Timothy K. Schwader | Austin, TX United States | 06/12/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I am a longtime fan of King's X, and Doug Pinnick has always provided me with my favorite parts of that band's sound. However, when he released his first (solo) Poundhound disc, I was shocked to find that I got deeper into it than I had been able to get into even my favorite King's X records. King's X will always be the greatest band, and it is Ty and Jerry and Doug keeping each other in check which provides their magic. With Poundhound, though, Doug is able to explore things (lyrical subjects, musical ideas) that he is unable to in King's X. And that is ultimately why Poundhound works so well and is such a great idea. Songs like "Eventime" and "Somedays" rock like bastards, while tracks like "Oh My Soul" and "Someone" will dig deep into your psyche and mess with you a little bit. This is a very personal album for Doug, and a big step, too: his production is amazing and his guitar playing has grown leaps and bounds from the first PH release. This is going to be way up there on my Top 10 list at the end of 2001."
Pretty good album blows my mind
jt | ri usa | 07/11/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This is simply the sexiest music Doug Pinnick has ever made. Pinnick's work with King's X has always been highly praised as being soulful and powerful but the last thing anybody could say was that the music was sexy. With Pinappleskunk we still get Pinnick's trademark bass and vocals but delivered with more sophistication, self assurance, and joy than in any of his previous work. Potency like this could carry the band for another twenty years."
Not as good as Massive Grooves....but still outstanding.
Gary Huckabay | Concord, CA USA | 07/08/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Not as accessable as Massive Grooves, but still excellent. Takes about six times through the album before my head gets aligned with the record. "Rain" and "Jumpin" will have you lost in the music almost immediately.Lot of spoken word stuff, though. Obviously a conscious choice by Doug, but if I had his vocal skills, I'd sure show them off at every opportunity.Still the best vocalist ever to walk the face of the earth, with apologies to Aretha."
Great Artist Making (at times) Great Music
J. Liberty | Van Nuys, CA USA | 06/28/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)
"You know, I gave Doug 4 stars and I had to think about how we rate music. Basically there is some music on this CD that is a bit experimental that doesn't quite grab you. Listening to the last King's X CD, I kind of expected it. But even more, it is the kind of experimentation that I want from an experienced artist like Doug if it let's him create the other tunes that grace this production. While there may be one or two other songs that groove but don't blow you away, fully half of the songs on this CD are amazing. I mean transcendental, rock the mosh pit, make your heart beat faster, make you smile, this is what good music is all about fun! That's why I despair with our rating system. Because I think we (the fans of Doug Pinnick and King's X) hold him to a higher standard. There are some artists that can go entire careers without the incredible tunes reprsented on half of this CD. Yet I give Doug 4 stars - go figure. I guess I'm just holding him responsible to my perceived notion of what his optimum output is. Would also have liked to hear someone else playing the guitar solos. BTW: His singing is the best I've heard in the last few CDs. Really stepping out there and belting it out. Unfortuneately he still talks his way through a lot of verses. And if you need to test your subwoofer(s) - this is the record - unbelievable low end. My Summary:Somedays: A bit like the opener from Mr Bulbous, eerie, tentative, and a bit dark.Rise-n-Shine: Really creative use of answering machine.Jumpin: Stay clear of the mosh pit baby - someone's gonna get hurt. Average increase in speed while listening to this tune driving - 40mph.Mind: Amazing, a chorus you don't want to stop.Oh My Soul: Groovy, with a noticably Gerry-like beat. Gerry (Gaskill of King's X) played drums on this entire project, Doug played everything else.Next In Line: Cool harmonies, smart & funny song lyrically.Rain: Dirgy, big-bottomed rocker. Cool chorus.Pineapple: Didn't feel any noticeable increase in my need for this particular fruit while listening. Would have liked to hear more singing and less talking. The miniscule use of harmonies feels like a tease.Wrong Address: Weird interludeHigher: A lyrical theme he frequents on this CD and elsewhwere in his career. A heavy talking verse with a great chorus.She: Very King's X-like. Pretty and sad at the same time.Someone: Cool tune. Really deep lyrically - Doug gets personal and digs.Smearing: A smart, almost poppy tune. Very sly.Atlanta: Big rocker. A song about another bad charachter ala "Friends". If not about his dad, then somebody's. A good example of Doug's openness. His performances are so good, he could be singing the phone book and you wouldn't care. Yet this song's subject matter is so painful, it really makes you think differently and really appreciate Doug's ability to be so honest.The Will: Experimental interlude.Eventime: Good straight-ahead rocker."
Poundhound - Pineappleskunk
Warren R. Mason | New York, NY USA | 06/10/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)
"What made King's X such a great band at their artistic peak was their ability to churn out complex rock music with lush harmonies. The band members were excellent songwriters with an innovative and energetic sound. By the time Tape Head hit store shelves, King's X had lost its voice and instead leaned on groove-based rockers to make it through albums. Sure, the music always remained a notch above the rest of the market, but the band seemed to lose momentum in the post-grunge era.On Pineappleskunk, Doug Pinnick, with King's X drummer Jerry Gaskill in tow, digs deep and recaptures some of the magic, but as a solo artist. The songs are generally rich and varied rockers that feel a lot like the early days of King's X. Not since Ear Candy has Doug sung with the passion felt on Pineappleskunk.Still, the listener wishes that Ty Tabor, King's X's guitarist and secondary vocalist, was at the sessions to round out the recording. Had this been a true King's X record, it might have come closer to the majesty of some of the band's best efforts. The complex background harmonies, more sophisticated guitar playing and commercial sensibilities would have rounded out the album.Instead of focusing on how enjoyable Pineappleskunk is, this reviewer is left fanaticizing about how good the next King's X album might just be. Could it be that King's X still has another career defining album in them?"
Track Listings (16) - Disc #1