3-Way Tie (For Last)

by

Minutemen

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For those who were following (or who want to start following) the Minutemen's all too brief glory ride, this was the album that brought together all the changes that had been building and suggested a less dense, longer, more fleshed out future that never happened. A lot of staple tracks are here, and D. Boon turns in some of his finest vocals on "the Price of Paradise", which kicks off his side of Vietnam reflections. Indeed, the A list of material on this often overlooked gem just glitters: "Courage" is another Boon 'Nam winner, and "the Red and the Black" is their definitive take on the old Blue Oyster Cult track. Want a little more funk stomp around the house, kick "No More", Mike Watt's bofo sorta rap kicker that is also on HIS side, which is mostly fun and a bunch o' covers. But its all good, and the only real sadness is the death of Boon just a week after its release. Tied for last? This album is first place all the way, and a fine epitaph for all that D. Boon stood for.

I've been a huge Minutemen fan for a long time and regret not having seen them live before their sudden and tragic demise nearly twenty years ago. In my opinion, "Three Way..." is the band's weakest effort, by far. What really spoils this record for me is it's slick production. Previous Minutemen records feature bare-bones production techniques that faithfully capture the raw intensity of their live shows. This record (or CD, if you prefer) is just too glossy sounding for my tastes and seriously dulls the band's edge. Still, every Minutemen record is worth a listen.

But.....

If you are new to The Minutemen, first pick up their classic double LP (or extra-length CD, but with fewer songs) "Double Nickles On The Dime". Then, get "Post-Mersh Vol. 1" which contains their first two LP's on one CD. While you're at it, check out "Ballot Result", a double LP consisting of live recordings chosen by the band's fans. Originally, D., Mike, and George were going to perform these songs live once the results were in. But due to D. Boon's untimely death, the songs were compiled from live shows, rehearsal tapes, and radio broadcasts. Sound quality can be very spotty in places, but don't let that prevent you from enjoying this nice tribute to D. and his bandmates. Also, listen to how much better the live versions compare to the same songs on "Three Way..." No contest!