 |
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Puddle of Mudd - Vol. 4: Songs in the Key of Love and Hate  |
| |
Puddle of Mudd haven’t released a good album since, well, ever, and outside of coming close to a passable rock record with their debut “Come Clean” eight years ago, the bands body of work is of the ‘here today, gone tomorrow’ variety. Let’s put it this way – if your favorite bands include the following – Nickelback, Theory of a Deadman, Buckcherry – then this record will be yours for the liking. But if you like your rock infused with passion and a discernable edge, you’re probably better suited to just go ahead and look elsewhere to quench your thirst for new rock music.
If other words, if you aren’t into vapid rock cut purely for radio play, you aren’t going to like Puddle of Mudd’s “Vol. 4: Songs in the Key of Love and Hate.”
Aside from the songs that frontman Wes Scantlin has come out and said were written about his wife, the songwriting is pretty awful. Well, awful might not be as strong a word as should be used. Granted, Scantlin has always been a better singer than a songwriter, but there are moments on “Vol. 4:Songs in the Key on Love and Hate” that are especially bad, as evidenced on ‘Stoned’ (‘I’m really tired of taking all this sh*t when I’m sober/I’m thinking I’d rather be stoned’), yet things manage to get worse on ‘Spaceship’ (‘Let’s get it over and just get naked with sweat dripping down your little back/I’m a holy roller and I own a spaceship/do let me take you on a little ride’).
On the whole, “Vol. 4: Songs in the Key of Love and Hate” is typical Puddle of Mudd, predictable. Outside of a few bright (we,, OK, sort of dim) spots (‘Blood on the Table,’ ‘the Only Reason,’ ‘Better Place’), this record lacks punch and just wafts lifelessly from track to track until it mercilessly ends. The guitars are crunchy more often than not, but even they, when combined with the strength of Scantlin’s vocal abilities, can’t save the record from becoming quickly forgettable.
Puddle of Mudd is sort of like an 80’s child star. They are clinging to a reputation they built by releasing one alright album, but since then they haven’t done anything to prove they belong. Be warned – this record is not proof that they do. Go ahead and give this record a listen if you so choose, but don’t be surprised if you spend more time questioning that decision and more time hitting the skip track button than the play button.
Grade: D
Listen to: ‘Blood on the Table’
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|