(Disclosure: this article is all my personal opinions, but my opinions reign superior over everyone else’s.) The lean, green, ween machines. Aaron Freeman and Mickey Melchiondo, or in this regard Gene Ween and Dean Ween. Ween is an American rock band from New Hope, Pennsylvania. Calling Ween a rock band is not giving them the justice they deserve. Ween has a repertoire like no other categorized as: funk, soul, country, gospel, prog, psychedelia, R&B, heavy, metal, and punk rock. These cookies are eclectic as f*$k. I try to be a trustworthy secondary source, a reliable narrator, one who instills hope into us music junkies, with this being said, I was not the biggest fan of Ween growing up. Let me rephrase that, I absolutely hated Ween growing up. I did not understand the far-reaching musical approach. The off-beat, strange beats did not appeal to my senses. My friend group in high school were music connoisseurs. The ones who believed, no matter how good or how bad, music, no matter the genre, should be appreciated and could be learned to be appreciated. I was put through the misery of listening to artists such as: Nirvana, Modest Mouse (depressing, but I did love Float On), The Smashing Pumpkins, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong (who names a band this, but I kind of like it), Beck, CAKE, and of course Ween. (To be frank, they were dealt with putting up with my tragic Skrillex, Martin Garrix, Carl Cox, EDM, dubstep phase.) But dang, am I thankful my friends introduced me to these “trash” artists because now I am apart of and obsessed with this small niche community. My naïve, stubborn, young ass did not understand the importance of listening to real instruments rather than computer generated music. EDM is jam bands and alt rock just without the instruments (I use to always say this to my friends.) I learned to appreciate songwriting through deep dives on the web. I learned to appreciate the backstories of these troubled, oh so interesting, diverse musicians. I will be forever grateful for the forced listening of this out-of-place music.
Ween does an incredible job of combining all emotions into a singular album. With humor and weirdom in “The F****d Jam”, a normal realization in “Tried and True”, a party anthem in “It’s Gonna Be A Long Night”, a respected fan favorite in “Transdermal Celebration” (changed the narrative), a mind-bending depressed Zoloft, and a hero remembrance in “Among His Tribe”. I highly encourage listening to this album from front to back, as I guarantee it will take you on an emotional rollercoaster.
Transdermal Celebration: If I had to rate this song on a scale of eight, I would give it a ten. This song is a ten because it is multilayered. It sounds happy and celebratory but when you listen to the lyrics it is about a man having horrific visions of war. Piggybacking on the previous song, “Zoloft”, he is taking anti-depressant drugs (Hint, hint the “transdermal” part of the song name because some drugs can be taken that way) to cope. The instrumental part is a confusing illusion as it appears positive.
The F****d Jam: With the current theme of artificial intelligence in the world. This song sounds like you are communication with a computer. It is weird synths and consistent bass throughout the whole song. With a great wind sounding transition into the next song on the album the spacey Alcan Road.
It’s Gonna Be A Long Night: A great intro into Quebec. Setting us up for the future chaos in the album. The more you listen to this song, the more it means. The first time you listen to it you think it is a crazy, party tune about having a blast. When you re-listen and interpret, it becomes very adamant it is almost a cry for help. This is not fun and games, it is a violent drug binge. “You’re gonna suffer, you’re gonna bleed, I’ve heard it all before, you will concede, I’m taking everything, you’re going down, lock up the doors, it’s gonna be a long night.” When you are listening to Quebec it really is going to be a long night.
Zoloft: A great transition from a chaotic “It’s Gonna Be A Long Night” comes “Zoloft”. Chaos to relaxation. This song has the vibe of being zenned out on anti-depressants. A prescription was needed after the manic drug binge prior. The song never mentions depression, but we all know what the purpose of “Zoloft” is. False serenity, it tries to seem happy.
Tried and True: “Tried and True” begins with a simple, catchy guitar riff. The lyrics may be a little cheesy but it is still a great song – the reason why to this day it is still one of Weens most popular songs. There is a great whompy instrumental solo halfway through the song. To me, this is about being loyal through the hardships. Everyone is misunderstood.
So, hypothetically, Spin Magazine shows up on your front porch and asks you: “Spin Magazine top five albums you cannot live without?” I look at the emo, grunge journalist and this is what I tell him in a quick efficient manner, (this minor inconvenience interrupted me from my daydreaming in my room, I am trying to retire back ASAP.) “Yankee Hotel Foxtrot – Wilco, Odelay – Beck, 8/7/10 Greek Theatre – Phish, Either/Or – Elliott Smith, and Quebec – Ween.” This kind journalist then hops back into his Subaru Outback (hybrid of course) and leaves. Recently I have been texting my friends this very question, and yes, I do listen to and judge their opinions, as I hope they do the same for me. On my list is indeed the lean, green, ween machines Quebec. So, with this being said, “Spin Magazine top five albums you cannot live without, GO!” Don’t worry, I promise to not judge or listen to your opinion.
It’s Nuthin Personal …
Ben Belden
Photo Credits from: Sanctuary
