Sublime
One band has given the word a greater meaning
“Lovin’ is what I got, I said remember that”. I can recall the first time I heard the words flow from the radio, a new type of sound I had never heard before. Unexposed to such music as ska and punk, this fresh mixture grasped my attention instantly. The song, What I Got, is from the notorious band Sublime, and their self titled major release in 1996. Tragically, Brad Nowell, the lead singer of Sublime, died of a heroine overdose just two months before the major label release. However, despite the loss of what some considered “the next Beatles”, the album went five times platinum and is considered one of the most influential albums in rock history.
If one were to look up the definition of sublime in the dictionary, they would see the following: empyreal: inspiring awe. These words alone can define the impact Sublime has had on 90s rock as well as youth culture. This is evident in the rapid success of the band. After Nowell’s death, not only did Sublime’s self titled album reach success, but previous albums became platinum, as well as posthumous releases of compilations and remixes. Many believe that Sublime “broke down musical and cultural barriers”, and gave listeners a chance to experience this fusion of alternative, ska, hip-hop, punk and reggae for the first time.
The Essay on Kiss Album Was Released
This is a short walkthrough in the KISS history. (with credits to Alex Carranza, from whose KISS FAQ I got most of the material) Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley met for the first time in 1970, when Gene played one show with Pauls band Uncle Joe. In 1971 Gene formed the band Rainbow along with Stephen Coronel. Paul stanley wants to join Rainbow, but is beeing turned down on the phone. This does not ...
Originally an indie rock band unknown to the masses, Sublime began to make waves with experimental and adventurous beats and rhymes. Brad Nowell, seen as “the posthumous voice of the extreme generation”, created such original lyrics and lived out the lifestyle of a rock star who just didn’t seem to care, which attracted listeners who could see the forcefulness of his presence both on and off stage. However, the band’s second indie release in 1994, Robbin’ the Hood, was what caught the attention of major label executives, almost six years after the band originally formed. The re-release of this album launched the beginning of Sublime’s career, only to be cut short after their next release due to one of the factors that made Brad Nowell the original character he was.
Some of Sublime’s influences include Bob Marley, Run DMC, Circle Jerks, and the Selector. One can hear the colorful mosaic of musical tastes in Sublime’s self titled, and this is what creates the fierceness in Sublime’s sound. One would never be able to tell that throughout most of the recording of this album, Brad Nowell was high on heroine or valium, because the crisp and piercing flow of his voice remains undetectable of flaws. The lyrics of Sublime’s songs also show an intellect and observer in Nowell, ranging from topics such as teenage prostitution to drug addictions to rioting on the streets.
The odd thing about Brad Nowell’s death is that many fans are not even aware of his passing. Numerous fans believe that Sublime is still an active band, and Nowell’s family constantly receives letters addressed to him regarding the release of new material and the vitality of the band. “I still get lots of letters for him. I have a boxful of them in my office”, says Nowell’s father, the current owner of his son’s estate. This probably has contributed to Sublime’s current and growing fame, since every posthumous release has reached platinum status.
It is every teenage adolescent’s goal to discover their niche in the world. This can range from finding the right type of music to dressing in a certain way. I can recall having such thoughts as a teenage girl, embarking on the new experience of high school, not knowing where I would fit in this new environment. It was the funky beats and socially aware lyrics of Sublime that drew me into the cult phenomenon they have swirling around them, and I am ever glad to have discovered such a sound. Listening to Sublime introduced me to the ska and punk scene, and my love for the band helped establish some of my closest friendships and relationships. Finding someone who has the same passion for aspects in life, whether it be music or literature, can make the world seem a tad smaller and less intimidating.
The Essay on A Life’s Music
Taking a deeper look at a passage, pages 5-6, out of Andreï Makine’s book A Life’s Music, you get a real sense of his style and the appropriateness of its title. Makine shows his skills as a writer in this book, you read so much music in the book and when read out loud it is literally music to your ears. The book almost flows as you read it and so makes it a joy to read. He uses a lot of literary ...
One of my favorite Sublime songs is I’ve Seen Better Days, a song about forgetting your troubles and accepting life. This is the perfect song to listen to when feeling down, because it reminds us that even though things might seem terrible at the moment, there is always tomorrow. Whenever I threw on a Sublime album, I know my spirits will be lifted and the day will seem a little bit better, because they can transform the most uncomfortable topics into a catchy hit.
Another song that always makes me feel better after a long hard day is What I Got, another song about chilling out and trusting that the future will be okay. What I Got tells listeners to appreciate the days we have, even if they are not the best. Another message in the song is to remember that love can sometimes solve the most complex problems in life. If we can all just “feel the love”, as corny as that may sound, life will just be a little bit easier.
After listening to some of Sublime’s influences and bands to whom they attribute their success, I can immediately find connections both lyrically and musically. One musician who probably has had the most profound affect on Sublime is Bob Marley. His light reggae sound and easy going lifestyle impacted not only Sublime’s music but Brad Nowell’s life, who often found solitude in drugs, more specifically marijuana.
Music is considered one of the greatest escapes from the harsh reality we face in our everyday lives. Sublime has managed to create an escape while informing us that life may not always be perfect, but it’s still in our control. For an artist or band to portray such a unique message through their music is not an easy task, yet Sublime seems to have done it with ease and clarity. Sublime is considered one of the greatest bands of the 1990s, but I think that this category just doesn’t suit the ideals of the band. It seems as though their goal was not to become influential or be seen as “one of the greatest”, but to embrace self actualization and acceptance.
The Term Paper on The Day My Life Changed Forever 2
I had been awaiting her arrival for a long 9 months. Saying I was over ridden with joy was an untruth I was afraid to bare, So I put on a smile and pretended that the arrival of my first child was going to be a good experience. Truth be told I knew my life was about to change forever and I wasn’t sure I was going to be a good mother. All these doubts running through my mind was almost ...
To all of those out there who are not familiar with the lyrics and songs of Sublime, my advice is to wait for rainy day and listen to What I Got, wait for a sticky, boring summer’s day and listen to Summer Time, wait for the day when your boss reprimands you and listen to I’ve Seen Better Days, think of your lover and play Caress Me Down, remember lost loves and listen to Saw Red, and on those really stressful days, light it up and blast Smoke Two Joints. Only through real life experiences can one truly appreciate and understand the influence on Sublime, not only on pop culture but on the young boy who just failed his math test, on the tired father who just needs a nap, and on the confused college student who cannot decide on what major to choose. In the words of Ayn Rand, “I need no warrant for being and no word of sanction upon my being. I am the warrant and the sanction.” If you can recall that quote while listening to a Sublime song, you can truly understand what Brad Nowell and his band mates are trying to achieve through their music.
