It
is hard to believe that 14 years have past since 311 splashed
their way onto the hard rock scene after opening for bands
like Fugazi. The Omaha, Nebraska quintet that somehow perfectly
captured the laid-back California sound has released a greatest
hits compilation. Over their career 311 has leapt from small
college radio playlists to regular rotation on every major
video network and rock radio station.
On
the new disc 311 collected 15 tracks from their discography
- from 1993's "Do You Right" to this year's Cure cover "Love
Song" - remixed and/or remastered them and added two new,
unreleased tracks to sweeten the deal. The retrospective,
titled Greatest Hits '93-'03, shows how the band uses a smooth
funk flavor in whatever sound they attempt - from the rap-rock
of the classic "Down" to the California sunset of "Amber".
Other familiars on the compilation include "All Mixed Up"
and "Come Original". The two new songs, "How Do You Feel?"
and "First Straw" show the two sides of 311's sound - the
former being aggressive rap-rock while the latter is chill
stoner reggae.
It
is always worth being wary of any compilation album, but Greatest
Hits '93-'03 has enough to tempt long-time fans and newbies
alike into picking it up.
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