Slam (Big Dipper album)

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Slam
Studio album by
Released1990
GenreAlternative rock, indie rock
LabelEpic
ProducerSteve Haigler, Big Dipper
Big Dipper chronology
Craps
(1988)
Slam
(1990)
Supercluster: The Big Dipper Anthology
(2008)

Slam is the third and final studio album by the Boston indie rock band Big Dipper. The album was released in 1990 on Epic Records, making it the group's major-label debut.[1][2] The band supported the album with a North American tour.[3] They were dropped from the label a year later.

Production[edit]

Recorded in North Carolina, the album was coproduced by Steve Haigler.[4][5] Many of its songs are about the music business.[6] The band used samples, horns, and synthesizers on some of the songs.[7]

Critical reception[edit]

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic[8]
The Republican[9]
The Village VoiceC+[10]

The Boston Globe wrote that "the band in fine form, still writing terse, insanely catchy, oft sly and oblique pop songs."[11] The Republican noted that the album "contains some sparkling melodies, solid lyrics and interesting, guitar-based arrangements."[9] The Washington Times opined that "the musicians construct uncompromisingly tuneful pop-rock tunes while disassembling lyrical conventions."[12]

Track listing[edit]

No.TitleLength
1."Love Barge"3:36
2."The Bond"2:14
3."Another Life"2:08
4."Slam"2:53
5."Bony Knees of Nothing"3:32
6."Baby Blue"3:45
7."Picnic"2:26
8."The Monsters of Jazz"2:43
9."Impossible Things"3:01
10."Blood Pact"2:13
11."Father's Day"2:38
12."Baby Doll"3:55
13."A Life Inside the Cemetery"4:09
14."All the Way from Memphis" (Originally recorded by Mott the Hoople)3:28

References[edit]

  1. ^ Schoemer, Karen (1990-04-13). "Big Dipper Combines Punk With Melody". The New York Times. Retrieved 2018-08-17.
  2. ^ Pick, Steve (April 27, 1990). "The Embarrassment Can Be Proud Now". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. p. 4F.
  3. ^ Pahnelas, Bill (June 2, 1990). "Big Dipper's Pop Pleasing". Richmond Times-Dispatch. p. B12.
  4. ^ Smith, Andy (May 18, 1990). "Big Dipper on the path to stardom". The Providence Journal. p. D5.
  5. ^ Mawson, Dave (10 May 1990). "Columbia Records taking chances". Telegram & Gazette. p. D3.
  6. ^ Jenkins, Mark (13 July 1990). "Big Dipper Debut: Ready to Be Stars?". The Washington Post. p. N27.
  7. ^ Eichenberger, Bill (July 5, 1990). "Sneetches, Big Dipper Will Coast into Stache's". Weekender. The Columbus Dispatch. p. 16.
  8. ^ Raggett, Ned. "Slam - Big Dipper". AllMusic. Retrieved 2018-08-17.
  9. ^ a b O'Hare, Kevin (May 20, 1990). "Big Dipper 'Slam'". The Republican. p. D5.
  10. ^ Christgau, Robert (1990-12-04). "Turkey Shoot". The Village Voice. Retrieved 2018-08-17.
  11. ^ Sullivan, Jim (18 May 1990). "Big Label Hasn't Belittled Big Dipper's Sound". Arts and Film. The Boston Globe. p. 80.
  12. ^ Outerbridge, Laura (July 12, 1990). "Forget the temporary trappings of fame and fortune...". The Washington Times. p. M11.