Dysfunction (album)
 |
| Untitled | |
|---|---|
| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| Allmusic |    [1] |
| Robert Christgau |  [2] |
| Sputnikmusic | [3] |
Dysfunction is the second studio album by American heavy metal band Staind. It is also their first release on any label at all, in this case the Flip/Elektra label. "Just Go", "Mudshovel", and "Home" were released as singles. The song "Mudshovel" can also be found on their previous album, Tormented, albeit in a slightly different form; although, this version of the song goes under the title of "Mudshuvel." It would serve as the band's breakout single and help Dysfunction sell 1 million copies worldwide.
Background
Despite trying to remove Staind from opening for Limp Bizkit at a 1997 concert, due to the harsh cover illustration on their 1996 album, Fred Durst was impressed with their performance. And after hearing their four-song demo, Durst signed Staind to Flip/Elektra to record their label debut; however, he suggest the band become more melodic. They then traveled to Jacksonville, Florida to begin developing new songs, and after a meeting with Flip, Staind recorded a three-track sampler in Los Angeles, California. By February 1998, they acquired a record contract and after performing on the summer Warped Tour began recording Dysfunction in December.[4]
Staind frontman Aaron Lewis has stated he feels that "even Dysfunction was a huge step away from Tormented."[5]
Guitarist Mike Mushok expressed frustration in how label personnel were in no way intrusive on the production of Dysfunction, but after it sold over a million copies, the band would be relentlessly hassled during the production of future albums.[6]
Album art
The artwork for Dysfunction reflects its title. All four band members are depicted with dysfunctional properties related to their position in the band; Aaron (vocalist) is shown without a mouth, Mike (guitarist) is shown with webbed hands, Johnny (bassist) is shown with only one arm and Jon (drums and percussion) is shown with a pegged leg. Finally the most obvious reference to the album's title is on the cover; the clown's reflection is incorrect.
Touring and performance
Staind toured with Kid Rock in the spring before joining the Family Values Tour 1999 along with various nu metal and rap metal musicians. Three tracks were performed live during the band's MTV Unplugged performance in 2002: "Me," and "Home," and the hidden track "Excess Baggage."
Track listing
All lyrics are written by Aaron Lewis; all music is composed by Staind
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Suffocate" | 3:16 |
| 2. | "Just Go" | 4:50 |
| 3. | "Me" | 4:36 |
| 4. | "Raw" | 4:09 |
| 5. | "Mudshovel" | 4:41 |
| 6. | "Home" | 4:04 |
| 7. | "A Flat" | 4:59 |
| 8. | "Crawl" | 4:29 |
| 9. | "Spleen" (contains hidden track "Excess Baggage" starting at 16:20) | 21:01 |
| Total length: | 56:14 | |
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 10. | "Bring the Noise" (featuring Fred Durst) | 3:50 |
Personnel
- Johnny April – bass
- Gregory Burke – artwork, design, concept
- John Burton – mixing assistant
- Terry Date – producer, engineer, mixing
- Fred Durst – producer
- Aaron Lewis – vocals, acoustic guitar on "Excess Baggage"
- Roger Lian – mastering
- Mike Mushok – guitar, backing vocals
- Jordan Schur – executive producer
- Staind – producer
- Howie Weinberg – mastering
- Ulrich Wild – engineer
- Jon Wysocki – drums
Charts
Album - Billboard (North America)[7]
| Year | Chart | Position |
|---|---|---|
| 1999 | Top Heatseekers | 1 |
| The Billboard 200 | 74 |
References
- ^ Erlewine, Stephen Thomas. Dysfunction at AllMusic. Retrieved July 17, 2011.
- ^ Christgau, Robert. "Consumer Guide: Staind, Dysfunction Album review". Robert Christgau. Retrieved July 17, 2011.
- ^ http://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/2453/Staind-Dysfunction/
- ^ Staind Tour Dates Eventful.com. Retrieved on 2-24-10.
- ^ Florino, Rick Interview - Staind (Aaron Lewis) ArtistDirect.com (August 25, 2008). Retrieved on 2-24-10.
- ^ Grierson, Tim Staind Interview About.com (August 20, 2008). Retrieved on 2-24-10.
- ^ Chart information at AllMusic. Retrieved June 22, 2011.