This post has taken a long time to come out, but I'm glad.You can say I've rediscovered this album in the past few weeks,and the review I'll put out now will be a great deal richer than if I had done this earlier.
Well, as far as debut albums go, 'Three Dollar..' accomplished what it was made to do - get Limp Bizkit noticed in the music world.The aggressive sound dubbed as 'Rapcore' and 'Nu-metal' [so far immortalised by their mentors KoRn] made heads turn.
Agreed,the song writing had a shaky foundation, but the eccentric brilliance of their lone guitarist Wes Borland pulled them through with some memorable,inspiring playing.He didn't use a pick, and instead showed off his two handed technique- playing chords with one hand and tapping the lead with the other.Genius.
DJ Lethal too was a revelation and probably set the trend for accommodating DJs in Nu-Metal bands (notable bands include a certain Linkin Park!).Just to keep the music properly timed when the frenzy and passion in playing such music gets ahead of everyone, and the bassist can't control it!The drummer in most cases will be busy playing discontinuous beats on such an aggro album.The scratching and turntable skills are a bonus, that add a definite dimension to what you hear.
The album was recorded at Indigo Ranch,California, a hot destination among bands to record amidst beautiful surroundings which definitely play a part in their music.
This album initially didn't receive a mind-blowing but a decently impressive response [6,50,000 copies sold in the opening week!] yet it went on to be certified 2x Platinum, riding on the unbelievable success of Limp Bizkit's next in 1999,Significant Other.
This is basically a generic Nu-metal album with a Rap twist, not surprisingly with predictable lyrics.They all have to let the pain and hate out in the first chance they get.Happened with KoRn, happened with Linkin Park and many more contemporaries.
THREE DOLLAR BILL,Y'ALL$ ---- *******ooo [7/10]
Intro contains a frenzied monologue, a prayer to God to kill everything that's bad in the world.By saying "Kill the pollution..",it introduces us to the first full-sized track on the record.
Pollution builds up well with a cranky guitar intro.The screaming by Fred is spectacular and Wes Borland,who would go on to become one of the greats, dishes out a faultless performance.
Counterfeit comes next.Even before Limp Bizkit went big, local bands starting copying them, and that's what this track is all about.Fred D condemns all those who thought that wearing a baseball cap and baggy sweats [like him] and rapping to beat will make them successful.
The bass by Sam Rivers on the verse and bridge is great to listen to,but Wes plays some heavily distorted guitar which makes it difficult to resolve two sounds.
Lethal makes his presence felt.
This is a memorable song nevertheless in its entirety.
Stuck is an average effort by Fred Durst on vocals.He gives it his all, but it just doesn't come together.The guitars are good in the chorus,but that's about it.The song seems full of fractures.Such music is reminiscent of KoRn's debut.
Nobody Loves Me brings out Borland's Wah-Wah pedal.The bass is monstrous.The chorus of "Nobody loves me, nobody cares" strangely hits a chord, with me at least.This songs bursts forward in packets, there's almost a lull in between sequences.
The climax is very aggressive and sends your pulse racing.
The intro to Sour is brilliant with Wes demonstrating his tapping to great effect.This song describes Fred Durst's problems in his love life.The distorted vocals can be forgiven, as the atmosphere Wes creates is exceptional; you sway to this.
Stalemate reproduces the intro to Sour in a fresh way.It still gets you hooked, waiting for what is to come.The heavy bass thorughout the song by Sam Rivers is sure to make your heart beat faster.The vocals are uninspired.The tunes Sam and Wes explore in the latter part of the song is surprisingly entrancing, mainly because you are trying to understand how the hell they are getting this out of their guitars!
The intro to Clunk redefines what heavy bass means.DJ Lethal comes in with some timely scratching.Fred D yet again fails to impress.
Surprise.A cover of George Michael's chart-topping song "Faith" comes next.Honestly speaking, I like the heavier Limp Bizkit version rather than the mellow original.Fred impresses, and so does Wes Borland.Lethal's work is visible throughout the song.One of the better songs on this album.
Heavy bass.There's something about this that always makes me smile.Stink Finger displays some mind numbing rhythm on the chorus and Fred sings this well.This is about irritating neighbours.There are always some everywhere!
My favourite follows.Indigo Flow has a much more solid spine with a definite structure.If you can divert your attention from Fred thanking everyone who helped him reach where he is, you will notice Wes playing a stellar tune in the background.
The climax to this song is among the best I've seen yet.As Fred concludes his acknowledgements with "And God, I LOVE YOU...!" he breaks out into a super-sonic scream.It is one of those moments where time stands still, and you wait for it all to sink in.Lethal takes it up from there and ends the song on a high.
Leech starts off strong.But doesn't ascend higher.It reverberates at the level it decides on in the beginning.
Everything concludes this album with close to sixteen and a half minutes of jam recordings at the studio.My advice would be to skip this.
Not something special, but this album just about scrapes 7/10 off me.Just because they hit more than they missed.Not a must-listen.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
NEWS:
1.Julien-K's Breakfast In Berlin has stormed the German Alternative Charts, debuting at #15.On the same charts, KoRn's path-breaking song Narcissitic Cannibal is at #4.
Breakfast In Berlin by Julien-K
Korn 'Narcissistic Cannibal (feat Skrillex and Kill the Noise)' by Korn
2.There are indications that after absolutely no news about Limp Bizkit's second video for Gold Cobra - either Shotgun or Autotunage [or maybe both], something just might come out in the near future.
3.Julien-K's drummer Elias "Bones" Andra has withdrawn from touring with the band as his wife is expecting their second child soon,and he wants to be with his family.He and the others are looking for a drummer to tour with.
4.Julien-K have announced that they have wrapped up two videos.Can't wait for them to come out.Moreover, can't wait for their next, "We're Here With You", that releases 23.01.2012.
Next: Dubstep+Metal.Does KoRn's Path Of Totality work?
 |
| Album Art |
Well, as far as debut albums go, 'Three Dollar..' accomplished what it was made to do - get Limp Bizkit noticed in the music world.The aggressive sound dubbed as 'Rapcore' and 'Nu-metal' [so far immortalised by their mentors KoRn] made heads turn.
 |
| Wes Borland doing what he does best! |
Agreed,the song writing had a shaky foundation, but the eccentric brilliance of their lone guitarist Wes Borland pulled them through with some memorable,inspiring playing.He didn't use a pick, and instead showed off his two handed technique- playing chords with one hand and tapping the lead with the other.Genius.
 |
| DJ Lethal |
DJ Lethal too was a revelation and probably set the trend for accommodating DJs in Nu-Metal bands (notable bands include a certain Linkin Park!).Just to keep the music properly timed when the frenzy and passion in playing such music gets ahead of everyone, and the bassist can't control it!The drummer in most cases will be busy playing discontinuous beats on such an aggro album.The scratching and turntable skills are a bonus, that add a definite dimension to what you hear.
The album was recorded at Indigo Ranch,California, a hot destination among bands to record amidst beautiful surroundings which definitely play a part in their music.
 |
| Studio at Indigo Ranch |
 |
| Indigo Ranch |
This album initially didn't receive a mind-blowing but a decently impressive response [6,50,000 copies sold in the opening week!] yet it went on to be certified 2x Platinum, riding on the unbelievable success of Limp Bizkit's next in 1999,Significant Other.
This is basically a generic Nu-metal album with a Rap twist, not surprisingly with predictable lyrics.They all have to let the pain and hate out in the first chance they get.Happened with KoRn, happened with Linkin Park and many more contemporaries.
THREE DOLLAR BILL,Y'ALL$ ---- *******ooo [7/10]
Intro contains a frenzied monologue, a prayer to God to kill everything that's bad in the world.By saying "Kill the pollution..",it introduces us to the first full-sized track on the record.
Pollution builds up well with a cranky guitar intro.The screaming by Fred is spectacular and Wes Borland,who would go on to become one of the greats, dishes out a faultless performance.
Counterfeit comes next.Even before Limp Bizkit went big, local bands starting copying them, and that's what this track is all about.Fred D condemns all those who thought that wearing a baseball cap and baggy sweats [like him] and rapping to beat will make them successful.
The bass by Sam Rivers on the verse and bridge is great to listen to,but Wes plays some heavily distorted guitar which makes it difficult to resolve two sounds.
Lethal makes his presence felt.
This is a memorable song nevertheless in its entirety.
Stuck is an average effort by Fred Durst on vocals.He gives it his all, but it just doesn't come together.The guitars are good in the chorus,but that's about it.The song seems full of fractures.Such music is reminiscent of KoRn's debut.
Nobody Loves Me brings out Borland's Wah-Wah pedal.The bass is monstrous.The chorus of "Nobody loves me, nobody cares" strangely hits a chord, with me at least.This songs bursts forward in packets, there's almost a lull in between sequences.
The climax is very aggressive and sends your pulse racing.
The intro to Sour is brilliant with Wes demonstrating his tapping to great effect.This song describes Fred Durst's problems in his love life.The distorted vocals can be forgiven, as the atmosphere Wes creates is exceptional; you sway to this.
Stalemate reproduces the intro to Sour in a fresh way.It still gets you hooked, waiting for what is to come.The heavy bass thorughout the song by Sam Rivers is sure to make your heart beat faster.The vocals are uninspired.The tunes Sam and Wes explore in the latter part of the song is surprisingly entrancing, mainly because you are trying to understand how the hell they are getting this out of their guitars!
 |
| The ecstasy of Sam Rivers |
The intro to Clunk redefines what heavy bass means.DJ Lethal comes in with some timely scratching.Fred D yet again fails to impress.
Surprise.A cover of George Michael's chart-topping song "Faith" comes next.Honestly speaking, I like the heavier Limp Bizkit version rather than the mellow original.Fred impresses, and so does Wes Borland.Lethal's work is visible throughout the song.One of the better songs on this album.
Heavy bass.There's something about this that always makes me smile.Stink Finger displays some mind numbing rhythm on the chorus and Fred sings this well.This is about irritating neighbours.There are always some everywhere!
My favourite follows.Indigo Flow has a much more solid spine with a definite structure.If you can divert your attention from Fred thanking everyone who helped him reach where he is, you will notice Wes playing a stellar tune in the background.
 |
| Fred Durst |
Leech starts off strong.But doesn't ascend higher.It reverberates at the level it decides on in the beginning.
Everything concludes this album with close to sixteen and a half minutes of jam recordings at the studio.My advice would be to skip this.
Not something special, but this album just about scrapes 7/10 off me.Just because they hit more than they missed.Not a must-listen.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
NEWS:
1.Julien-K's Breakfast In Berlin has stormed the German Alternative Charts, debuting at #15.On the same charts, KoRn's path-breaking song Narcissitic Cannibal is at #4.
Breakfast In Berlin by Julien-K
Korn 'Narcissistic Cannibal (feat Skrillex and Kill the Noise)' by Korn
2.There are indications that after absolutely no news about Limp Bizkit's second video for Gold Cobra - either Shotgun or Autotunage [or maybe both], something just might come out in the near future.
3.Julien-K's drummer Elias "Bones" Andra has withdrawn from touring with the band as his wife is expecting their second child soon,and he wants to be with his family.He and the others are looking for a drummer to tour with.
4.Julien-K have announced that they have wrapped up two videos.Can't wait for them to come out.Moreover, can't wait for their next, "We're Here With You", that releases 23.01.2012.
 |
| Album Art |
Next: Dubstep+Metal.Does KoRn's Path Of Totality work?
