Meat Puppets - Rise to Your Knees: F

Music: 2/10 Lyrics: 2/5 Vocals: 1/5 Production: 1/5
Total: 6 of 25: F

In 1994, the Meat Puppets released one of my favorite albums, Too High to Die. After the misstep of their next album, No Joke, and recovery from drug addiction, the Meat Puppets return. Unfortunately, it is not a reunion worth waiting for.

The first thing I notice is the horrible recording quality. In the days of affordable computer-based studios, it's shocking that a CD could be made of such horrible quality. Most demo CDs by unsigned bands sound better. It sounds like it was done over 2 days with a few mics set up in a warehouse studio.

Next, the album just meanders on and on through the midway point. There are no catchy hooks, no great guitar work or quirky charm. It's just terrible. By the middle, it sort of hits its stride and has a few pretty good songs. But, they are ruined by the sound quality. Songs like "New Leaf" and "Disappear" are probably excellent live. But, horrible EQ, reverb, and balance between the instruments suck all the life out of these songs.

Finally, the vocals and lyrics have always been a love it or hate it trademark of the band. Curt Kirkwood by all rights shouldn't sing but has the ability to somehow squeeze out some great performances. On Rise to Your Knees, he mostly fails to bring out the charm and hooks of previous work. Coupled with uninspired guitar-work in many songs, his vocals just don't cut it this time around.

Sad to say I'm very disappointed with this effort and hope for better material in the future.