Review Summary: Continuity in form and matter are important, even if not remotely a tribute per se
With the Death of D. Boon, mastermind and backbone of the legendary punk rock band Minutemen, came the depression from the formerly mentioned band's bassist Mike Watt. Death is an incredibly difficult situation to overcome, especially when it is someone we find underserving of going through such process.
Mike Watt didn't feel like it was time to move on. Enter Ed Crawford, a silly punk rocker from Ohio (more on that later... as in 2 reviews later), nagging and being a bitch regardless of Watt's position on moving on with his musical career. One thing led to another, and then in 1986 we get fIREHOSE.
Musically this album is what you'd expect from Minutemen. It starts as a ravaging punk anthem with
Brave Captain, politically-themed, all is good. Minutemen is back in full form.
Under the Influence of Meat Puppets, fully instrumental, gives Minutemen fans a reason to live.
Another Theory Shot to ***, a stagnant, malicious punk rock for inconformity.
The most important part of this album though is not the continuation of Minutemen's work as a political punk rock band. No sir, you are wrong if you were looking for this in here. This album is about mourning and sorrow from Mike Watt.
It matters,
This,
Choose Any Memory and
The Candle and The Flame are all clear songs to remember old-time friend D. Boon after his departure. All of their memories, everything he once meant as a band member and most possibly close friend comes down to this.
This being the absolute anthem of how Watt felt after D. Boon departed.
This is my house / By the River / And a Lonesome Pine / Sighs Resign
If we as human beings require emotional distress when facing terrible moments in life, musicians have it hard by giving others their view on it, in the most beautiful form to give a partner in life the tribute he deserves, and keeping the vibe that has been created in the musicianship trip going along for many years. Rest in Peace, D. Boon. Screw politics. Have a Corona.
