Released 30 years ago
Take It from the Man!
The Brian Jonestown Massacre · 1996
69 min · 18 tracks · psychedelic rock
A kaleidoscopic blend of jangly guitars, rich harmonies, and psychedelic grooves that evoke the spirit of ‘60s rock.
Top tracks — play these first
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Oh Lord — This track showcases a blend of melodic hooks and introspective lyrics that captures the essence of the album’s thematic exploration of existential angst.
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(David Bowie I Love You) Since I Was Six — With its playful homage to Bowie, this song exemplifies the band’s knack for merging humor with homage, reflecting their influences while carving out their own identity.
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Take It From the Man — The title track embodies the carefree spirit of '90s psychedelia, featuring infectious rhythms and vivid imagery that perfectly encapsulates the album's overall vibe.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends psychedelic elements with strong melodies, though its pacing and transitions can feel uneven.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a strong mid-tempo track, 'Vacuum Boots', and maintains a consistent jangly guitar sound throughout the first half.
- Several tracks feature layered harmonies and extended instrumental sections, particularly in 'Straight Up and Down' and 'Dawn'.
- The sequencing includes abrupt shifts in tone, such as the transition from the upbeat 'Take It From the Man' to the more introspective 'Mary, Please'.
- The final three tracks slow down significantly, creating a reflective atmosphere that contrasts with earlier energy.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- kaleidoscopic melodies for exploration
- short tracks for quick enjoyment
- hypnotic rhythms for daydreaming
- playful irreverence throughout the album
- eclectic soundscapes for curious listeners
Maybe skip if you
- prefer longer, cohesive pieces
- seek instant gratification tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1996, Take It from the Man! was The Brian Jonestown Massacre's third studio album, following their breakthrough with 1995's Methodrone. At this point in their career, the band had begun to cultivate a distinctive sound that melded classic psychedelic influences with their own contemporary vision, solidifying their reputation within the alternative music scene.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Dandy Warhols· Tame Impala· Spiritualized
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Vacuum Boots 2:56
- 2 Who? 2:52
- 3 Oh Lord 3:20
- 4 Caress 2:28
- 5 (David Bowie I Love You) Since I Was Six 3:23
- 6 Straight Up and Down 4:30
- 7 Monster 3:15
- 8 Take It From the Man 2:40
- 9 B.S.A. 4:41
- 10 Mary, Please 4:10
- 11 Monkey Puzzle 4:02
- 12 Fucker 2:12
- 13 Dawn 2:04
- 14 Cabin Fever 7:55
- 15 In My Life 2:21
- 16 The Be Song 3:25
- 17 My Man Syd 1:49
- 18 Straight Up and Down 11:00
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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