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A Classic
Grassroots is the best CD from arguably one of the best and most original bands of the last 20 years. Released just one year after their debut album Music, Grassroots flexes 311's lyrical talents and possesses highly effective guitar riffs, reggae grooves, head bang worthy breakdowns and head bobbing rap flows. The album starts off with the first single released from the 1994 release, Homebrew, Hexum shows off his storytelling abilities in this song. He speaks of his Independence Day at 19 years of age...a bad idea to snort that coke is basically what he conveys..."It was Independence Day, I seen the other side and I say, oh I've been insane, and I won't ever be the same." All in all a unbelievable song, with a sweet opening guitar lick, nice flows from S.A., and a phenomenal melody to it. Homebrew is not arguably a 311 classic. Along with Homebrew, 311 classics from Grassroots include Omaha Stylee(funky-reggae-rock), Offbeat Bare Ass (strong reggae vibes, and a politically conscious effort-legalize it) and Applied Science (a staple at their unreal live act, Sexton kills it on a drum solo). The second track Lucky features an unbelievably catchy chorus and also shows of the guys' uncanny rapping abilities. In the title track Grassroots the boys get philosophical, "the roots that grow underground lie as big as the tree, can't you see if not it will fall down..." and of course Hexum goes on to sing "311 has grassroots." Silver is an undeniable rocker that showcases Hexums hard side while he vents about former band mate Terrance Henry, a must listen. Sprinkled throughout the much prevalent rock and reggae are a few slower, more melodic gems such as a personal favorite of mine 8:16 A.M., and also Lose, which is about a love which was prophetically lost, 311 ends the album with possibly the most lax 311 song to date 1,2,3, which is beautifully done. Six features a unique guitar intro, which I fell in love with the first time I heard it, reminds me of a spider (don't ask). Salsa and Nutsymptom are the most raw and rough songs on the album, but still good. There's literally not one bad song on this album, and as stated earlier there are three to four bonifide classics, and I don't just hand those out. Even if I wasn't a 311 fan I'd love the album, any music fan should get it...it's not too late!
All we're comin' with is a little bit of swing
'Grassroots' is a stunningly outstanding follow up to 311's greatly original debut, 'Music'. On their sophomore release, the band takes the songwriting up a notch with even more cleverly crafted lyrics and extraordinary musicianship to combine for a musically diverse masterpiece. SA and Nick prove their lyrical genius by crafting these unbelievable lyrics that cover topics such as legalization of marijuana, flatulating on others, lost love, and the fact that you would have never thought that a band this great would ever come out of a town like Omaha, Nebraska. Tim Mahoney's amazing guitar work perfectly compliments P-NUT's melodic bass playing which beautifully meshes together with Chad Sexton's out-of-this-world drumming. I would name a few standout tracks, but every song is truly a gem and when combined as a whole, makes for a very pleasurable listen. "Applied Science" contains one the best drum solos I've ever heard and SA shows off his beat-boxing skills on "Offbeat Bareass". 311 have had 7 wonderful albums, but this one still stands out to me as their best. They have truly mastered the art of underground success.
Amazing
311 has so much talent, it is almost unfair. They make other bands look like wanna-be musicians because they are so good. 311 was doing the hybrid style of rap and rock (and several other styles of music) before anyone else, in the late 80's. It's refreshing to have a band that promotes positivity and that is above all of the garbage that so many other bands seem content to wallow in.
The best cd ever made
I have been a 311 fan since '97 and this is the album that introduced me to my favorite band of all time. I feel that this album really brings out the punk rock in their style. Songs like "homebrew" and "lucky" have very catchy and upbeat choruses. "Omaha stylee" is a great song because they seem to switch so many sytles. "Applied science" shows what a great drummer Chad is. "Grassroots", "Silver", and "Offbeat bareass" seem to have this very punk rock feeling to it. While "123"( my favorite off the cd) if very mellow, trippy, and relaxing. "8:16 AM", " Loose", and "Tayied" are nice songs that are great to just sit and listen to, and " Nutsymptom" is a hard and fast song. " Six" and "Salsa" are just classic 311 songs mixing rock, rap, funk, and punk. Grassroots is the greatest 311 album and greatest album ever recorded. Any 311 fan or music fan should own this cd.
Three-Eleven's 1994 Debut
Grassroots, 311's second album, displays an improved sense of songwriting and melody, as well as a more confident rhythm section. They still sound heavily indebted to The Red Hot Chili Peppers and Faith No More, but the band is beginning to forge out their own identity on Grassroots.
obviously
everyone knows that 311 is an amazing band, and grassroots is one of their bests. There are a lot of curses on the regular version, so this is necessary. if for some reason you can't buy the regular version, invest in this. you won't be sorry.