https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=REGPO7qnzAI One track that can at least be recommended: "Old Man & Me (When I Get to Heaven)". It's ok. It's got guitars and singing and stuff. In the face of Grunge's all conquering dominance, Hootie and the Blowfish's 1994 debut was a blessed relief, a return to folksy, radio-friendly (albeit extraordinarily safe) soft-rock brimming with melody, hooks and broad appeal. Grunge's self-loathing angst had become boring and music fans' responded to Hootie's positive sounds in their millions; 15 million of them to be precise. And then came the follow-up. It was...ok. Well, it was pretty bland really, like a piece of dry toast... that's gone mouldy. Admittedly, Hootie and the Blowfish were never the most exciting of bands in the first place and perhaps they really did say all they needed to say on that monumentally successful first album, but perfect timing appears to primarily be accountable for their debut's impact. People were already bored of 'safe' when they returned just two years later, and when all your songs start to sound the same you're in big, big trouble. The world had moved on and Hootie didn't appear to have the pace to catch up, inevitably the front-runners became also-rans. Which other bands dropped the ball in spectacular fashion when it came to following up on their debut? Let us know in the comments!
I love Heavy Metal, and generally anything that involves a guitar and loud noises, so I figured it was about time I put all the useless information in my head to good use and start writing a few things. Most of the time I'll be writing nonsense but occasionally I may surprise myself and appear half-way knowledgable.....but you can be the judge of that. Thanks for your fleeting attention!