Choose Again » Blog Archive » 311 - “Don’t Tread on Me”

Posted on 08-22-2005 in Album Review, Music | 4 responses>

311 - Don't Tread on Me [2005]

311’s quality of their albums is a dizzying up and down since their break-through “blue” album in 1995. Every 2 years a new album comes out like clockwork. 1997’s “Transistor” was down [for me], 1999’s “Soundsystem” was down [for me], 2001’s “From Chaos” was up, and 2003’s “Evolver” was (way) up. (I’m leaving out last year’s “Greatest Hits” album).

“Don’t Thread on Me” (11 tracks, 37 min.) continues the trend and, while not “bad” per se, it’s definitely down from “Evolver”. The album does contain a couple of good moments, including the title track, “Solar Flare” and the closer “There’s Always an Excuse”. But there are no truly stand-out tracks and there are unfortunately too many “lazy” songs that don’t get anywhere. (And what is with the steel drums? Showing up in 2 tracks…)

As a live act, 311 remains amazing as always. I saw them 5 days before this album was released, and they were outstanding. As a long time fan, I’m already looking forward to the 2007 album 311 will release, which, if the trend holds up, will be kick ass..

Until then, I’m gonna throw “Music” or “Grassroots” back in and try to remember how it once was, and how it could be again.

1.5 out of 4 for me.

4 Comments »

August 22nd, 2005 John Conde Says:

My bro is a huge 311 fan and he was disappointed as well. He said something aboutg oing back to Grassroots as well so I guess you 311 addicts all think alike.

August 22nd, 2005 Joy Says:

haha.. Yea John that’s a good assumption.. 311 fans are generally alike when it comes to their music + albums, I’ve found.. .It also varies greatly on the age and when the person first got into 311..

But for us old schoolers… it’s impossible to beat the first couple albums..