Description
Green River – Come On Down – Green Vinyl Record
Sourced from the original 1985 master tapes
Featuring: Mark Arm & Steve Turner of Mudhoney and Jeff Ament & Stone Gossard of Pearl Jam
One of the first Grunge records ever released!
Includes unreleased bonus track! [Track B3]
Pressed on Green vinyl
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Green River’s Come On Down (1985) is often considered the first true grunge album, laying the groundwork for what would become the defining sound of the Seattle music scene in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Green River, which featured future members of influential bands like Mudhoney and Pearl Jam, was a crucial precursor to the grunge explosion, blending elements of punk rock, hard rock, and metal to create a raw, aggressive sound that defined early grunge.
Come On Down was Green River’s debut release, an EP that captures their raw energy and shows their punk and hard rock influences. The band’s gritty sound, heavy distortion, and gritty attitude would become hallmarks of the grunge movement, making the EP an important milestone in the genre’s development.
Come On Down is widely regarded as a pioneering grunge release. The EP features a mix of punk rock’s raw aggression, heavy metal’s intensity, and hard rock’s swagger. The combination of these elements created a gritty, sludgy sound that would later become synonymous with the grunge movement.
The songs on Come On Down blend punk’s fast tempos and rebellious attitude with the heavier, more riff-driven sound of hard rock. The result is a rough, unpolished aesthetic, characterized by heavy distortion, gritty vocals, and a raw, garage-band energy.
The EP’s guitar work, primarily handled by Stone Gossard and Steve Turner, is full of sludgy, distorted riffs that are both heavy and melodic. The band’s use of feedback and noise gives the songs a chaotic, abrasive edge, while maintaining a sense of groove and rhythm.
Key Tracks
“Come On Down”: The title track is a slow, grinding song that sets the tone for the EP with its heavy, distorted guitar riff and sneering vocals from Mark Arm. The song’s dark, sludgy sound foreshadows the heavier aspects of grunge, while the punk-infused attitude and aggression give it a raw edge.
“Swallow My Pride”: This track is one of Green River’s more accessible songs, featuring a catchy riff and more traditional rock structure. The song’s driving rhythm and memorable chorus made it one of the band’s signature tracks, and it was later covered by Soundgarden. “Swallow My Pride” is a perfect example of the band’s ability to blend punk energy with hard rock grooves.
“Tunnel of Love”: This song leans more into Green River’s punk influences, with its fast pace and aggressive delivery. The track’s frantic energy and raw, distorted sound make it one of the most intense moments on the EP.
“Ride of Your Life”: A more chaotic, noisy track, “Ride of Your Life” features frenetic guitar work and snarling vocals. The song’s wild energy captures the band’s punk rock spirit, with heavy feedback and distortion giving it an almost unhinged feel.
“New God”: This track is another standout, with a slower, more brooding vibe. The heavy, sludgy guitar riff and gritty vocals create a sense of foreboding, highlighting the darker side of the band’s sound.
Much of the lyrical content on Come On Down reflects themes of rebellion, alienation, and frustration. Songs like “Swallow My Pride” and “New God” capture the disillusionment and anger of youth, themes that would later become central to the grunge movement.
Green River’s lyrics are often delivered with a sense of cynicism and irony, especially in Mark Arm’s sneering vocal style. The band’s attitude towards authority, mainstream culture, and personal relationships is often sarcastic and confrontational, aligning with the ethos of punk rock.
The EP’s lyrics also feature dark, gritty imagery, reflecting the raw, unpolished sound of the music. Songs like “Tunnel of Love” and “Ride of Your Life” evoke a sense of chaos and destruction, mirroring the heavy, distorted nature of the music.
Mark Arm, who would later become the frontman of Mudhoney, delivers a raw, snarling vocal performance on Come On Down. His gritty, unpolished voice complements the heavy, sludgy sound of the band, and his delivery is full of punk attitude and sarcasm.
The guitar work by Stone Gossard and Steve Turner is one of the highlights of the EP. Their playing is characterized by thick, distorted riffs, heavy use of feedback, and a raw, aggressive tone. The guitars are a key element in creating the sludgy, proto-grunge sound that would become influential in the Seattle scene.
Bassist Jeff Ament and drummer Alex Vincent provide a solid, driving rhythm section that gives the songs their powerful, groove-heavy foundation. The bass and drums are prominent in the mix, adding to the EP’s raw, garage-band feel.
Come On Down is often considered one of the first true grunge releases, making it a landmark in the history of the genre. Green River’s blend of punk, hard rock, and metal set the stage for the grunge movement that would take over Seattle in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Bands like Nirvana, Soundgarden, and Alice in Chains would all draw inspiration from the sound that Green River pioneered on this EP.
After Green River disbanded in 1987, members of the band went on to form some of the most influential bands in the grunge scene. Stone Gossard and Jeff Ament would go on to form Pearl Jam, one of the most commercially successful grunge bands, while Mark Arm and Steve Turner formed Mudhoney, a band that would become synonymous with the raw, underground side of grunge. Come On Down represents the origins of these two influential paths.
While Green River never achieved the commercial success of the bands that followed in their wake, Come On Down has since gained cult status among fans of grunge and early alternative rock. The EP is seen as a key document in the evolution of the Seattle sound and is often cited as a blueprint for the grunge genre.
Come On Down by Green River is a foundational record in the history of grunge, blending punk’s raw aggression with hard rock’s heavier riffs to create a sound that would shape the future of the Seattle music scene. With its gritty production, heavy distortion, and rebellious attitude, the EP laid the groundwork for the grunge explosion that would follow in the late 1980s and early 1990s. While Green River disbanded shortly after the release, their influence on the genre and their role in shaping the careers of key figures in grunge cannot be overstated. Come On Down remains a cult classic and an essential listen for fans of early alternative rock and grunge.
Track Listing
Come On Down
New God
Swallow My Pride
Ride Of Your Life
Upside Down
Corner Of My Eye
Tunnel Of Love
Your Own Best Friend (Demo)
