One of my favorite high school memories was driving to and from school with Chivo for nearly 3 years. Every time we set foot into a car, there was always a chance that we would end up in some strange side-track-adventure.

Said adventures could include taking bizarre country roads in South Texas, trips to taco stands that were not certified by the state of Texas and the occasional drive out to South Padre Island.

In addition to sharing some very funny conversations, we would sometimes sit in silence and just listen to a CD from beginning to end. An album we listened to with some regularity was SOUP by Blind Melon.

I'm not entirely sure why the album has always had a strong pull on me... I've always found it to be both rewarding when I listen to its musical arrangements or poured over Shannon Hoon's lyrics.

I just listened to the song Dumptruck and I still get goosebumps after hearing the track spin out perfectly and then slip into the Jim Morrisonesque - Car Seat (God's Present).

Incredible work by the produce Andy Wallace.

I haven't listened to this album in a while, but it came up yesterday when picking out stuff for the Dead Front Men podcast I recorded last night. I may have to call Chivo and ask him if he fondly remembers listening to this on our drives around Tejas.

Stand Out Tracks:

Artists: Blind Melon
Album: Soup
Producer: Andy Wallace
Label: Capitol
Recorded: ?

Not entirely sure what made me want to throw this album on after preparing dinner... temperatures are dropping in the Alamo City and I guess it's kinda nice to hear Shannon Hoon and howling winds in the apartment.

Received this CD as a birthday gift in high-school. I'm blanking on the name of the person that gave it to me but I recall him telling me to take time and really listen to the album. "No Rain" was inescapable... and assumed the album would contain a number of similar songs.

If you've never listened to this album, you may be surprised to discover that it's sorta dripping in Southern 70's rock. The musicianship of this band is fucking frightening.... I just listened to Dear Ol' Dad twice and I can't get over how incredibly clean the guitar tracking is.

Learned today that the album was co-produced with Rick Parashar, the same guy who produced TEN by Pearl Jam. If you listen really closely, you can sorta pick out his production signatures between the two albums.

I completely forgot how much I really enjoyed getting baked to this album and listening to Sleepyhouse... I wonder how some of these songs aren't heard on classic rock radio with more frequency?

Also forgot how much I enjoyed the dialogue exchange between him and a preachy guy on Holyman...

Anyhoo, these are just a few incredible tracks on an album that doesn't nearly get enough appreciation. Look forward to really spilling my guts later this year when I spin SOUP.

Standout Out Tracks:

Artist: Blind Melon
Album: Blind Melon
Producer: Rick Parashar, Blind Melon
Label: Capitol
Recorded: London Bridge Studios