Clutch - Strange Cousins From The West

300%_Density · #1 07-14-2009, 03:00 PM

I'm in the process of listening right now. What does everyone else think? I will say that the packaging is probably some of the best I've seen for those who purchased this album instead of downloading it. Just curious how everyone else feels about it.

DethMaiden · #2 07-14-2009, 04:12 PM

I tried to purchase it but they were sold out so I'll pick it up Thursday or Friday depending on when they get the shipment. The music, however, is terrific. Not that I'd expect any less.

SomewhereInTime72 · #3 07-14-2009, 07:15 PM

Listened through it twice now, haven't bought it yet, though its on my list (not at the top though

)... I think it's a solid album, as I'd expect from Clutch. Definitely good, but not in the mindblowing category that I'd put Robot Hive/Exodus or Blast Tyrant. Certainly not a disappointment though.

powerslave_85 · #4 07-14-2009, 07:18 PM

I think it's a little disappointing. Musically, the blues-oriented direction they're moving towards is really interesting, but I miss the crazy, high-energy stuff like on Blast Tyrant and Robot Hive/Exodus. The only songs I really love so far are "50,000 Unstoppable Watts" and "Freakonomics.'

300%_Density · #5 07-14-2009, 07:54 PM

I haven't quite got a complete full listen yet but I completely agree that it seems to be going more towards the blues side which I'm completely great w/. After last album I went and listened to 5 Horse Johnson and that absolutely blew me away. I don't think it necessarily has any stand out tracks like Blast Tyrant or Beale Street... did but still damn fine. A few tracks that standout to me is "Motherless Child" "The Amazing Kreskin" & "Struck Down". They stood out to me initially but still I'll be giving it several listens. Yet again I can't say enough about how amazing the packaging is. That's generally an after thought to most cd's but this one stands out. Also curious about the opinions on that as well.

DethMaiden · #6 07-14-2009, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 300%_Density

I haven't quite got a complete full listen yet but I completely agree that it seems to be going more towards the blues side which I'm completely great w/. After last album I went and listened to 5 Horse Johnson and that absolutely blew me away. I don't think it necessarily has any stand out tracks like Blast Tyrant or Beale Street... did but still damn fine. A few tracks that standout to me is "Motherless Child" "The Amazing Kreskin" & "Struck Down". They stood out to me initially but still I'll be giving it several listens. Yet again I can't say enough about how amazing the packaging is. That's generally an after thought to most cd's but this one stands out. Also curious about the opinions on that as well.

Still haven't seen it but Clutch were FURIOUS about the packaging on the last one - apparently they had a cool digipak planned but DRT released it in a jewel case. That was the main reason why they're doing their records on their own label from now on, they were really pissed off at all the labels they've worked with.

And I think the highlight is "Abraham Lincoln" personally.

300%_Density · #7 07-14-2009, 08:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DethMaiden

Still haven't seen it but Clutch were FURIOUS about the packaging on the last one - apparently they had a cool digipak planned but DRT released it in a jewel case. That was the main reason why they're doing their records on their own label from now on, they were really pissed off at all the labels they've worked with.

And I think the highlight is "Abraham Lincoln" personally.

Hmm. Did not know about the digipack thing w/ DRT for the last album but I'm glad they got mad to do their own label. It's odd b/c generally that isn't how I normally start rating a new album by it's packaging but this was worth mentioning.

Definitley not going to question anyones opinion but I've listened to "Abraham Lincoln" a few times & even heard them play it back in Feb. but I honestly can't get into it. I mean I really want to but it just doesn't do it for me personally but hey if you like it, it's all good. Even Clutch that doesn't move me as much, it will still move me more than 95% that is out there right now.

HugeRockStar · #8 07-14-2009, 09:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DethMaiden

Still haven't seen it but Clutch were FURIOUS about the packaging on the last one - apparently they had a cool digipak planned but DRT released it in a jewel case. That was the main reason why they're doing their records on their own label from now on, they were really pissed off at all the labels they've worked with.

And I think the highlight is "Abraham Lincoln" personally.

That's weird my copy of Beale Street is a digipack.

Haven't bought the new album yet but my faves so far are 50,000 Unstoppable Watts, Struck Down and Abe Lincoln.
I think it's a good album but not as good as the last one. Sadly I didn't think the last one was that great either. I'm not crazy about their direction since Robot Hive but I still think they're one of the best most solid bands out there.

TonyD · #9 07-14-2009, 09:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 300%_Density

I will say that the packaging is probably some of the best I've seen for those who purchased this album instead of downloading it.

I downloaded it way before it came out, haven't seen it in store yet. If someone would be so kind to upload a picture of the package I'll probably pick it up at the show or ask my store to order it if they don't have it at the show.

Quote:

Originally Posted by DethMaiden

And I think the highlight is "Abraham Lincoln" personally.

DethMaiden · #10 07-15-2009, 07:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HugeRockStar

That's weird my copy of Beale Street is a digipack.

It's the re-release then because if you bought it the day it came out it was a jewel case, and that was the first time Clutch saw the CD.