Artist: The Brian Jonestown Massacre
Album: Thank God for Mental Illness
Genre: Indie Rock
Year Released: 1996

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After being introduced to the Brian Jonestown Massacre by a friend, I quickly realized that this band had a unique sound that does not exist anywhere else right now. Without knowing anything about the band, I could easily imagine that this was merely a classic rock album that never jumped on the bandwagon of repetitive air play that plagues classic rock nowadays. Upon closer inspection, Brian Jonestown Massacre does more than merely replicate 60?s rock, but rather it takes a 60?s rock sound, mixes some folk elements, with some sprinkles of their own twist and out comes ?Thank God for Mental Illness?.

Listening to this album, it is clear that this is anything but a typical band that was floating around in the mid 90?s. Anton Newcombe, who is the band?s front man, composed a wonderful album that innovates by not sounding like all the alternative rock albums that have glutted the market since the downfall of Nirvana. Unfortunately, personal problems have plagued this band from nearly the beginning, which has sapped its ability to have any lasting success.

Overall, the album is fantastic with the range of songs. Furthermore, each track flows very well and I am not left feeling that the record was frontloaded. My only gripe is the production does not benefit from the budget of a big label. However, the album is still well produced and does not make me want to cringe due to a low budget. I give this a perfect score as it is very refreshing to see a band make fantastic music and is not afraid to stay away from popular trends.

Track Highlights:
The Entire Album!

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