Blue October Album: “Consent to Treatment”

As time passes, change in everything is inevitable, and depending on the individual, those changes can be good or bad. While I enjoy a great deal of the music that's popular today, it just doesn't seem to have the mystique of what I loved when I was growing up in the early 90s. Now, it's always natural to be more attached to the music of your youth, but it just seems like today's bands overall don't have the kind of ingenuity that they used to, at least not in the mainstream anyway. But, there are always exceptions, and that's where Blue October come in.

These guys are one of the few from the past 10 years that not only retain the same kind of feel of early 90's rock, but also manage to be creative, distinctive, and original. To date, they've done three albums, all of which are excellent, and provide their own unique experience. This, the band's debut, shows that like many great bands, they started out strong.

Aside from the somewhat cheesy spoken-word intro, the album starts off strong with the odd, offbeat "Independently Happy", and never misses a step from there. "James" is one of the band's angriest tracks, with vitriolic vocals and acid-washed jams. "Breakfast After Ten" was the album's "hit" (it was played here, but apparently nowhere else), and is equally snarky and vicious (mandatory listening for every bad breakup). "Holler" is a foot-stomping rocker with scorching violin solos, coming off a bit like the Dave Matthews Band on steroids. "HRSA" is hugely catchy and emotional, undoubtedly one of the band's best songs. "Schizophrenia" is a tasty throwback to early 90s alt rock, and could almost pass for a lost REM song, and "Drop" brilliantly melds driving hard rock verses with a dreamy melodic chorus (one of my favorite choruses ever, in fact). "The Answer" ends the album on a dark and moody note, with a creepy vocal performance that brings Jim Morrison to mind. Lots of diversity as always, and the songwriting is honest, creative, and fantastic. And of course, Justin's powerful, distinctive vocals add the perfect touch.

Overall, a strong start from an extremely talented band. It's great to see them finally getting some recognition with "Foiled", but for those you that discovered them through that album, they were around a while before then, and they were just as great. This particular album is a bit more raw and experimental than their newer stuff, but for the most part everything anyone could like about "Foiled" is present here as well. Buy all their stuff, and go see them live, for they put on a killer show. Best band to ever come out of Texas, in my opinion.

(Oh, and for the third time, Justin Furstenfeld is the coolest name ever.)

This is an all around good band with an individual sound. I'm not saying they sound like they've been locked in a box with no influences and they're going to revolutionize the industry, but they do rock out. If you ever get a chance to see them play live, do, because they're all about the music. music is easy to get your hands on but long term play music is another story.

they're about to start in on another record, so it'd be a good idea to explore their music now so you can fall in love with them before they go on tour again.

This album ROCKS! If you like Consent To Treatment, and would like to hear a softer side of Blue October, it is highly recommended that you seek out a copy of their first CD, "The Answer." Good luck in your search for it. It was taken off the market and is currently held up in a legal battle. Word has it that the parents of Justin Furstenfeld (singer, guitarist, and song writer for Blue October) may soon own the rights to it and re-release it through a lable of their own. Consent To Treatment contains new versions of two songs originally released on The Answer. Both versions of "Breakfast After 10," and "The Answer" [title track], are well worth repeated listens.

"Retarded Disfigured Clown," the first track on Consent To Treatment, is a piece of poetry recited by Justin. This is a treat not only for its content but also because you get to hear what the singer's spoken voice sounds like.

Consent To Treatment is a hard rocking album. The songs come from a talented, troubled mind. This is not merely a collection of alternative grunge tunes. It is rock and roll therapy for Justin Furstenfeld as he releases his mental demons. But the release is only temporary, as you'll find when you listen to his third album, "History For Sale."

if you are going to buy this CD,and have or like the Blue October CD's "Incoming" and "lies to the righteous" ,you are going to be dissapointed.they are two different bands!this Blue October is a rock band,not bad just different!other reviewer comments are accurate.

This was a really good CD, I bought it here because i couldn't find it any where else, it was hard to find, but worth the trouble. I had seen them three times live, before they grew on me, they will grow on anyone who gives them a chance. Inspirational Lyrics, that are fully comprehendable, a great buy.