Michael K. (destroyalltacos) from MALDEN, MA Reviewed on 5/8/2009...
If you're interested in the Melvins, this or Stoner Witch might be the best entry point. Pretty accessible while still full of their trademark sludgy sound.
CD Reviews
A landmark album in the Melvins' twisted discography
Self Induced | Drexel Hill, PA | 05/17/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"this is the Melvins' major label debut. back in the early 90's, the big grunge boom of the northwest was going on, and major record labels were busy signing bands left & right that sounded even remotely similiar to Nirvana, Alice In Chains, and Soundgarden. when Atlantic signed the Melvins, they didn't know what they were getting into. I don't think they were meant to be a big multi-million dollar phenomenon. nevertheless, Houdini was a kick-ass, weird, demented, rock album and is probably the best of their career (next to their self-titled album). in my opinion, this is probably one of the best rock albums that came out that year. when I think of my favorite albums of '93 I think of: Tool - Undertow, Tad - Inhaler, and Melvins - Houdini."
A Roaring Document Of Artistic Bombast
Jonothan Blanton | America | 12/08/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Announced by the thunderous, crashing, opening notes of "Hooch," "Houdini," is the document of an overtly uncommercial band channeling their artistic prescence into a mildly more produced, dynamic sound. This is in part due to their brief signing to Atlantic Records and in part due to the bands compadre Kurt Cobain chipping in at the mixing board for a couple numbers, along with his contribution to the guitar on two songs.
In terms of sound, "Houdini," takes the booming 70's echo of "Gluey Porch Treatments," and throws into the production gloss that's standard with a major label release. After the first lyrical verse consisting of nothing more than skit-skat vocal from hell, it is clear that "Houdini," IS the same band that painfully tweaked out the slow mollasses of "Ozma," and "Gluey Porch Treatments," just again remember when listening your stereo IS on the correct speed.
--- Jon Blanton, 2004(C) cddude24@yahoo.com"
Amazing major label debut
Self Induced | 08/27/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is the Melvins first release on a major label and by listening to it you wouldn't realize it. This album has kept with the Melvins traditional uncommercial sound, which is the best compliment I can possibly give. This album is great from start to finish. An absolute must have for anyone who isn't a brain dead half-wit who listens to corporate scholck rock."
Pretty good
Justin | New Jersey | 04/26/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)
"i'm not going to get very in depth here, because others have. this is not their best album, and certainly not their heaviest. it does however have some great moments, such as 'hag me,' 'teet' and of course the weird opening track 'hooch.' i'm not sure if its a good intro to the band, but it was mine. the production is my major quam, as it is not loud enough in a lot of ways, and certainly could be heavier. also the last track is rather unbearable, even while i love experimentaion and i love early swans. i'd say go for their heavier stuff, but this is good none the less."
A Demented Masterpiece
Justin | 04/17/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"When I first bought Houdini, I couldn't even make it through the first couple of songs.......I HATED it. It was the first music I had ever heard by the Melvins. A few months later I forced myself to listen to it again, and I was transformed. I couldn't believe that I actually disliked it the first time I heard it. It kept growing and growing on me. There's not one song on the whole album that I don't love, and the fact that nearly all the lyrics are unintelligible actually adds to the overall appeal.
Be warned: alot of reviews of this album as well as other albums by the Melvins tend to categorize the music as grunge or alternative. As far as I can tell, the Melvins are in their OWN musical category.......so don't expect to hear Nirvana/Pearl Jam types of songs here. The music on Houdini ranges from speed metal to sludge to god knows what. Give it a whirl.......I'm glad I did."