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As many of you know, Flipper are one of the most influential bands of the past 30 years, garnering praise and credit from Nirvana (whose bassist, Krist Novoselic, plays on this album), the Melvins, and virtually every band playing within the doom, stoner and sludge metal genres. And yet, despite this enormous influence, the band itself has existed in a state of relative obscurity throughout the past 30+ years. This, along with a tumultuous history of band member deaths (the most damaging being the death of bassist and co-vocalist Will Shatter in 1987), leaves one in sheer amazement that the band has even survived at all -- let alone release new recordings.

Flipper's last official studio album was 1993's Rick Rubin-produced American Grafishy -- an unfortunately little-heard, but admittedly strong entry into Flipper's discography (although nowhere near approaching the greatness of their previous albums, Generic and Gone Fishin'.) Now, after what seems like (for me, at least) years of anticipation, the band has returned with a new studio album entitled Love.

Over the past four years or so I have had the pleasure of being able to watch Flipper play in all of their live glory multiple times and, after viewing classic Flipper videos from the early 1980s, I can honestly say that the band is currently at their tightest and visceral career best (a rarity for bands of their age). This energy, combined with the classic "Flipper" sound that these guys could play in their sleep, shines through on this wonderful record. The band explores both the more speedy delivery of old songs like "Get Away" on new tracks like "Night Falls" and "Learn to Live," and also the sludgy dirge of "Sacrifice" on tracks like "Only One Answer" and "Why Can't You See." They also revisit territory similar to "Life Is Cheap" on the fantastic closer "Old Graves."

From what I'm saying, it sounds like this album is one big trip down memory lane, but it isn't, due mainly to the fact that there really is no one else out there (now or before) that sounds quite like Flipper. Also, it's thanks to the amazing Bruce Loose, who is much more aggressive and fiery with his vocals this time around. Krist Novoselic's bass playing also adds a wonderful dimension to the record and, quite honestly, sounds the closest to Will Shatter I have ever heard from the band. When you hear the bass opening to "Night Falls" you will instantly feel like you're hearing the same bassist who blasted through the opening of "In Life My Friends" from Gone Fishin'. Finally, there is Jack Endino (the famous producer behind Nirvana's Bleach), whose production is, quite frankly, perfect for a Flipper album. The bass pops just the way it should, the guitars sound distorted as all hell, Steve's drums sound strong, and Bruce's vocals tear through it all with beautiful anguish.

If you need to get one Flipper album, get Generic -- but this new album is a close second, tied with Gone Fishin'. A welcome and surprising comeback from one of punk rock's most groundbreaking bands.



People who liked this also liked:
Swingin' Utters - Hatest Grits: B-Sides and BullshitDillinger Four - Versus GodBad Religion - 80-85Raised Fist - DedicationFlipper - GenericPissed Jeans - King of JeansDescendents - Cool To Be YouCareer Suicide - Anthology of Releases: 2001-2003Teen Idles - Minor Disturbance [7 inch]ALL - Breaking Things



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    Posted by acris on 2009-06-19 16:29:03

    eazy's comment almost made me cry I was laughing so hard

    Posted by dudeagain on 2009-05-31 19:35:32

    Nice review, I think a live album is next, live is where they really "Shine" see Public, I wasn't impressed with Myspace stuff either, I will give this a buy.

    Flipper Still Rules... OK...

    Posted by muckymuck on 2009-05-31 07:39:46

    Generic fucking great, man. I'll download this. Haven't even read the review yet.

    Posted by eazyd2 on 2009-05-31 05:40:13

    They call him Flipper, Flipper, faster than lightning,
    No-one you see, is smarter than he,
    And we know Flipper, lives in a world full of wonder,
    Flying there-under, under the sea!

    Everyone loves the king of the sea,
    Ever so kind and gentle is he,
    Tricks he will do when children appear,
    And how they laugh when he's near!

    They call him Flipper, Flipper, faster than lightning,
    No-one you see, is smarter than he,
    And we know Flipper, lives in a world full of wonder,
    Flying there-under, under the sea!

    Posted by givemeamuseumandillfillit on 2009-05-30 14:49:23
    My Score:

    "In his defense, he generally reviews really classic bands."

    Yeah, like Amen.

    Posted by lushj on 2009-05-30 04:39:08

    Picked this up tonight and so far, you don't owe me any money!

    I can hear the Flipper of old pretty clearly, I think this will be growing on me like a fungus. Good call.

    Hey, I'm a fun guy! I'll be here all week!

    Posted by brandonsideleau on 2009-05-29 17:31:32

    In my defense....I haven't done a review in a long time and I am much harder on bands now...so I would compare this 4.5 with others I have.....I am comparing this to other Flipper albums....and I would definitely consider 'Generic' a 5 score album and this is easily second best, even a little better than 'Gone Fishin.' I agree that it takes a few listens to grow on you, I wasn't all that impressed the first time I heard 'Night Falls' and 'Be Good, Child" but now I love 'em. That being said, this IS a Flipper album to the core.....and you all know Flipper is an acquired taste. As a Flipper fan I give this a 4.5/5....but that is because I love the kind of music they play....and this is a near perfect example of how it should be done.

    Posted by mikexdude on 2009-05-29 17:17:49

    BrandonSideleau really loves 4.5/5 star reviews

    In his defense, he generally reviews really classic bands.

    Posted by Torgo on 2009-05-29 16:52:05

    BrandonSideleau really loves 4.5/5 star reviews

    Posted by Aymor on 2009-05-29 12:55:35

    awesome

    Posted by mikexdude on 2009-05-29 12:37:36
    My Score:

    punk rock's most groundbreaking bands

    What is this, a review for Brokencyde?

    In all seriousness, it could be better but we'll see if it grows on me.

    Posted by theonetruebill on 2009-05-29 12:06:25
    My Score:

    Yeah this is pretty good actually. After my first listen to the new songs they put up on Myspace I wasn't enthused at all but I've thrown this on four times in the last three days and it's getting better each listen.

    In fact, since my morning commute took twice as long as it should have and I was 45 minutes late for work, now's the perfect time to zone out and hate life a little bit so I think I might just throw it on again.

    Posted by lushj on 2009-05-29 11:53:26

    Sounds like you know your Flipper, so I'll pick this up based on your review.

    If it sucks I'm going to ask you for a refund!

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