Description
B.A.L.L. – Trouble Doll – Vinyl Record
B.A.L.L. was an alternative rock band formed in the late 1980s, known for their noisy, often chaotic approach to music. Their album Trouble Doll, released in 1989, is a standout in their discography, reflecting the band’s distinctive style that blends elements of punk, noise rock, and garage rock.
B.A.L.L. featured two superstars of the American indie underground ex-Shockabilly guitarist Kramer, and former Half Japanese and Velvet Monkeys guitarist Don Fleming. Along with their two drummers, David Licht (also of Shockabilly) and Jay Spiegel (also of Half Japanese), the band cranked out four albums of driving guitars soaking in distortion with a relentless beat.
After their final album in 1990, the group split with Kramer pursuing production work for his Shimmy Disc record label among other side projects like Bongwater; Fleming became a highly regarded record producer (Sonic Youth, the Posies, Alice Cooper) and formed another band, Gumball.
Trouble Doll features a raw, unpolished sound that is characteristic of B.A.L.L.’s music. The band, which included members like Don Fleming (who would later be involved with other projects such as Gumball and work as a producer for Sonic Youth and Teenage Fanclub) and Kramer (notable for his work with Shimmy Disc records and collaborations with artists like GWAR and Low), was known for its abrasive guitar work, dissonant harmonies, and a somewhat nihilistic approach to music-making.
The album’s tracks are typically short, intense bursts of sound, with a loose, almost improvised feel. This is music that doesn’t take itself too seriously, yet there is an underlying sophistication in the way B.A.L.L. manipulates noise and feedback to create a cohesive musical statement.
Tracks like “Bird” and “Swim to Me” are exemplary of the band’s style, featuring distorted guitars, experimental sound manipulation, and vocals that range from spoken word to shouted lyrics.
The song “Trouble Doll” encapsulates the band’s approach with its dynamic shifts and raw energy.
Trouble Doll was generally well-received within the underground music scene. The album is appreciated for its experimental approach and has been noted for its influence on later noise rock and alternative bands. B.A.L.L.’s willingness to experiment with structure and sound helped to pave the way for similar acts in the 1990s.
While B.A.L.L. might not have achieved mainstream success, they are often cited by aficionados of the genre as an influential band that contributed to the development of noise rock and experimental rock. Their music, particularly albums like “Trouble Doll,” is valued for its raw energy and pioneering spirit.
Trouble Doll remains an important album for those interested in the history of alternative and noise rock, showcasing a band that was unafraid to push musical boundaries and challenge listeners’ expectations.
Brand new, never played but not sealed in the factory plastic seal but small promo punch
Shimmy Disc Records
Track Listing
1. Should Brothers Kill?
2. Never Meant To Say
3. Trouble World
4. Trouble Doll
5. This Is War
6. Little Tex In Trouble
7. Trashman
8. Trouble Momma
9. I Could Always Be With You
10. Cracked Life Of A Cracked Man, The
11. Flowers Grow On The Wall
12. Little Tex’s Prelude
13. Reagan’s Bush Is On Fire
14. Amazon
15. Trouble Baby
16. Tx-Five
17. African Sunset
18. Everywhere
19. French, The
20. When Is A Man
21. Bird
22. Charm
23. My TV Is Broke
24. King Will Never Die, The
25. If I Breakdown
26. It Don’t Come Easy
27. Love Was The End
28. Just Like The Last Time
29. Buick McKane
30. Trouble Finale
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.