Shannon Hoon was much more than a neo-hippy all the kids playing hackey sack could look up to, he was a brilliant lyricist whose life was spiraling out of control as evidenced by the words he put to music. Without the meaning in the lyrics, all you get from this album is a feel-good facsimile of the Blind Melon of old. This is Blind Melon for the people who liked the scene more than the band.
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