For Yours Truly, Mudhoney was a group where the hype never matched up with the actual product, but then again, I could say the same about a ton of grunge and alternative rock bands. Maybe it was because, this is the music I was most familiar with from listening to the radio, and I got sick of it real fast. Whatever the case, the band you know as Mudhoney was formed from the ashes of an earlier band called Green River, and the initial "indie" period which was highlighted by the infamous Superfuzz Bigmuff EP was a bit of a turn-off. However...like other Seattle-area groups, eventually Mudhoney was signed to a major label, and even though they never really compromised their sound, the extra resources certainly broadened their approach, and their major debut on Reprise - Piece of Cake - is a good example of this. For the most part, we are confronted with the classic garage-noise which put the band and grunge on the map, but there are added frills and touches which grab your attention, like the Untitled interludes, an introductory track which sounds like techno music played on a hockey-style organ, and an overall knack for integrating some odd instrumentation throughout. Beyond that, even the material has much improved since the sloppy Superfuzz days. "Make It Now" has long been my go-to Mudhoney track, and it's the finest example of what makes the album work - fiery, high-energetic technicial work which contrasts with the band's aloof, uncaring attitude. The album ends on a horrifying, "can't look away" note thanks to the enveloping folk ballad "Acetone". If you want a good grunge record that goes beyond the known quantities I highly suggest this one.
Comments