JACKPOT! (CMJ, 1995‏)

If there's one thing to be said for a hard-working, hard-touring band like 311, it's that the group has been able to carve a niche for itself on its own terms over its three albums. Having such a singular sound means that 311 is the kind of band that's best described by what it isn't, rather than pinning diwn what it is. It isn't some cartoonish rap/rock hybrid, it isn't a funk/metal band, it isn't a post-Hendrix punk band; instead, 311 takes the various things that other wannabes in those categories aspire to and contribute them into one ideal, super-charged sound. Bands are generally judged by their deeds, not their words, but here 311 cuts through "Down" with slashing turntables, incorperates funk chops to "Misdirected Hostility" and adds reggae tinge to the vocals on "Random," proving the band's mettle. Clearly, there's more to this band than just four guys on guitars playing rock, and one listen through Nick Hexum's and Sa Martinez's shouted lyrics reinforces that there's more to 311 than meets the eye. Produced and mixed by Ron St. Germain (Bad Brains), 311 is the band's most cogent and coherent alum to date.