Uplifter (Bonus Dvd) (Dlx) (Snyc)

I'm not going to attempt to Vet myself as a 311 fan like many people think needs to be proved (especially the 18yr olds out there who claim to have been on the 311-train since '94), so i'll move past that.
I'm 24. This is an honest review (and most importantly, a *non-hateful, non-slanted review*) from a longtime, unashamed 311 follower who remembers listening and calling-in to radio stations for hours to hear "All Mixed Up" and "Down" in 4th grade because my parents wouldn't let my buy the 'Blue Album' due to the Parental Advisory sticker.

These are my 3 cents. This is straight-musical-talk. Take em or leave em.

A certain sect of "old skool" (I hate this term, by the way) 311 fans have been saying for about 8 years now that "311 is in a rut," and I agree. 311 is in a rut, and I don't know if they're capable of getting out. I hope they can. I am hopeful.
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UPLIFTER:
I don't straight up dislike this album, but i'm not very thrilled with it beyond the first 5 songs. It starts to taper off. Parts of the album all-over get my head nodding, but it's shortlived. There are no "Welcomes" or "Full Rides" or "Guns" or "Applied Sciences" or "Rub-a-Dubs" that just instantly grab me within the first 20secs. I kinda have to be like "oh, ok, this is starting to get alittle interesting here, ok."
The start of the album I do enjoy, through "Indica Ink," and even "Daisy Cutter."
I start to clash with it at "Too Much Too Fast." I don't get that song at all.
I like the musical structure of songs like "Never Ending Summer"/"Jackpot"/"Something Out of Nothing," BUT i find myself being disappointed with the lyrics (especially those second two). I'm really having a hard time meshing with the jam/heavy sound and the "Ohh Ohhhs," "Everybody Jump!"s, and dumbed-down lyrics.......

Like Seriously: "Maaagic, Something out of Nothingg! The par-a-normal be-came nor-mal." Really? "Paranormal became normal?" You couldn't have gotten alittle more crafty or articulate with that? I know you could've made that flow better.
Or how about the "Crack-a-up a Coconut and Twist-a-up a Lime." That line just puts a big DENT in the song for me, unfortunately. ANY song that wants to be viewed of and taken seriously as "hard" needs NOTHING to do with coconuts and limes. And the "Everybody Say! Oooh OOOh." Total filler. Put some thoughtful lyrics in there and interest me MUCH MORE.
And the "Suuumeerrr, never ending suuummerrr, it's our tiiime, all the time, Nanana Nanana." It sounds like it's some kind of a schoolyard-playground-chant.

I apologize fans, I'm just having a big clash between the music and message on a good 1/3 of this album. It's like i need to mute-out some of the lyrics to be able to take the music more seriously.
The most meaningful/serious lyric I've gotten was "One song can end a war." And that's just 2 lines, compared to the repetitive "Oohhs" and "nananas."
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THE SHIFT:
...I haven't been overly thrilled about a 311 album since 'From Chaos.' I feel like 'From Chaos' was the last time they really "brought it" (leaving "Amber" aside).
None of their music since then has really made me want to jump like "You Get Worked"/"Full Ride"/"Sick Tight"/"Wake Your Mind Up." And I really want to feel that way about their music again.

BUT 'From Chaos' was a double-edged sword(!)
Alot of fans had been saying it for a long time back when 'Evolver' came out, that "'Amber' was the song that should've never been." And I didn't really see it back then, but it's true.
..."Champagne" was much better, more thought, more class, more mature....but "Amber" was the ONE SONG that took 311 down the whole "Love Song"/love-fest/tropical-fest path that 311 seems to want to appeal to now, over the past 3 albums at least.
To me, that one song marks the beginning of that "311 rut" many speak of.

I've watched it happen before my eyes.
I started to seriously follow 311 in '97 when 'Transistor' rolled out. They carried a big skater/surfer/biker/stoner scene (at least here around NC and VA), and I was totally a part of it.
I saw them for the 1st time in 2001 right after 'From Chaos' dropped, and the "scene" was very prevalent. It was about "ROCK." It was about "JAM." It was "FUNK." It was pretty awesome.

....I've seen 311 5 times since that show, and that "late 90's scene" that was such a force back then is becomming less and less.
It's kinda sad to watch and experience. Where there used to be alot of sceners and stoners jammin' in the crowd, They've been weeded-out by boyfriends and girlfriends holding hands on date night. It's changed.

*311 used to be on the same stages as Rage Against the Machine and Deftones and Pearl Jam. They used to be in a copycat-of-style war with SUBLIME. Bands i refer to as 90's Powers.*
Now they gang up with your Jack Johnsons, Dispatches, OARs and Kings of Leons (not that that's bad, just not the same, except OAR does suck). And I could care less for SnoopDogg.
Can you not see the shift in power and influence as far as ROCK goes? RATM alone makes my point. 311 was once in that boat.

"Getting old and maturing" has nothing to do with it. TOOL has been getting old and maturing for as long as 311 has, and their edge is just as sharp (arguably sharper) than it was in '95.
311 needs to regain that sharpness and edge somehow.

Sure. I'm sure over time this album will grow, as music typically does.
But I already have that feeling that I will continue to be more devoted to their previous music, and I hate feeling disappointed like that.
I'm not hating, fans. Do see that. I just want 311 to reimpress me again. Take another ballsy chance like 'Transistor' or 'Kid A' or 'Lateralus' and grab somebody's attention again. Regrab that legendary status that I used to see.

Hearing the samples online had me less than excited about this album, but being a faithful fan I purchased the album anyhow. After listening to it a few times my impression? Amazing. This is 311 in top form. Blending styles, blending new and old 311 vibes, and brilliantly produced. This album will have you feeling like you did when you first listened to Grassroots. A fantastic album that has been well worth the wait.

First off I'm going to come out and say this I'm a die hard 311 fan. I've been listening to them for 15+ years. I have never disliked any of their records. As I have read in reviews some people have struggled with liking Uplifter,Evolver and Don't Tread On Me. At first I did not instantly love Evolver but it grew on me. No band will ever sound the same forever take No Doubt for example. Tragic Kingdom and Rock Steady sound completely different.Same thing here with 311. I have grown up with them .So their "new sound" does not bother me. If your a fan that catches them every summer on tour just buy this cd. Period. If you still have a hard time getting over the fact Soundsystem sounded a lot different from Transistor don't bother.

Now down to the basics. I rather enjoyed every song. I have really nothing to pick at.

Too much too fast- to stand out it's very catchy and upbeat. So if you liked Frolic room you will like this song.

Hey you- I think everyone has heard hey you by now. Catchy and upeat too. If you liked don't tread on me you will like this one.

It's alright-is a little poppy to me but still has the 311 sound to it. he song mix it up reminds me of Whisky and wine for some unknown reason, its a good song.

Golden sunlight-This one was really good. Nick and SA sound great together. It's a little mellow. But who cares. This song is one of the standout songs on this album.

India Ink- Has a harder sound. Mix whisky and wine with in your face. And you have India Ink.

Daisy Cutter- Meh not bad, this one just did not speak to me.

Never Ending Summer-A little anthemy. But still good.

Two Drops in the Ocean- Amber meets Speak Easy. Good song.

Something Out of Nothing- Starts off hard. Reminds me a little of Mindspin.

Jackpot-This one will be awesome live. Reminds me of sick tight.

My Heart Sings- Sounds like it could been on From Chaos. It's a love song 311 style.

I Like The Way- Fresh funky sound. I rather liked it. SA really belts it out here.

Get Down- Good way to end the album. It's like sometimes jacks rule the realm and sick tight had a baby. A very awesome baby.

Just buy the cd. It's worth it. If your a big fan you will also catch the refrences in the songs to their other albums. Uplifter has a fresh sound. And Im really liking it.