Twelve years after its breakout album, "Transistor," invaded the mainstream and turned frontman Nick Hexum into a '90s star, 311 is proving it still rocks. The punk-ska-reggae band's new album "Uplifter" -- its first since 2005 -- debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 in June, and the group just wrapped a successful summer "Unity" tour with Ziggy Marley and The Expendables.
Billboard.com recently caught up with some of the band's members in New York, and they embraced their role in the current '90s band revival. "It's just cool to see bands last," said bassist Aaron "P-Nut" Wills. "Long
careers are where it's at."
As for what its like to be recording and touring again, "It feels like the first time," quipped the band's resident DJ, Doug "SA" Martinez. "And if Sade has taught us anything, [it's that] there's nothing better than the
first time."
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Thursday, July 16, 2009
311 Uplifts and Unifies on their "Summer Unity Tour" (Los Angeles Entertainment)
On Sunday, July 12th, 311 closed out their "Summer Unity Tour" at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater in Irvine, CA with a wild finale show.
The crowd was full of old and young fans alike. They grooved to classic 311 hits like "Down" and "All Mixed Up" as well as songs from their new album, Uplifter.
Lead singer, Nick Hexum's vocals were on point. With the confidence of an old pro, Hexum belted out each and every lyric with effortless skill. S. A. Martinez provided harmonious background vocals and his aerobic stage antics kept the energy in the arena high. While guitarist, Tim Mahoney's 5-minute solo had the audience completely enthralled. When the band broke into their hit song, "Amber" the concession stands emptied out and the entire crowd was on their feet singing along.
It's been over 4 years since we were blessed with a 311 album. Their ninth studio album "Uplifter" was released on June 2, 2009. This project is a return to the original 311 sounds--a mix of alt rock, ska, reggae, and hip hop. The band is claiming this is their best album yet, but you be the judge.
Sadly, 311 didn't play their rendition of "Love Song." But the band was smart enough to enlist Ziggy Marley as one of their opening acts. Marley grooved out with his 8 piece band playing a funky, reggae infused set. Even Ziggy's two little ones got in on the act. His children joined him on-stage during his last song..
With the "Summer Unity Tour" wrapped, stay tuned for a possible Fall tour brought to by none other than the boys of 311.
The crowd was full of old and young fans alike. They grooved to classic 311 hits like "Down" and "All Mixed Up" as well as songs from their new album, Uplifter.
Lead singer, Nick Hexum's vocals were on point. With the confidence of an old pro, Hexum belted out each and every lyric with effortless skill. S. A. Martinez provided harmonious background vocals and his aerobic stage antics kept the energy in the arena high. While guitarist, Tim Mahoney's 5-minute solo had the audience completely enthralled. When the band broke into their hit song, "Amber" the concession stands emptied out and the entire crowd was on their feet singing along.
It's been over 4 years since we were blessed with a 311 album. Their ninth studio album "Uplifter" was released on June 2, 2009. This project is a return to the original 311 sounds--a mix of alt rock, ska, reggae, and hip hop. The band is claiming this is their best album yet, but you be the judge.
Sadly, 311 didn't play their rendition of "Love Song." But the band was smart enough to enlist Ziggy Marley as one of their opening acts. Marley grooved out with his 8 piece band playing a funky, reggae infused set. Even Ziggy's two little ones got in on the act. His children joined him on-stage during his last song..
With the "Summer Unity Tour" wrapped, stay tuned for a possible Fall tour brought to by none other than the boys of 311.
Monday, July 13, 2009
311, Ziggy Marley ended on a high note (OC Register)
Talk about dichotomies.
311 returned to Verizon Wireless Amphitheater Sunday night to conclude its annual summer Unity tour, but not everyone had the spirit of togetherness in mind. Right before the show started, some wasted male lunkheads in the orchestra section nearly got into a fight. After security personnel intervened, they resisted and were ejected.
I’m surprised another altercation didn’t ensue when other people got too carried away with their wild dancing to 311’s music. Maybe it’s the band’s rap-rock roots, which always seems to attract a fan element lacking common sense.
Still an extremely popular live attraction after nearly two decades together, the eclectic Omaha-bred, L.A.-based quintet has been a mainstay on alternative radio pretty much since its inception. While the past few studio releases haven’t sold quite as well as their ’90s predecessors, the new album Uplifter debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard albums chart -– 311’s highest debut to date. Its first single, “Hey You,” also went Top 10 on the modern rock tally, aided by support from KROQ.
Uplifter, produced by Bob Rock (of Metallica fame), combines a heavy guitar and drum sound with pop harmonies and 311’s trademark mélange of reggae/funk/hip-hop to fine effect. All those elements were represented during a vigorous, well-paced 100-minute show in Irvine. The venue was about three-quarters full.
The band opened, appropriately enough, with “Never Ending Summer,” the first of eight Uplifter tunes performed. Frontman Nick Hexum, sporting a fauxhawk and clad entirely in white, wielded a flying V electric guitar and sang about the fun of touring alongside good friends.
In a recent interview, Hexum said he and guitarist Tim Mahoney took lessons to sharpen their skills during the four-year gap between albums. A newfound dexterity was noticeable, especially on new songs “Something Out of Nothing” and “India Ink.”
SA Martinez, Hexum’s vocal foil, constantly veered from scratching at the turntables to rocking the mic and lock-stepping around the stage. The pair were a bundle of energy all night, especially amid intense hits like “Beautiful Disaster,” “All Mixed Up” — during which the crowd pogoed along — and “Creatures (For a While).” Mahoney’s shimmering work on the laid back “Amber” and “Beyond the Gray Sky” was simply gorgeous. The latter found the audience raising their lighters aloft (no shortage of Bics here, folks).
If you’ve seen 311 on previous tours, drummer Chad Sexton’s extended spotlight and the guys’ percussion display on “Applied Science” is now old hat. And we could do without P-Nut’s bass solo before “What Was I Thinking?” But for the encores, the group went back to the beginning for the frenetic “Omaha Stylee,” a ’90s medley and “Down.”
“We’re all one big family,” said a jubilant Ziggy Marley, before launching a warm, enticing and thought-provoking hour-long set at dusk. With his two adorable young children in tow (singing, playing drums), a tight eight piece band and the word “Love” spelled out above the stage, Marley served up the acoustic-folk title track to his new kids album, Family Time.
That fun collection — featuring contributions from Paul Simon, Jack Johnson and Willie Nelson — is a companion to another, B Is for Bob, in which Ziggy has re-imagined his famous father’s tunes for little tykes with different instrumentation.
Playing an electric guitar in bright Jamaican colors, Marley, at 41 still a dead ringer for his pa, frequently sang with eyes closed and immersed himself in the rapturous rhythms. The singer provided pointed introductions to songs like the socially conscious “Justice,” “Still the Storms” –- among five culled from 2007’s Grammy-winning Love Is My Religion — and Bob’s “Africa Unite.” Other standouts included the infectious Melody Makers hit “Look Who’s Dancing” and more Bob compositions, “Lively Up Yourself” and “Is This Love?”
311 returned to Verizon Wireless Amphitheater Sunday night to conclude its annual summer Unity tour, but not everyone had the spirit of togetherness in mind. Right before the show started, some wasted male lunkheads in the orchestra section nearly got into a fight. After security personnel intervened, they resisted and were ejected.
I’m surprised another altercation didn’t ensue when other people got too carried away with their wild dancing to 311’s music. Maybe it’s the band’s rap-rock roots, which always seems to attract a fan element lacking common sense.
Still an extremely popular live attraction after nearly two decades together, the eclectic Omaha-bred, L.A.-based quintet has been a mainstay on alternative radio pretty much since its inception. While the past few studio releases haven’t sold quite as well as their ’90s predecessors, the new album Uplifter debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard albums chart -– 311’s highest debut to date. Its first single, “Hey You,” also went Top 10 on the modern rock tally, aided by support from KROQ.
Uplifter, produced by Bob Rock (of Metallica fame), combines a heavy guitar and drum sound with pop harmonies and 311’s trademark mélange of reggae/funk/hip-hop to fine effect. All those elements were represented during a vigorous, well-paced 100-minute show in Irvine. The venue was about three-quarters full.
The band opened, appropriately enough, with “Never Ending Summer,” the first of eight Uplifter tunes performed. Frontman Nick Hexum, sporting a fauxhawk and clad entirely in white, wielded a flying V electric guitar and sang about the fun of touring alongside good friends.
In a recent interview, Hexum said he and guitarist Tim Mahoney took lessons to sharpen their skills during the four-year gap between albums. A newfound dexterity was noticeable, especially on new songs “Something Out of Nothing” and “India Ink.”
SA Martinez, Hexum’s vocal foil, constantly veered from scratching at the turntables to rocking the mic and lock-stepping around the stage. The pair were a bundle of energy all night, especially amid intense hits like “Beautiful Disaster,” “All Mixed Up” — during which the crowd pogoed along — and “Creatures (For a While).” Mahoney’s shimmering work on the laid back “Amber” and “Beyond the Gray Sky” was simply gorgeous. The latter found the audience raising their lighters aloft (no shortage of Bics here, folks).
If you’ve seen 311 on previous tours, drummer Chad Sexton’s extended spotlight and the guys’ percussion display on “Applied Science” is now old hat. And we could do without P-Nut’s bass solo before “What Was I Thinking?” But for the encores, the group went back to the beginning for the frenetic “Omaha Stylee,” a ’90s medley and “Down.”
“We’re all one big family,” said a jubilant Ziggy Marley, before launching a warm, enticing and thought-provoking hour-long set at dusk. With his two adorable young children in tow (singing, playing drums), a tight eight piece band and the word “Love” spelled out above the stage, Marley served up the acoustic-folk title track to his new kids album, Family Time.
That fun collection — featuring contributions from Paul Simon, Jack Johnson and Willie Nelson — is a companion to another, B Is for Bob, in which Ziggy has re-imagined his famous father’s tunes for little tykes with different instrumentation.
Playing an electric guitar in bright Jamaican colors, Marley, at 41 still a dead ringer for his pa, frequently sang with eyes closed and immersed himself in the rapturous rhythms. The singer provided pointed introductions to songs like the socially conscious “Justice,” “Still the Storms” –- among five culled from 2007’s Grammy-winning Love Is My Religion — and Bob’s “Africa Unite.” Other standouts included the infectious Melody Makers hit “Look Who’s Dancing” and more Bob compositions, “Lively Up Yourself” and “Is This Love?”
Thursday, July 2, 2009
311 Uplifter Review
311
Uplifter
Volcano; Release date: June 2, 2009
The Deal: Now in its 21st year of existence, 311 has released its ninth studio album and first disc in four years.
The Good: Throughout the years, the one constant has been the message of positivity and love of music which is apparent right off the bat with the first single, “Hey You.” The band continues with the lack of the rap-rock that they helped originate on the second track, “It’s Alright.” They find time to bring more of a metal edge in moments, but for the most part they’ve abandoned the heavy sound for more of a reggae feel. The lyrics were never something unbelievable in the arsenal of 311. The band’s always been about having a good time and I’m sure some of these tunes will be getting the crowd going during a live show. “Mix It Up” builds into a nice groove at the end that is ripe for a sing-along. “India Ink,” “Jackpot,” “Something Out of Nothing” and “Never Ending Summer” try to capture the distortion-fueled groove of Grassroots.
The Bad: It seems like ever since the band recorded “Amber,” they’ve slowed things down in an effort to appeal to the masses instead of sticking with the upbeat funky rap-rock that brought them legions of hardcore fans. The band’s recent albums have had a good single or two, but the rest sometimes sounds like filler. It’s not bad filler — even some of the less unique 311 tracks are better than a lot of the crap that’s on the radio these days.
The Verdict: Definitely not one of the band’s best efforts, but fans will be happy with a handful of the tracks. Check them out live on July 3 at Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre on the annual Unity Tour, with Ziggy Marley supporting.
Uplifter
Volcano; Release date: June 2, 2009
The Deal: Now in its 21st year of existence, 311 has released its ninth studio album and first disc in four years.
The Good: Throughout the years, the one constant has been the message of positivity and love of music which is apparent right off the bat with the first single, “Hey You.” The band continues with the lack of the rap-rock that they helped originate on the second track, “It’s Alright.” They find time to bring more of a metal edge in moments, but for the most part they’ve abandoned the heavy sound for more of a reggae feel. The lyrics were never something unbelievable in the arsenal of 311. The band’s always been about having a good time and I’m sure some of these tunes will be getting the crowd going during a live show. “Mix It Up” builds into a nice groove at the end that is ripe for a sing-along. “India Ink,” “Jackpot,” “Something Out of Nothing” and “Never Ending Summer” try to capture the distortion-fueled groove of Grassroots.
The Bad: It seems like ever since the band recorded “Amber,” they’ve slowed things down in an effort to appeal to the masses instead of sticking with the upbeat funky rap-rock that brought them legions of hardcore fans. The band’s recent albums have had a good single or two, but the rest sometimes sounds like filler. It’s not bad filler — even some of the less unique 311 tracks are better than a lot of the crap that’s on the radio these days.
The Verdict: Definitely not one of the band’s best efforts, but fans will be happy with a handful of the tracks. Check them out live on July 3 at Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre on the annual Unity Tour, with Ziggy Marley supporting.
CD review: 311 (Vibes Music Blog)
311
Uplifter
Volcano; Release date: June 2, 2009
The Deal: Now in its 21st year of existence, 311 has released its ninth studio album and first disc in four years.
The Good: Throughout the years, the one constant has been the message of positivity and love of music which is apparent right off the bat with the first single, “Hey You.” The band continues with the lack of the rap-rock that they helped originate on the second track, “It’s Alright.” They find time to bring more of a metal edge in moments, but for the most part they’ve abandoned the heavy sound for more of a reggae feel. The lyrics were never something unbelievable in the arsenal of 311. The band’s always been about having a good time and I’m sure some of these tunes will be getting the crowd going during a live show. “Mix It Up” builds into a nice groove at the end that is ripe for a sing-along. “India Ink,” “Jackpot,” “Something Out of Nothing” and “Never Ending Summer” try to capture the distortion-fueled groove of Grassroots.
The Bad: It seems like ever since the band recorded “Amber,” they’ve slowed things down in an effort to appeal to the masses instead of sticking with the upbeat funky rap-rock that brought them legions of hardcore fans. The band’s recent albums have had a good single or two, but the rest sometimes sounds like filler. It’s not bad filler — even some of the less unique 311 tracks are better than a lot of the crap that’s on the radio these days.
The Verdict: Definitely not one of the band’s best efforts, but fans will be happy with a handful of the tracks. Check them out live on July 3 at Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre on the annual Unity Tour, with Ziggy Marley supporting.
Uplifter
Volcano; Release date: June 2, 2009
The Deal: Now in its 21st year of existence, 311 has released its ninth studio album and first disc in four years.
The Good: Throughout the years, the one constant has been the message of positivity and love of music which is apparent right off the bat with the first single, “Hey You.” The band continues with the lack of the rap-rock that they helped originate on the second track, “It’s Alright.” They find time to bring more of a metal edge in moments, but for the most part they’ve abandoned the heavy sound for more of a reggae feel. The lyrics were never something unbelievable in the arsenal of 311. The band’s always been about having a good time and I’m sure some of these tunes will be getting the crowd going during a live show. “Mix It Up” builds into a nice groove at the end that is ripe for a sing-along. “India Ink,” “Jackpot,” “Something Out of Nothing” and “Never Ending Summer” try to capture the distortion-fueled groove of Grassroots.
The Bad: It seems like ever since the band recorded “Amber,” they’ve slowed things down in an effort to appeal to the masses instead of sticking with the upbeat funky rap-rock that brought them legions of hardcore fans. The band’s recent albums have had a good single or two, but the rest sometimes sounds like filler. It’s not bad filler — even some of the less unique 311 tracks are better than a lot of the crap that’s on the radio these days.
The Verdict: Definitely not one of the band’s best efforts, but fans will be happy with a handful of the tracks. Check them out live on July 3 at Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre on the annual Unity Tour, with Ziggy Marley supporting.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)