While the day is usually celebrated with a large scale show, 311 Day has also kind of become a household day for fans of the band. Last year, the group celebrated with a massive show @ New Orleans Arena, with fans from all 50 U.S. states and 13 different countries. This year, it was a little more tame as they had a massive sale on their merch for the day. The group has a lot on their plate right now between a new album ("Stereolithic") in 2014, a 25th year anniversary celebration, and their summer touring schedule . It makes sense why the band might forego the usual 311 Day festivities. Here is what they are offering for 2015:
As someone who has not had the opportunity to see their live performance, I am really hoping for a return back to Canada. I can't recall the last time that 311 has dropped into Toronto for a show. 2008 maybe? Even though there have been thirteen releases from the group since their inception in 1990, my favourite album tends to be the first one I was introduced to.
Being nine years old and playing the "Blue album" (self titled "311") for the first time gave me a different direction for music. They weren't grunge, but they were. They were hip-hop, but they weren't. It was a style of music not yet known to me, but tracks such as "Down", "All Mixed Up", "DLMD", and "Don't Stay Home" became instant classics for moi. It has been certified triple platinum and has pushed over 3 million albums to date. Since 1992, the band has consisted of the same members. They are:
Nick Hexum – vocals, guitar, programming| Doug "SA" Martinez – vocals, turntables, DJ
Tim Mahoney – lead guitar | Aaron "P-Nut" Wills – bass | Chad Sexton – drums, percussion
Have you ever made out in dark hallways
Displayed a kiss that made your day or say
Played a track from your record collection
It's your mix, congratulations
The album was released on July 25th, 1995 via Capricorn Records (Volcano for the re-issue). It was produced by Ron Saint Germain, who has produced for bands such as Bad Brains, Dredg, Living Colour, and Sonic Youth. Scott Ralston (also worked with Rod Stewart, The Lemonheads, Eddie Money, etc) also acted as engineer for the album. The entire album was recorded live with no over-dubs. Not a bad cut if you ask me.
1. Down
2. Random
3. Jackolantern's Weather
4. All Mixed Up
5. Hive
6. Guns (are for pussies)
7. Misdirected Hostility
8. Purpose
9. Loco
10. Brodels
11. Don't Stay Home
12. DLMD
13. Sweet
14. T & P Combo
15. Tribute*
16. Let the Cards Fall*
17. Gap*
18. Firewater*
19. Juan Bond*
20. Next*
(* = B-sides and rarities)
Not all Funk Metal sucks, as 311 are out to prove. An Omaha-raised, LA-based quintet with gnarly grooves galore, 311′s third, self-titled effort is a believable pastiche of slick chops, Pop panache and Metal mayhem which seems to include just a little bit for every listener. Thanks to yet another outstanding effort by producer Ron St. Germain – an NYC dancefloor mixologist best known in the Rock world for his work with Bad Brains, Living Colour, and Soundgarden- 311 is phat without trying to disown their White roots. Lead vocalist Nick Hexum bumps ‘n grinds his way through fourteen tracks that even the Red Hot Chili Peppers wouldn’t wince over. Highlights of this pleasant preformance include “Guns (Are for Pussies)” and “Misdirected Hostility,” but you’ll have to decide for yourself. Don’t call 911, 311 is on it’s way. -Kyra Burton
All mixed up, you don't know what to do
Next thing you turn around and find the person is you
Thought a freak might be the thing
But the first could be the last, so just get off of your ass
It is the seamless way the songs on the eponymously titled 311 combine the band's influences into a potent blend of rap, funk, and rock that renders this album a cut above those of their competitors. These riff-heavy and radio-ready songs are underscored by a tight drum sound (often with a piccolo snare), the scratching of turntables, and the crunch of heavy guitars: a formidable backdrop for this surprisingly melodic effort. The rhythms of reggae and ska percolate through this mix, and the harmonies of Nick Hexum and S.A. Martinez lend the band an edge not found in the majority of bands that feature rapping over rock beats. -All Music
So I hope you all enjoy some 311 tunes today as they celebrate both their 25th anniversary and their special celebration day. For a group that has pushed 8.5+ million records over a twenty five year span, I think the next 24 hours will be reserved for them. Be sure to check out their "Greatest Hits" for those who are new to the band and looking for an introduction.
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