Grand Slam cover

Grand Slam

Spiderbait · 1999

45 min · 17 tracks · alternative rock

A frenetic blend of punk energy and alternative rock hooks that captures the chaotic spirit of late '90s Australian music.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Cracker — Opening with explosive energy, 'Cracker' sets the tone for the album with its infectious riffs and catchy chorus that epitomize Spiderbait's style.
  • →
    Shazam! — 'Shazam!' features an irresistible hook and playful lyrics, showcasing the band's knack for blending humor and intensity in their songwriting.
  • →
    White Trash Superstar — This track highlights a more melodic side of Spiderbait while retaining their punk roots, making it an essential representation of their musical versatility.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

51 /100
Foothills
Higher than 34% of albums we've rated

The album captures late '90s punk energy with varied tempos and vocal styles, making it distinctive yet cohesive.

What we noticed

  • The first three tracks are high-energy, fast-paced songs that set a frenetic tone for the album.
  • Several tracks feature abrupt tempo changes, such as 'Bessy’s Last Journey' which slows down significantly mid-way through.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • frenetic bursts of youthful energy
  • short tracks for quick enjoyment
  • playful irreverence with chaotic spirit
  • lively anthems for group listening

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer slower, more contemplative music
  • want lengthy, immersive albums

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 1999, Grand Slam was Spiderbait's fourth studio album, following their breakthrough record Ivy and the Big Apples. At this stage, the band was solidifying their unique sound within the Australian alternative music scene after gaining popularity with hits like 'Buy Me a Pony'. This album marked a period of experimentation for the group, showcasing their ability to blend diverse influences while maintaining their signature intensity.
Stylistic neighbors
L7· Nirvana· No Doubt

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Cracker 3:06
  • 2 Glokenpop 3:19
  • 3 Shazam! 2:03
  • 4 Dinnertime 2:11
  • 5 Plastic 2:31
  • 6 Bessy’s Last Journey 3:17
  • 7 Daisy May 1:58
  • 8 White Trash Superstar 3:27
  • 9 Buster 2:13
  • 10 By the Time I Get to Howlong 1:59
  • 11 Stevie 3:00
  • 12 Jellybean Drifter 2:45
  • 13 King of the Northern 2:12
  • 14 Tallygaroopna 1:13
  • 15 Ultralite 4:01
  • 16 Lickety Split 2:45
  • 17 Lost in Adelaide 3:22

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata