Search - Gin Blossoms :: Dusted

Proto-Blossoms

Sierra Wilson | Rhode Island | 01/10/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The Gin Blossoms are often unfairly lumped in with the faceless crowd of 90s post-grunge bands, but this release, in particular, proves that there was something a bit more intriguing at work within these Arizonans' minds. Before they were pinning infectious, wondrously sung (Robin Wilson truly had one of the most distinctive vibratos of the 90s) pop gems, they were a blue-collar garage band vaguely resembling a slightly poppier installment of The Replacments, or perhaps a rough-and-tumble Byrds. Several later Blossoms classics ("Hey Jealousy," "Lost Horizons," "Found Out About You," etc.) are found here in there earliest, most primitive forms--if you listen to the versions here and then listen to their reworkings on "New Miserable Experience" you will be astonished at how slow the later versions sound. Philip Rhodes drums at a frentic pace, while Doug Hopkins (rest in peace) and Jesse Valenzuela pour on jiterry, jangly guitar lines beneath Robin Wilson's rough drinking voice (he sounds like an entirely different singer on this record). On a parting note, I must say that the fourth track, "Girls Can't Wait," is one of the absolute finest Gin Blossoms records, an astonishing, heartfelt tune that will leave immediate impressions."

Gin Blossoms Raw and Rough

chriscanuck | Canada | 06/12/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Sometimes raw and rough just means poor production or lousy musicianship. Not in this case. This early Gin Blossom disc is certainly less polished then New Miserable Experience (which contains 4 "Dusted" tracks) but it is raw and rough in a good way. To me, this cd has a much more country feel to it. Alt/Country that is. The guitars remind me alot of early Old 97's. One track, "I can't sleep" sounds like it could have belonged on the Long Ryders first record. I think if the band had gone in this direction rather than the sound of "Congradulations, I'm Sorry" then they would have been right in the Alt/Country discussion. If you like the Gin Blossoms and you are a fan of Alt/Country then pick it up. You will not be disappointed."

Hear the Gin Blossoms Before They Were Famous

chriscanuck | 09/21/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Prior to the Gin Blossoms' signing to A&M records, the band recorded on their own, this collection of songs in 1989, many of which would be re-recorded to appear on the maxi "Up and Crumbling" and their landmark major label debut album, "New Miserable Experience." Here the listener will hear the band before its association with John Hampton, and the way these songs sounded prior to that influence. The songs are amazingly good, but have a much harder edge than the more familiar versions. This album also gives you a chance to hear Doug Hopkins in all his brilliance as a guitar player. For historic purposes, this album is invaluable. But for a good rocker, it is also very entertaining. Highly recommended! Remember.... these are NOT the same versions of "Hey Jealousy," "Lost Horizons" and so on that would be re-made on A&M. Give it a listen, you'll enjoy. If you're a Gin Blossoms fan, this is an essential chapter in the band's history."