Sloan Album: “Smeared [Japan]”

First of all, if you are a Sloan fan, you need to hear this one if only to see what kind of work Sloan did in the early 90s. A friend of mine introduced me to this band with this CD in the summer of 1994. It stood head and shoulders above other bands I was into at the time with the clever, well written lyrics and anticipation in songs such as Underwhelmed and most importantly 500 Up. A special nod goes to "The Distortion Song", my name for "I Am The Cancer" before I knew what it was really called; memories of summer '94 wouldn't be the same without this song on the soundtrack. I can't agree with those who say this is not the true Sloan. Ten years ago it was, and what an accomplishment for a young band. 4.5 Stars

I'm not hardcore and foolishly insistent in claiming that a band's first album is always its best. In this case, it may be their best, although Twice Removed is pretty darn good. This is an honest album, unashamed of modeling their sounds after the likes of My Bloody Valentine and the Beatles, while still stylizing and creating a sound of their own. "I am the Cancer" and "Underwhelmed" and "Raspberry" are a pretty good indication of where the band was and why they're where they are today.

Although this may not be Sloan's best album (most would suggest Twice Removed) it is an excellent collection of songs. Fans of My Bloody Valentine would appreciate this album as it is full of nicely distorted guitar work with light vocal harmonies on top. This album is similar to other sloan albums in that it contains excellently crafted songs but is quite different from other Sloan albums in style. Heavier, grunge-noise symphony replaces their later pop-rock anthem-esque stylings. Definetly an album that's enjoyable.

The first full-length Sloan CD, and by far their finest... the roots of Halifax rock shine though on this disc. Underwhelmed was the first song I ever heard and fell in love with it. Had this disc for 6 years now, and I still listen to it just as much as when I bought it.

But they are even better live (see also 4 nights at the Palais Royale)...

Hi I've reviewed this record three times and I hope this is ok. I loved this record. it was a serious recording and it ruled. what else can I say. One great albumn unless you don't know much about music. and its evolution. from smeared to Navy blues. twice removed was still the best.