eli@uw-june (Eli Messinger) (06/29/84)
Rich Rosen is correct--the Dream Syndicate, and lead singer Steve Wynn, originally sounded much more like Lou Reed and The Velvet Underground than Jim Morrison and The Doors. Their first self-named release on Down There records has recently been re-released on Enigma. It's very very raw, and actually fairly poorly produced. Still, it's worth hearing as a clue to the evolution of this band. Their second release, "The Days of Wine and Roses," was originally on Ruby/Slash, then later distributed by Warner Brothers. This is where I think they really showed their brilliance. The production and playing is improved from the initial release, but they were yet to start thinking of themselves as being 'out of the basement.' Their third, and latest release, 'The Medicine Show,' is a real let-down. It completely dissolves the sound they developed on their first two releases, in favor of a more heavy-metal/Doors sound. As far as Green on Red goes: Their first EP, on Steve Wynn's Down There label, is still available if you look. This is much rawer than their second release, 'Gravity Talks' (on Slash), and again we can thank Mr. Wynn for his lack of production talent. Still, there are quite a few moments on the EP that transcend Steve Wynn's production/recording studio. The LP is unbelievable, again with heavy Lou Reed/Velvet Underground influence. ... uw-june!eli