Description
Meat Puppets – Meat Puppets II – Compact Disc
SST Records 019
Meat Puppets II is the second studio album by the American rock band Meat Puppets, released in April 1984 on SST Records. This album marks a significant departure from the hardcore punk style of their debut album, ‘Meat Puppets,’ incorporating a diverse range of genres including country, psychedelic rock, and folk. The result is a unique and influential record that has garnered critical acclaim and a lasting legacy in the alternative rock scene.
The Meat Puppets, consisting of brothers Curt Kirkwood (vocals, guitar) and Cris Kirkwood (bass, vocals), along with Derrick Bostrom (drums), showcase their ability to blend various musical influences into a cohesive and innovative sound on ‘Meat Puppets II.’
Key tracks on the album include:
‘Lake of Fire’: This song is perhaps one of the band’s most famous tracks, known for its haunting lyrics and distinct acoustic guitar riff. The song was later covered by Nirvana during their MTV Unplugged performance, further cementing its legacy.
‘Plateau’: Another standout track that features a laid-back, country-infused vibe with cryptic lyrics and a memorable melody. Like ‘Lake of Fire,’ it was also covered by Nirvana during their MTV Unplugged set.
‘Oh, Me’: A reflective and introspective song with a gentle, folk-rock arrangement. It also gained wider recognition through Nirvana’s Unplugged cover.
‘Split Myself in Two’: This track retains some of the band’s punk roots with its fast tempo and raw energy, blending it with a more melodic and psychedelic approach.
‘Aurora Borealis’: A short, instrumental track that showcases the band’s ability to create atmospheric and evocative music.
‘I’m a Mindless Idiot’: This song features a slower, more contemplative pace, highlighting Curt Kirkwood’s lyrical introspection and the band’s versatility.
‘Lost’: Combining elements of country and rock, this track is characterized by its catchy rhythm and poignant lyrics.
The production of Meat Puppets II is relatively lo-fi, which adds to the album’s raw and authentic feel. The eclectic mix of genres and the band’s willingness to experiment with different sounds make it a pioneering record in the alternative rock genre.
Meat Puppets II has been praised for its originality and influence. It played a significant role in shaping the sound of the American underground music scene in the 1980s and beyond. The album’s fusion of punk energy with country and psychedelic elements was innovative at the time and has influenced countless bands and artists.
The Meat Puppets gained a broader audience when Kurt Cobain of Nirvana publicly expressed his admiration for the band and covered several songs from ‘Meat Puppets II’ during Nirvana’s MTV Unplugged performance in 1993. This exposure brought renewed attention to the Meat Puppets and their groundbreaking work on this album.
Meat Puppets II is a seminal album that showcases the band’s unique ability to blend various musical styles into a cohesive and influential sound. Its mix of punk, country, psychedelic rock, and folk, along with its raw production and introspective lyrics, make it a standout record in the alternative rock canon. The album’s legacy continues to resonate, making it an essential listen for fans of innovative and genre-defying music.
