MORPHINE - BANDS YOU SHOULD KNOW
2In today's episode we're looking at a band that created a unique mountain of sound using a 2 string slide bass, Baritone Saxophone and Drums.
Formed in 1989 by Mark Sandman, Dana Colley and Jerome Dupree.
Dupree would suffer from tendinitis causing him to leave the band temporarily and was replaced by Billy Conway, Conway and Dupree would switch several times.
Sandman was known for his deep laid back vocal style as well as for inventing his own custom instruments, including a 1 string slide bass, the 2 string slide bass which he was known for, a tritar (one bass string and 2 guitar string) and many others.
The group described their sound as "Low Rock." A fitting title. The Baritone Sax along with Sandman's croon created a smoky atmosphere like the inside of a jazz lounge. Rock, Jazz and Blues blended into a sound all of their own.
Their first album, Good, released in 1992 Showcases their original sound in the best possible ways. I love this album, but it's my least listened to of them all.
The Highlights are the title track Good, Do Not Go Quietly, You Look like Rain, Have a Lucky Day, You Speak My Language, Claire
Cure for Pain, released in 1993, was my introduction to the band and after hearing it I quickly dug into their entire discography.
The album expands their sound incorporating more instrumentation and boasting better production. A great album from start to finish. This is an excellent starting point for people interested in the group.
Some highlights of this album include the Instrumental opener, "Dawna", which invites the listener to sit back and relax, "you're in good hands", it says Before diving straight into Sandman's thick and chunky slide bass on "Buena". An Excellent start to the album.
"I'm Free Now" slows things down. Mark bares his soul, while the harmony takes you away.
Leading into the head-nodder "All Wrong"
The track "Mary Won't You Call My Name" has an upbeat rhythm that while it's not a heavy song it makes you want to thrash around a bit. One of the absolute highlights on this album and my personal favorite.
"Sheila" is another infectious track executed perfectly that shines light on the groups musicianship and the songwriting of Mark Sandman.
Two years later YES hit the shelves and the band was at an all time high. Another great album that even further expands the groups unique sound with the track "The Jury" bordering Avant Garde.
This is a hit the road with some scratch and no place in mind kind of album, and I mean that in the best way possible.
The opening track "Honey White" hits you right in the face letting you know Morphine is back and they mean business.
Every track is a highlight, this Morphine is very Potent.
"Like Swimming" came out in 1997 and was a turning point for the band as this was their first release on DreamWorks Records.
This is a great album, but at some points it sounds a bit rushed or as if some of the songs hadn't taken their true final form before being released. That being said it's classic Morphine in every way.
Some highlights of this album are Potion, Early to Bed, French Fries W/ Pepper, Murder for the Money, Swing it Low, Empty Box, Hanging on a Curtain
On July, 3 1999 Mark Sandman suffered a heart attack while performing in Italy and sadly passed away onstage.
He was 46 years old.
After Mark's passing Colley and Conway Returned to Mass. to finish mixing what would be the final Morphine album.
And on February 1, 2000 The Night was released. Mark Sandman's first Posthumous release. A strong album that showcased a more improved sound than their previous release.
It's truly a shame Sandman passed away while he was at the peak of his songwriting.
With tracks like, "The Night", "Souvenir", "I'm Your's, You're Mine", "Top Floor, Bottom Buzzer" An excellent swansong for Mark and the group.
This album is a Highlight all on it's own. Amazing instrumentation and haunting songwriting.
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