Music Review: Clutch - From Beale Street to Oblivion
Published March 29, 2007
This is my very first exposure to Clutch. Yes, it's true. Prior slipping this into the player, I had no exposure to the band. I am sure I stumbled across a song or two here or there on soundtracks and compilations, though I cannot be entirely sure.
That said, this album has insidiously crept into my head and kept me grooving long after the sounds were silenced. Their blend of Southern flavored rock, blues, stoner jam, and groove all blend to create an album that was not immediately to my taste, but repeat listening allowed it to get inside and grow, like a mushroom in the dark just waiting to be picked.
Clutch has been a very active band with a number of albums and EPs being released ever since their label debut EP release through EastWest records in 1992, Passive Restraints. Nearly every year since then has seen a release of Clutch material, whether it be a full length album, EP, or collection, they are always easy to be found. This makes my lack of exposure all the more impressive. Certainly, I was aware of the band, but for some reason never picked anything up. Well, those days are finally behind us. I have now been formerly introduced to the grooviness that is Clutch and their new album: From Beale Street to Oblivion, released by DRT Entertainment.
So, without their past work to create a frame of reference, I have entered the fray relatively clean, save for my own musical preferences which have a habit of creeping into everything I listen to. My first pass through the album was not a terribly positive one. There was that uncertainty of what to expect, I had no idea what I was going to hear, and frankly, I was expecting something heavier. The stoner southern rock groove that greeted me caught me off guard, so the initial reaction swayed towards the "not so great" end of the scale. A few more passes, this time with a different mindset, and the riffs and flow have gotten past my defenses and shown me how good this album really is.
Christopher Beaumont spends much of his time writing about entertainment when he isn't sitting in a movie theater. He is known around the office as the "Movie Guy" and is always ready to talk about his favorite form of entertainment and offer up recommendations. Interests include science fiction, horror, and metal music. His writings can be found at Draven99's Musings, as well as Film School Rejects. 
- Music Review: Clutch - From Beale Street to Oblivion
- Published: March 29, 2007
- Type: Review
- Section: Music
- Filed Under: Music: Hard Rock
- Writer: Chris Beaumont
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If from beale street to oblivion is your first album that you have heard by them, then you are going to be absolutely BLOWN AWAY by masterpiece blast tyrant and robot hive/exodus. Pure Rock fury is also another album, oh wait - this is clutch. Rock's savior, and only true good rock group left. PERIODPERIODPERIODPERIODPERIODPERIODPERIODPERIODPERIOD
Good review but there were a couple of small errors. For starters,the "Passive Restraints"EP WAS NOT released on East/West but on the indie label,Earache. However,their first record full-length album "Transnational Speedway League"was on East/West.
Good review, great band. Edubs Eric said it best - If this is your first exposure to Clutch then you are going to absolutely drool as you work your way through their earlier material. My personal favourites are Beale St and the previous three; Robot Hive/Exodus, Blast Tyrant and Pure Rock Fury. I also recommend reading the lyrics which are all available on their web site along with links for interesting words/phrases and sometimes a short discussion of the themes within). Neil Fallon is one of the most creative lyricists in rock and all of his songs tell a story. Oh and if you get the chance see them live, they are awesome . This is a band that writes songs for the stage and it shows. Cheers!
Dude if "From Beale Street..." is your first exposure to Clutch, you're in for a real treat. I've got all of Clutch's CD's and there's truly not a bad one in the bunch. They've gotten better with age and have honed a sound unlike anyone else. "Blast Tyrant" is the best disc of a stellar catalogue, but you really can't go wrong. Clutch is a culture unto themselves and Neil Fallon is by far the most underrated lyricist in rock n roll. Pure twisted genius. Do yourself a favor and dive into the world of Clutch. "From Beale Street to Oblivion" is as good of a place as any to start.
I really enjoy the fact that you are new to Clutch and found this album as good as I, a seasoned fan,(got the tattoo to prove it!)have. "The Elephant Riders" is my favorite album,it blends jazz and rock like nothing has before it. I highly recommend giving it a listen. Overall, Good Review. Keep on Rocking!
This too, is my first exposure to Clutch. I saw the video for 'Electric Worry' without seeing who it was, hunted it down on the web via what few lyrics I could recall and love it! Thanks to everyone for your recommendations. I'm on the hunt for their early work right now.
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Congrats on checking your first Clutch album. I've been a Clutch fan for the last 10 years or so, so I am kinda biased, but I recommend the rest of their catalog. Good stuff. Clutch has definitely some of the more creative lyrics out there today and every album sports its own unique groove.