SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: THE LEMONHEADS – COME ON FEEL (30th ANNIVERSARY EDITION)

The Lemonheads
Come On Feel (30th Anniversary Edition)
Fire Records

Admittedly, I am not a great fan of album reissues. For various reasons, their appeal is largely lost on me. That said, The Lemonheads’ just-released Come On Feel (30th Anniversary Edition), is a collection that just might change an old dude’s mind.

Recorded in 1993, Come On Feel was the band’s sixth studio release, recorded in the wake of their successful 1992 breakthrough album, It’s A Shame About Ray. After the release of the earlier album, bassist Juliana Hatfield left the band and was replaced by Nic Dalton. The trio of Dalton, singer/songwriter/guitarist Evan Dando, and drummer Dave Ryan toured the world to support It’s A Shame About Ray, and were well-primed when it came time to record Come On Feel. Despite The Lemonheads’ association with grunge and alternative music, Come On Feel reminds us just how tight and versatile this band is. From pop to folk to country, and points in between, the band proves it on this album.

There are plenty of goodies included in this package. Not only is the original album here in its entirety, but it also includes three additional discs. Containing outtakes and covers, as well as demo, alternative, and acoustic versions of songs that made it to the album, the extras go a long way to give the listener a sense of the musical landscape from which the album sprang. There are many guest musical collaborators in this collection, including the return of Hatfield on backing vocals. Additionally, The Go-Go’s Belinda Carlisle, Flying Burrito Brother Sneaky Pete Kleinow, and funk artist Rick James (!) also make guest appearances.

While it is perhaps a little on the lengthy side, this is a release for long-time fans and neophytes alike. It includes new artwork and new archival material, and the extensive liner notes give context to the songs, to the era, and to the circumstances under which this album was made. Through it all, we get a little glimpse into the beauty and chaos that comprises Evan Dando’s genius, and makes The Lemonheads one of the truly great bands.

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