Album Info
| Artist: | Mad Season |
| Album: | Above |
| Released: | Europe, Oct 2015 |
Tracklist:
| A1 | Wake Up | 7:36 |
| Written-By - B. Martin, J. Saunders, L. Staley, M. McCready | ||
| A2 | X-Ray Mind | 5:13 |
| Written-By - B. Martin, J. Saunders, L. Staley, M. McCready | ||
| A3 | River Of Deceit | 5:03 |
| Written-By - B. Martin, J. Saunders, L. Staley, M. McCready | ||
| B1 | I'm Above | 5:45 |
| Vocals - Mark Lanegan | ||
| Written-By - B. Martin, L. Staley, M. Lanegan, M. McCready | ||
| B2 | Artificial Red | 6:15 |
| Written-By - B. Martin, J. Saunders, L. Staley, M. McCready | ||
| B3 | Lifeless Dead | 4:27 |
| Written-By - B. Martin, J. Saunders, L. Staley, M. McCready | ||
| B4 | I Don't Know Anything | 5:00 |
| Written-By - B. Martin, J. Saunders, L. Staley, M. McCready | ||
| C1 | Long Gone Day | 4:50 |
| Saxophone - Nalgas Sin Carne | ||
| Vocals - Mark Lanegan | ||
| Written-By - B. Martin, L. Staley, M. Lanegan, M. McCready | ||
| C2 | November Hotel | 7:04 |
| Written-By - B. Martin, J. Saunders, L. Staley, M. McCready | ||
| C3 | All Alone | 4:11 |
| Written-By - B. Martin, J Saunders, L. Staley, M. McCready | ||
| C4 | Interlude | 0:43 |
| Written-By - M. McCready | ||
| C5 | Locomotive | 4:33 |
| Engineer [Assistant] - Floyd Reftsma, John Burton | ||
| Recorded By [Vocals] - Alain Johannes | ||
| Vocals - Mark Lanegan | ||
| Written-By - B. Martin, J. Saunders, M. Lanegan, M. McCready | ||
| D1 | Black Book Of Fear | 6:05 |
| Engineer [Assistant] - Floyd Reftsma, John Burton | ||
| Recorded By [Vocals] - Alain Johannes | ||
| Vocals - Mark Lanegan | ||
| Written-By - B. Martin, J. Saunders, M. Lanegan, M. McCready, P. Buck | ||
| D2 | Slip Away | 5:38 |
| Engineer [Assistant] - Floyd Reftsma, John Burton | ||
| Recorded By [Vocals] - Alain Johannes | ||
| Vocals - Mark Lanegan | ||
| Written-By - B. Martin, J. Saunders, M. Lanegan, M. McCready | ||
| D3 | I Don't Wanna Be A Soldier (Remix) | 5:52 |
| Saxophone - Nalgas Sin Carne | ||
| Written-By - J. Lennon |
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Description
"Mad Season's "Above," released in 1995, emerges as a unique and poignant artifact of the Seattle grunge scene, born from a collaboration among members of Pearl Jam, Alice in Chains, and Screaming Trees. The supergroup, comprising Layne Staley (Alice in Chains) on vocals, Mike McCready (Pearl Jam) on guitar, Barrett Martin (Screaming Trees) on drums, and John Baker Saunders (The Walkabouts) on bass, crafted an album that stands apart for its introspective lyricism and expansive musical exploration, delving into themes of addiction, despair, and the search for redemption.
The album's opener, "Wake Up," sets a haunting tone with its slow build and Staley's visceral vocal delivery, which conveys a deep sense of longing and vulnerability. The track's dynamic shifts and McCready's expressive guitar work create a powerful introduction to the album's emotional landscape. The interplay between the musicians is intuitive and deeply felt, establishing a mood that is both somber and compelling.
One of the album's standout tracks, "River of Deceit," encapsulates the band's ability to meld melancholic melodies with introspective lyrics, inspired in part by Staley's reading of "The Prophet" by Khalil Gibran. The song's acoustic-driven arrangement and Staley's reflective vocal performance highlight the album's thematic concerns with personal struggle and the quest for inner peace.
"X-Ray Mind" showcases the band's more aggressive side, with its driving rhythms and gritty guitar riffs providing a counterpoint to the album's more introspective moments. The song's intensity underscores the raw energy and chemistry of the band, capturing the spirit of their collaborative efforts.
The instrumental track "November Hotel" is a departure into more atmospheric and experimental territory, demonstrating the band's willingness to explore beyond the boundaries of traditional song structures. The track's expansive soundscapes and improvisational feel add depth to the album, showcasing the band's range and the individual members' musical prowess.
Lyrically, "Above" is marked by Staley's candid reflections on his struggles with addiction and the impact it has had on his life. The honesty and rawness of his lyrics, combined with his distinctive vocal style, lend the album a sense of urgency and authenticity. The themes of pain, redemption, and the search for meaning run throughout the album, resonating with listeners and adding to its lasting impact.
The production, handled by Brett Eliason, captures the band's live energy and the intimate quality of their performances. The album's sound is characterized by its clarity and depth, allowing each instrument to contribute to the overall texture and mood of the music.
"Mad Season's "Above" remains a poignant and powerful work, reflecting the unique talents of its members and the tumultuous era from which it emerged. The album's exploration of dark and introspective themes, combined with its musical innovation, has cemented its status as a standout project in the annals of rock music. "Above" not only serves as a testament to the individual members' abilities but also as a reminder of the transformative power of collaboration and the enduring impact of honest and emotionally charged music.
