"Classic Masters" helps fans see through the "Rain"
Ben Erwin/Verge editor
Issue date: 4/12/02 Section: The Verge
Despite garnering one-hit-wonder status with their breakthrough hit "No Rain," Blind Melon prove themselves to be a deceptively dark band with the release of the greatest hits collection "Classic Masters."
With the death of lead singer Shannon Hoon in 1995, the career plans of Blind Melon were forever cut short after only a few short years of acclaim and a pair of albums under their belts. With "Classic Masters," however, the band is privy to a rebirth, with material from all of their previous releases, including the posthumously released "Nico," available in one succinct package.
Although known for the horrifically poppy "No Rain," a song remembered as much for its music video (complete with dancing bee-people) as for its incredibly catchy hook, Blind Melon was, in fact, an incredibly dark and captivating band that never quite gained popularity for the appropriate talents. "Classic Masters," though, is finally able to shed a bit more light on the group.
With the slinking groove of "Tones of Home" and the guitar-driven rock of "Galaxie," Blind Melon proved they were far more than a mere pop act, with trippy leads and driving rhythms accenting the tortured lyrics of Hoon. Even on the bluesy jam "Paper Scratcher" and the skittering acoustic melodies and artful leads of "Change," Blind Melon proved themselves to be just as good at writing songs as they were at crafting memorable hooks.
While much of "Classic Masters" has an electric tinge, it is on the acoustic numbers that the band truly shines. The layered acoustic melody of "Mouthful Of Cavities" creates more than enough room for Hoon's voice to wrap and careen around, while the mandolin and harmonica accents of "Walk" provide suitable space for Hoon to craft a story. Blind Melon again drives home the loud-soft dynamics on the emotionally engaging chants and guitar harmonics of "Toes Across The Floor" and the captivating "Soul One" which stands as one of Hoon's greatest accomplishments as a songwriter.
With the death of lead singer Shannon Hoon in 1995, the career plans of Blind Melon were forever cut short after only a few short years of acclaim and a pair of albums under their belts. With "Classic Masters," however, the band is privy to a rebirth, with material from all of their previous releases, including the posthumously released "Nico," available in one succinct package.
Although known for the horrifically poppy "No Rain," a song remembered as much for its music video (complete with dancing bee-people) as for its incredibly catchy hook, Blind Melon was, in fact, an incredibly dark and captivating band that never quite gained popularity for the appropriate talents. "Classic Masters," though, is finally able to shed a bit more light on the group.
With the slinking groove of "Tones of Home" and the guitar-driven rock of "Galaxie," Blind Melon proved they were far more than a mere pop act, with trippy leads and driving rhythms accenting the tortured lyrics of Hoon. Even on the bluesy jam "Paper Scratcher" and the skittering acoustic melodies and artful leads of "Change," Blind Melon proved themselves to be just as good at writing songs as they were at crafting memorable hooks.
While much of "Classic Masters" has an electric tinge, it is on the acoustic numbers that the band truly shines. The layered acoustic melody of "Mouthful Of Cavities" creates more than enough room for Hoon's voice to wrap and careen around, while the mandolin and harmonica accents of "Walk" provide suitable space for Hoon to craft a story. Blind Melon again drives home the loud-soft dynamics on the emotionally engaging chants and guitar harmonics of "Toes Across The Floor" and the captivating "Soul One" which stands as one of Hoon's greatest accomplishments as a songwriter.
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