Description
Blind Melon – Soup – 180 Gram Vinyl Record
Soup is the second studio album by American rock band Blind Melon, released in 1995. Following the commercial success of their self-titled debut album, which featured the iconic track “No Rain,” “Soup” presented a marked departure in sound and mood, showcasing a more complex and experimental approach. Despite its initial mixed reviews, over the years, Soup has been reassessed by critics and fans alike and is now often regarded as one of the band’s most profound and cohesive works.
Soup begins with “Galaxie,” a song inspired by lead singer Shannon Hoon’s 1964 Ford Galaxie and serving as an allegory for his struggles with addiction. The album continues to explore a variety of deeply personal themes, including drug addiction, depression, and introspection, with a level of lyrical sophistication and emotional depth that surpasses their debut.
The tracks range from the heavier, grunge-influenced “2 X 4” to the surreal, circus-like “Skinned,” which is about the serial killer Ed Gein. “Toes Across the Floor” and “Mouthful of Cavities” are other standout tracks that feature intricate guitar work and poignant lyrics. The album closes with the haunting “Lemonade,” a song that encapsulates the album’s eclectic and unpredictable nature.
Produced by Andy Wallace, who was known for his work with Nirvana and Jeff Buckley, Soup benefits from a production that captures both the rawness and the subtlety of the band’s performance. Wallace’s production complements the album’s varied musical landscape, which includes elements of rock, blues, folk, and avant-garde.
The instrumental work on Soup is notable for its sophistication, featuring a wide range of instruments and sound effects that contribute to the album’s rich and textured soundscape. This, combined with Hoon’s distinctive vocal style, creates a unique sonic experience that differentiates “Soup” from much of the mainstream rock music of the mid-90s.
Upon its release, Soup received a lukewarm commercial response and mixed reviews from critics, who often found it uneven and less accessible than the band’s debut. However, following the tragic death of Shannon Hoon due to a drug overdose later in 1995, the album began to be viewed in a new light, gaining a deeper emotional resonance with listeners.
Today, Soup is celebrated for its artistic depth and bravery in exploring difficult themes. It is considered a cult classic, revered not only for its lyrical and musical complexity but also for its emotional honesty. The album serves as a poignant reminder of Hoon’s talent and the potential of Blind Melon, which was sadly cut short. Soup remains a significant record in the Blind Melon catalog, highlighting their growth as artists and the enduring impact of their music.
Gatefold Jacket
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Track Listing
Galaxie
2×4
Vernie
Skinned
Toes Across The Floor
Walk
Dumptruck
Car Seat (God’s Present)
Wilt
The Duke
St. Andrew’s Fall
New Life
Mouthful Of Cavities
Lemonade
Untitled
