What the Fuck, Mark?
Sugar Ray's rise to fame should be featured in a weird ass "rise and fall" style documentary. I mean, they were a pretty good mid-90s punk/rock band that was growing in popularity. Similar to the likes of System of a Down or Bad Religion. Were they earth shattering? Nah. Were they ultra talented? Maybe? But seriously- they rocked! They had two really good albums that put them on the map.. and where did Mark and his motley crew wind up?
Welcome to this Wackiest of all Wednesdays, I'm Joshua, and I'm actually CHOSING to write about Mark McGrath's musical projects. Well, just Sugar Ray really. I'm even not ashamed to admit I own both 'Lemonade and Brownies' and 'Floored'. But after that they basically died for me.... And hell, they basically completely DIED! but why?
10 Seconds down was really the biggest hit of "L&D's" which I loved when my youthful ears first heard it. I thought it was a catchy riff and probably was an inspiration to lots of NuMetal acts that would soon follow years later.
Moving onto "Floored" released in '97 was one of the hottest releases of the year. It fit in along nicely with most of the heavier/grunge releases, and personally, I preferred it over most that year.
"Ooh, I like it!" - Joshua
Matter of fact the above tune: "Anyone" was one of my favorites of that release, and this track right here: AMERICAN FUCKING PIG is one of the most badass riffs ever written... Ok.. ok ok ok... hold on. Is it really? Am I being serious? Mark and his pack of hacks wrote an amazing song/riff? Well, just try it yourself I guess.
I used American Pig for my wrestling theme song from 1998-present. I blast this song for motivation and it truly gets my heart pumping. It's a blast of a song, has a great build and continues marching forward. An amazing track to blast at the highest volume levels... So where do we go from here?
To the freak'n mainstream that's where. They lost all their mojo with a major F-U to their fanbase and went mainstream pop. No really, that was it, two good albums a potential spot in regular heavy rock rotations to lost and forgotten. They took their shot, alienating their long-time fans and started releasing pop songs. This would last an album or two and then they completely fell off the map.
Serves them right. Sugar Ray are considered the tops of most "Sell outs" lists and deservedly so. They went from C+ to B- to F's for the rest of their releases. A staple in mediocrity with enough songs to count on one hand that would be considered any good. Way to screw it up boys.
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