The reason Evan Dando’s The Lemonheads are destined to be remembered for their bright-eyed and bushy-tailed cover of Mrs Robinson is that the Boston band never quite resolved the dilemma of whether to be a good time pop combo or committed rockers. Cutting their losses for a Slacker-style cover of a Simon & Garfunkel’s classic effectively established their legacy.
Reissuing their old albums at least means they are not directly linked to Grunge peers like Nirvana or Pearl Jam, a comparison that never really made much sense.
‘Come On Feel The Lemonheads’ was their sixth album and the follow up to ‘It’s A Shame About Ray’. It was originally released on October 12, 1993.
This deluxe reissue makes a good case for the argument that the cosmic cowboy output of The Flying Burrito Brothers provided the best template for their sound. As if to prove the point. ex-Burrito Sneaky Pete Kleinow was part of the line up, joining a returning Juliana Hatfield.
The inclusion of rehashed ‘Covers & Curiosities’ on the vinyl version’s ‘Side D’ is the clearest indicator of Evan Dando’s eclectic taste and revealingly includes a cover of Gram Parsons Streets of Baltimore. You’ll also find a toned down cover of Victoria Williams’ chirpy Frying Pan, a take on Cole Porter’s Miss Otis Regrets and a version of Buddy Holly’s Learning the Game.
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The original album tracks flirt with darker themes but, ultimately, it’s the feel good energy of pure pop which holds sway. Thus, the plain-spoken Big Gay Heart ( “I don’t need you to suck my dick or help me feel good about myself”) sits uneasily alongside the more radio friendly numbers like Down About it or I'll do it Anyway , the latter featuring ex Go-Go girl Belinda Carlisle. The Ramonesy Rest Assured illustrates that clean cut Punk is their go to option.
We can hear again the unresolved dilemma of Rick James Style in which Dando sings “I don’t wanna get stoned, but I don’t wanna not get stoned.” With hindsight, this could translate to : I don’t wanna be a charismatic front man but I don’t wanna not be charismatic front man.
At least Dando hasn’t self-destructed like Gram and this means the pure Cosmic Americana of Being Around could now serve as an ‘I’m still standing’ statement.
Lemonheads online
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