If there is one record in my collection that gets repeated plays during every summer of every year – it’s this one. Hands-down a most favorite summertime record of all-time, if not among a favorite record of all-time period. QOTSA’s debut self-titled album was originally released in 1998. The trio originally included Mr. Homme, drummer Alfredo Hernandez, and Nick Oliveri (bass) along with Dave Catching hangin’ about for some additional guitar/keys work.
I’m not going to re-review this record, or get all “nostalgic” about it with a pile of metaphorical idioms and journalismia. Enough has been said and written and re-written about it, already. It’s a classic. It’s pure dynamite magic. It belongs in every die-hard stoner/desert rock fan’s music collection – no question.
The original album was remastered/reissued last year (and on vinyl), with three extra tracks included – not previously on the 1998 release (“The Bronze”; “These Aren’t The Droids You’re Looking For”; and “Spiders And Vinegaroons”). And if you were lucky to catch the band live out on tour last year, you likely saw them perform the album front-to-back on more than a few occasions.
For sure, the original QOTSA for many of us, will always harken back to “Josh and Nick.” And while Alfredo and Dave Grohl have shared the kit in the past, we definitely dig [ex-DANZIG drummer] Joey Castillo just as well. Nevertheless, we know that it’s Josh’s band, and Josh’s project (and that Josh will do what Josh wants with it). Honestly, as much as we might miss Nick (I’ll never forget the time I saw him play an entire set totally in the buck – no joke), it’s still pretty hard to argue with what Mr. Homme has done with the QOTSA project over the years. After all, he’s assembled a most talented mix of blokes for the live stuff, as well as a host of other featured guests and artists on later albums/recordings.
As much as I love the entire QOTSA catalog in general, the first album, by far, stands head and shoulders above the others as most fav. Check out some clips, get the record if you don’t already have it, and crank that sucker clean to Mexicola in that 110 degree summer heat somewhere across a cool desert cruise.
ALBUM COVER – FRONT
ALBUM COVER – REAR
