Blind Melon, Blind Melon, 1992, :55
★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
Everyone knows the massive hit, and the tragic early death of Shannon Hoon (so much so that his name, though more or less unspoken for two decades, popped immediately into my mind). But would Blind Melon have been just a one hit wonder, or would they have gone on to a lasting career if Hoon had lived? I'm leaning toward the latter after hearing this album. With Led Zeppelin-like yowls, some Near Eastern musical influences, and a variety of sounds, from hard rock to blues to folk rock, this band probably would have had legs. Maybe another Soundgarden, even. No way to know for sure, of course. But I found myself pleasantly surprised at Blind Melon's chops. Favorite tracks: "No Rain, "Paper Scratcher," "Tones Of Home."
