Review: Flipper - Love

Label: MVD

Released: May 19, 2009

A reunion can be viewed in one of two ways. On one hand, it could be an attempt to cash in on the current popularity of the band's genre, something they may not have been able to do in their prime. On the other, it could be a way to expose the band to a new generation of fans as once great bands have a way of slipping into obscurity. Flipper's music is so anti-commercial that not even Kurt Cobain's endorsement brought their music to the mainstream, so it seems unlikely that former reason to reunite could be true. At the same time, they have remained the seminal art/noise punk outfit, so each generation has seemed to acquaint itself with their work. So, why reunite?

With Flipper, it's anyone's guess why they do anything and this is no exception. Perhaps their reunion for CBGB's sparked something, perhaps they enjoyed playing with Krist Novoselic, perhaps it just happened. After all, this band is no stranger to spontaneity. However it happened though, Love came to be. The album has the same heavy noisiness for which they've always been known, but there's something decidedly more deliberate this time. Though hardly accessible in any way, they have toned down the crazy into something a little more digestible. Love, which seems to be about a love that most people, myself included, don't quite get, still features that same half innocent, half debauched sweet sarcasm that underscores their art damaged existence. Overall, this new offering doesn't eclipse their catalog in any way, yet still provides a clear reason why this reunion is not just a one-and-done blip in their storied career.

Ratings
Satriani: 6/10
Zappa: 8/10
Dylan: 6/10
Aretha: 7/10

If you're curious about my rating categories, read the description.