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| Don't Tread on Me | 
 enlarge | Artist: 311
Label: Volcano
Category: Music
List Price: $18.97
Buy New: $4.05
You Save: $14.92 (79%)
New (45) Used (38) Collectible (1) from $1.75
Avg. Customer Rating:  180 reviews
Sales Rank: 21172
Media: Audio CD
Discs: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 6.9
Dimensions (in): 5.4 x 4.9 x 0.5
MPN: 69522
UPC: 828766952223
EAN: 0828766952223
ASIN: B0009X3FBO
Release Date: August 16, 2005
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Tracks:
| • | Don't Tread On Me | | • | Thank Your Lucky Stars - 311, Sexton | | • | Frolic Room | | • | Speak Easy - 311, Sexton | | • | Solar Flare | | • | Waiting | | • | Long for the Flowers | | • | Getting Through to Her - 311, Martinez | | • | Whiskey & Wine | | • | It's Getting OK Now - 311, Mahoney | | • | There's Always an Excuse - 311, Wills |
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| Editorial Reviews:
Amazon.com
311's place in rock `n' roll history seems secure. Unfortunately, so does its sound. Unlike other funk-inflected acts such as Red Hot Chili Peppers, and even Incubus, 311's never fully expanded on the promise of its initial musical vision. On Don't Tread On Me, the band's eighth studio release, P-Nut and the gang seem intent on mining the same familiar terrain they have since their 1995 self-titled classic. Fans of albums such as 2001's From Chaos and 2003's promising Evolver will likely find Tread familiar and perhaps even comforting, but it's unlikely to invite a new horde of fans as the album often sounds like an imitation of the bands 311 helped inspire in its decade-plus career. There are some nice touches. "Speak Easy," "Waiting" and many of the other tracks evoke images of sandy beaches and warm summer breezes, but none are strong enough to help Don't Tread On Me stands out from the herd. --Jedd Beaudoin
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| Customer Reviews: Read 175 more reviews...
 Up and down it goes for 311's albums August 20, 2005
21 out of 46 found this review helpful
311's quality of their albums is a dizzying up and down since their break-through (and best ever) "blue" album in 1995. Every 2 years a new album comes out like clock-work. 1997's "Transistor" was down, 1999's "Soundsystem" was up, 2001's "From Chaos" was down, and 2003's "Evolver" was (way) up. (I'm leaving out last year's "Greatest Hits" album).
"Don't Thread on Me" (11 tracks, 37 min.) continues the trend and, while not "bad" per se, it's definitely down from "Evolver". The album does contain a couple of good moments, including the title track, "Solar Flare" and the closer "There's Always an Excuse". But there are no truly stand-out tracks and there are unfortunately too many "lazy" songs that don't get anywhere. (And what is with the steel drums? Showing up in 2 tracks...)
As a live act, 311 remains formidable. I saw them again the day before this album was released, and they were outstanding. One thing that struck me is how great lead-guitarist Tim Mahoney is live, a monster really (and I mean it as a complement). But on "Don't Thread on Me", he is nowhere as prominent. As a long time fan, I'm already looking forward to the 2007 album 311 will release, which, if the trend holds up, will be just fab.
 Definately their worst album to date August 18, 2005
8 out of 16 found this review helpful
I'm a fan of 311 going back to grassroots. I'll always have love for 311 no matter what because they were pioneering that sound before Incubus, Rage, Korn, Sugar Ray, etc. I pop in the blue album and it sounds as good now as it did almost a decade ago. That said, I'm just not feeling this new album at all. I like the last track, and the first track is ok, and maybe one or two that will grow on me, but overall I think they just reached a plateau of some sort and have nowhere else to go stylistically. They're never going to return to what we heard on grassroots. There was nothing on there with the catchyness of "Prisoner" or "8:16am". I heard the song "waiting" and my mouth fell open. I thought it was the worse song they ever played. I couldn't believe that this was the same band that made a hard-hitting masterpiece like "DLMD". I guess I'm being a bit nostalgic and wishing to hear the type of tunes they did a decade ago, but then I guess they've moved on. I'm sure their new fans will like the album, but those of us old-schoolers don't know what to make of the new sound. I still love the band, but I just find it hard to get into the new stuff.
Evolution August 18, 2005
8 out of 11 found this review helpful
Don't Tread On Me is the newest and I'd say most poignant 311 album to date. This album has the messages 311 has always lived for, stay positive and love your life. The title track, Don't Tread On Me has a funky reggae sound that 311 has always possessed. The harmonizing by Nick and SA is astounding. One reoccurring theme from this new album is SA's vocal talent and range. SA has always had an amazing voice, showcased most frequently on the 2004 311 day DVD, their amazing cover of Zeppelin's D'yer Maker. I'm glad to see SA show his range and Nick to keep his vocals rolling. I'm sad to see immature and unaware reviewers rag on songs like, "Speak Easy" and "Waiting". The 2 key words here are evolution and diversity. I have been a 311 fan since Grassroots and I realize that as I get older, my love for 311 has stayed the same, but my appreciation for their music has grown and evolved with them. Anyone who has grown with the band has to truly appreciate their musical aptitude. Having bands such as Sugar Ray and KoRn in the same sentence as 311 is a musical sin, as we know it. Sadly, I have seen both Sugar Ray and KoRn in concert and they are not even on the same wavelength as 311 when it comes to live shows, let alone musical ability and lyrical meaning. So yes, Don't Tread On Me is a bit different from the "typical" 311 sound, but when you say or think this, ask yourself; what is the 311 typical sound? Is it Eons, is it Homebrew, is it Amber, is it Unity, or is it Stealing Happy Hours? Point being, there is no typical 311 sound and if you are a true 311 fan you will realize the point. So buy the album, appreciate the music and be positive and love your life.
 Sometimes, Jacks Ruin the Realm October 18, 2005
7 out of 14 found this review helpful
311's latest installment, Don't Tread on Me, had great potential. When they submitted the cover art online, I was impressed. Was it perhaps, a 311 comeback? When I heard the demos, I was initially happy that perhaps with a little fine tuning, the 311 of old may come back.
I was dead wrong. This cd is painful to listen to. I am an old school fan whose favorite cd is Grassroots or Transistor. I can't pick a favorite. However, I would rather buy 50 Cent's new cd (I don't listen to rap) than purchase this album. 311, you lost a fan. I'm finished. Take a look at 311's progression. At least Soundsystem was tolerable. This sounds like the stuff I can't stand on the radio.
Mature roots-rock reggae... Great for those who enjoy it. August 16, 2005
6 out of 7 found this review helpful
I have seen many mixed opinions of the new album from 311 fans so far. I respect every opinion that is voiced, albeit negative rants tend to sound close-minded for the most part. As a fan of all musical styles (even including some country, death metal, and pop, but I favor mostly rock, funk, hip-hop, traditional jazz, reggae, ska, and punk), I thought I would offer my opinion of the album overall from a more positive perspective:
DTOM-- The first songs on the album is also the first radio single, which is, above all else, interesting. This song does have some captivating dynamics, and it sets the tone for the whole album: solid reggae and dancehall-influenced styles mixed with driving rock. This is what the band does well, and they certainly shine in doing so.
Thank You Lucky Stars-- From the main riff to the riff in the bridge, you can't help but think that you've heard this before. The riffs here can sound a bit mundane, but the vocals are definitely the song's saving grace. Simple, but very effective in the chorus. The overall vibe paints a luminous mental picture of everything that makes you thankful, which I believe was the songs' intention.
Frolic Room-- Although the familiar and sometimes repetitive groove-rock elements stick around in this song as well, I found the verses to be great. Very Clash-inspired. By this point in the album also, you can tell that this is both Nick and SA's best performance vocally to date. The harmonies are just on point, and they only get better.
Speak Easy-- Lots of layers make this very easy-breezy Carribean feel with the steel drum and the synth. The mix on this song was just great, as with so many layers, it could have easily sounded like to much, yet everything on this track was given room to breathe. I have heard some bashing of SA's singing on this, and I would like to explain what makes him sound so different and strange here: This is what "HEART" sounds like. There is a noticeable difference between when someone sings something that they think is kinda cool, and when they sing something they absolutely love. They lose all inhibition and just let it flow. Other singers that have this unbridled passion are Joe Strummer, Thom Yorke, Dave Matthews, Greg Gaffin, and Eddie Vedder. SA makes his mark here as the next great rock singer.
Long for the Flowers-- Very nice to hear something from the Transistor era resurrected. The technical guitar licks in the transitions can be tricky to sing over, but Nick and SA found the missing elements that made it the great song it is now. This really fits the album in context as well.
Solar Flare-- I like the openess of the lyrics that criticize pop culture as it is now. You can feel the frustration, and there is nothing wrong with that. Great riff too, this song really grooves hard, but there is also some new and interesting sounds that show that they werent about to completely remake their old stuff... great combination of hard rock and experimentation.
Waiting-- One of my favorites on the album. The most Beatle-esque thing that they've done, and I feel they did it well. Almost like an ode to "Obla-Di-Obla-Da" with the skanked-up pop style.
Getting Through To Her-- Great song. Reminds me a little bit of Flaming Lips and the Cure. Great song flow and consistent mood. Feels very honest, and not the least bit contrived. Also SA at his peak, cannot give his performance enough props.
Whiskey and Whine-- I like the chord progression, but I do think this could have been done better. I'm thinking more dynamics with keyboard and vocals that escalate a bit stronger from beginning to end. In the more stripped, reggae based part, Im not sure what to think of Nick's psuedo Rastafarian inspired rhymes, but then again, I dont know what else would have fit better either. He actually sounded more natural faking a Carribean accent than trying to pull off old-school Vanilla Ice style rapping a-la Dammit, so can't knock him for evolving.
It's Getting OK Now-- Awesome! Two thumbs up!! This is 311 groove rock as its meant to be: SICK! It may have that infectious groove, but the riffs here are more headbanging and genuine. Tim rips it up on this one too with his licks and fills, it kinda reminds me of a cross between T&P Combo and WYMU. Kudos on waking us up here with a punch in the face.
Theres Always An Excuse When You Need One-- Reminiscent of Evolvers' "Jacks" in length and album-closing ballad status, this is a lot more original and unique. I love how it goes from easy and sleepy in the beginning, starts to get loud, then quiets back down for the 2nd verse... great dynamics. Then they switch it up with distorted guitars, transitioning into a funky reggae dub-line. Very clever song overall, and a fitting close to the album.
This album has a nice consistency from its artwork to the feel of the music. It's almost as if 311 pushed the release date a little further on purpose, as the music (although possessing very tropical, easy-going elements) has a sort of a darker, autumn melancholy to it that brings a stronger warmth and vulnerability to the listening experience (abstract I know, but you can't help but notice some nostalgia when its present). I feel like this album should have been called Evolver, because this is where 311 really pushes themselves, and the band is seen at its peak. We know they can throw down hard rock (Music, 311, From Chaos) and we know they can experiment (Grassroots, Transistor, Evolver), but this is where they have mastered both down to a science. This is definitely SA's breakthrough album, and it's great to here him sing so passionately all the way through. This group of songs really reminds me of Transistor, but unfortunately, it is much shorter in length. Fans who only like this band for its hard, driving, rap-rock songs may be disappointed by the album's mellow tones. True 311 fans, however, will not be disappointed; this album truly has a little something for everybody.
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