Music Review: Clutch - From Beale Street to Oblivion
Published March 29, 2007
The album has a very "live" feel to it, there is a raw, clean sound that seems to be free from studio tinkering. That isn't to say it is not well produced, it is, but it really sounds as if the band got together in the studio and just recorded each of the cuts straight up. Plug and play, if you will. It has a lot of character, genuine emotion flows through the album.
I do not know how Clutch sound on their past recordings, but this album sounds like a band from the 1970's, but it is more than that. A rock and roll jam band that takes its old school influences and blends them with modern sensibilities, coming together to create this sound that knows where it came from yet isn't just regurgitating it. Clutch has made an album that cannot be easily labeled, it refuses to be stuck in one category.
I cannot say that any of the individual musicians stand out, but the music does not seem to be about the instruments so much as it is about the song. Everyone comes together to create this tapestry of sound, from the guitar riffs to the bass bed, from the solid drums to the stoner grungy voice, not to mention the liberal use of harmonica and organ (which sound very cool) everything in just the right place. They remind me of a groovier/bluesier version of Corrosion of Conformity.
Bottomline. I cannot say any single song stands out, but the album, as a whole, is quite impressive. After that initial expectation laden listening, I have found it hard not to get caught up in the sheer catchiness of the riffs and rhythms. This is a flat out rocking album!
Recommended.
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 and Draven99's Media Center. 
- 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.
"It Ain't Snowing In Memphis"
Looking out the window.
Feeling cold inside.
It ain't snowing in Memphis.
Chilling to the bone.
Baby by my side.
It ain't snowing in Memphis.
How I wish I were in Memphis.
Walking down Beale St.
Sipping on a Coke.
Hearing BB sing the Blues.
Cause it ain't snowing in Memphis.
Cause it ain't snowing in Memphis.
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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.