311 Album: “Don't Tread on Me”

"Don't Tread On Me" shows 311 stomping over familiar musical territory with the greatest of confidence and precision, while at the same time adding a few new twists to their musical mix. The leadoff title track is a good indicator of where this album will head: its intro teases one with the promise of a good rock groove, then abruptly switches to a bouncy reggae vibe with typically tight drumming from Chad Sexton and an super-bouncy P-Nut bassline. "Thank Your Lucky Stars" may be one of 311's most poppy tunes, with an excellent chorus straight out of a classic-rock songbook. "It's Getting OK Now" gives Tim Mahoney a chance to stretch his chops, and "Solar Flare" begins with some excellent distorted bass and becomes the only real "classic" 311 rocker on this disc.

What some have taken issue with are the mellower, groovier tracks like "Waiting," "Getting Through To Her," and "Whiskey & Wine." If you are a fan of songs like "Amber," and "I'll Be Here Awhile," you'll like these songs, and this album. 311 gets credit for always sticking to their guns while exploring new songwriting and stylistic possibilities. The songcraft on this album is superb and mature, harmonically and melodically.

Musically, the singing on this album is the real standout, particularly Doug Martinez's vocals. He performs the only raps on the entire album ("Solar Flare"), but his voice has never sounded better, whether taking the lead on tracks like "Getting Through To Her" or harmonizing with Nick Hexum. Martinez is definitely the standout of this disc; buy for his vocal performance alone. Highly recommended 311 album.

I adore this album...its just fantastic...311 can do no wrong...the more i listen to it the more i love it...my personal favorite although its hard to choose one would have to be speak easy...the sound is great and the lyrics are genius...everyone should buy this album... ur guaranteed to love it.

I've been a 311 fan for a while; and they are my favorite band. They play different styles so what you hear on this CD will not match up too well with their other songs. People that expect the same stuff will be disappointed because they change up their style but keep their chemistry. If you just listen to the CD a couple times through, it will grow on you. When i first gave it a listen it was just - OK. But, after I listened to it again and again some songs stood out like 1,2,3,7,8,9,10,11. Those are my favorites from "Don't Tread on Me." I personally love their old school music but I definitely like their music as is.

311 is my all time favorite band, songs like "Flowing", "Don't Let Me Down", "Homebrew" being my favs. Though this album is much different from previous ones, I LOVE IT! The tone of the album is similar to "Love Song" and "First Straw" from their Greatest Hits album. The best tracks on the album in my opinion are "Thank Your Lucky Stars", "Waiting" (it seems like a cartoonish song, I love it!) "Whiskey & Wine" and "Long for the Flowers". Heck, all of the album ROCKS. Definately a great summer/rocking/partying/hanging with your friends/going for a drive album!

I will admit the first time I listened to this Album i was a bit unsure if i liked it as much as 311s other albums. However after a few day I soon realized how great this ablum really is. I think that some of the more negative reviews of this ablum are a result of some listeners desire for anouther version of "blue album" or "from chaos". As 311 fans know, this band is one of the most creative bands out there and their already unique style is always changing and evolving. "don't tread one me" is an awesome album with a smooth melody and a positive message. 311 did it again