It’s hard to think of Melvins sans Dale Crover. However kids, there was a time when one of the greatest drummers in history did not bash skins for Buzzo and crew. Originally, in 1983, Melvins were composed of King Buzzo, drummer Mike Dillard, and bassist Matt Lukin. Lukin was also known for his four-string contributions Mudhoney. Melvins have decided to take a trip down memory lane for their latest release Tres Cabrones, an album I hesitate to call new, because so much of it is old.
With Dillard returning to the skins, and Matt Lukin permanently retired from music, Dale Crover shifts from skins to bass. It’s interesting hearing Crover throw down on the bass guitar because he brings a certain level of funk to the Melvins. The first two tracks, “Dr. Mule” and “City Dump” are nearly rump shakers, not at all what you’d expect from the Melvins. Both songs are still heavy, and both contain that cement-mixer grind of Buzzo’s guitar, but Crover brings a swing to the tunes you wouldn’t expect.
Not everything is golden on Tres Cabrones. “Tie My Pecker To A Tree” is not hilarious, it’s just something to skip through. The same can be said for “99 Bottles Of Beer”, which thankfully ends around 98 or 97 bottles. Outside of filler, there is also the fact that the lion’s share of Tres Cabrones is previously released material. “Stump Farmer”, “Stick ‘Em Up Bitch” and “Psycho-Delic-Haze” are from the 1983 EP, though I think Melvins remixed “Psycho-Delic-Haze”. In a confusing move, Buzz and crew recorded a cover of The Lewd’s “Walter’s Lips”, which Melvins had already covered, titling it “Walter” on the Mangled Demos From 1983 release.
Remember the Gaylord single? Well if not, you can hear most of it on Tres Cabrones, including “City Dump”, “99 Bottles Of Beer” and “You’re In The Army Now”. “American Cow” was originally released on the Bash 13 compilation album, while “Dr. Mule” was first recorded for the 10 Years Of Scion compilation. At the end of the day, nine of the twelve songs on Tres Cabrones have appeared on some other album. “I Told You I Was Crazy” is new, and it’s a nice slice of Melvins sludge. The only other new jam is “Dogs And Cattle Prods”. Well, besides “Tie My Pecker To A Tree”.
If you already own all this music, then purchasing Tres Cabrones will probably be a giant waste of time. If you’re a collector who needs everything Melvins have done to feel complete, the two original tracks on the album are at least really good. If you’re one of those people who never purchase singles, splits or comps because you know it will eventually all get released together, then Tres Cabrones is the record for you.
