Search - The Brian Jonestown Massacre :: Methodrone

An overlooked masterpiece!

Eric J. Hradecky | Rockford, IL United States | 07/07/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Even though this music is (as of writing this) over 10 years old, you'd SWEAR that it was a brand new record! This is how well Methodrone stands the test of time! In fact the vast majority of Anton Newcombe's music stands up well long after publication/release!



As the names imply [BRIAN JONESTOWN MASSACRE - METHODRONE] you get a heaping serving of early Stones attitude and sound set against a solid wall of shoe gazing/droning chords. The first four tracks of Methodrone make this an absolute must for any serious rock fan.



While there isn't a bad song on the cd, the remainder of the record is merely very good. But in BJM's defense think of the last few records you bought...can you say that every track is either outstanding or merely very good? Probably not. Methodrone is a wonderful start to finish ride.



I would recomend that if you're not familiar with BJM this record is as good a place to start as any of their MANY records. Other BJM records tend to be heavier on the 60's sound that Newcombe knows and loves. That isn't bad, in fact Newcombe is a (here it goes another BJM fan overstating) a GENIUS. Really, he is. Newcombe has the ability to re-create the best the 60's and early 70's had to offer but repackage it in a very contemporary ATTITUDE.



Newcombe & BJM are receiving a good deal of notoriety since the documentary "DiG!" has come out on DVD. In it he's protrayed as an as**ole. This may or may not the the truth. But don't let the documentary get in the way of your becomming a fan of his music. After all, isn't that the REAL point? Take Richard Wagner...he and his wife Cosima were SERIOUS anti-semites. They were both outspoken and loud as**oles. But what about Wagner's MUSIC. You'd never be able to tell that Wagner was a certifiable pr*ck while listening to the Siegfried Idyll! I'm not saying Newcombe is a horse's hind end, maybe he is and maybe he isn't. All I'm saying is let his MUSIC make up your mind.



OK, off the soap box and back to Methodrone...BUY IT!"

Shoegazing

MEWZIK | 08/11/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Not like Anton doesn't add dreampop in some of his recordings, but Methodrone can rival any My Bloody Valentine, Ride, Catherine Wheel, Slowdive, etc - as one of the most overlooked treasures to the genre. This was made in 1995, a point when shoegaze was phasing out to britpop like Blur's Modern Life Is Rubbish in 1994 (look at the transition for the band LUSH regarding catalog). What I am saying is he was a penny short of getting real success with this record, not like Anton could ever put all his eggs in one basket. He is one talented bstrd and the debut should have gave him more of a fanbase. I am happy he is getting the attention now."

This is it, Baby!

Eric J. Hradecky | 11/25/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It's the Maasacre from a time when they felt things a little bit differently and measured themselves against more contemporary band movements. But this album will be sought after even 20 years from now, GUARANTEED. Timeless as they wanted it and all of their releases to be."