Search - Minutemen :: Ballot Results

Spotty, but worth it

Patrick W. Schubert | Santa Ana, California United States | 02/23/2005

(3 out of 5 stars)

"If memory serves correct, The Minutemen had plans to record a live album of their fan's favorite songs entitled Ballot Result. However, due to the untimely passing of D. Boon, they were forced to assemble this collection of radio broadcasts, live and rehearsal recordings, and even some studio tracks (when live versions didn't exist). Ultimately, you have to commend Mike and George for carrying on with the project. None the less, there are some definate peaks and valleys on this collection. This record starts out strong with a decently recorded 1985 radio brodcast featuring smokin' versions of some of their best songs. These tracks alone justify purchasing this CD (preferably the LP for the extra songs). The remainder of the tracks, however, are a hodge-podge of live and rehearsal material that is either marred by poor recording quality or sub-par performances. Tracks like "Tour Spiel" and "Take Our Test", while far from unlistenable, stick out in my mind as being especially inferior to the studio versions. In addition, the remix of "No One" single-handedly demonstrates what is so horribly wrong with 80's studio production. Yes, I'm nit-picking, but these issues keep this from being a 5-star disc, in my opinion. Still, Ballot Result is well worth owning based on its obvious strengths."

The sadly-missed D. Boon and Minutemen at their live best

MacDara Conroy | Dublin, Ireland | 12/29/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Produced as the result of a fan ballot to compile an album of their best loved tunes, this fantastic record is also notable as containing some of the last live recordings of the band with their singer and guitarist, the honourable D. Boon, who unfortunately died in late 1985. 'Ballot Result' serves not only as a document of the band at their live best - in the studio, on the radio, or before their adoring fans on stage, but also as a tribute to one of the greatest songwriters and lyricists in modern music. Outstanding tracks on this amazing album, such as the radio session version of 'Courage' and his live solo 'No! No! No! To Draft And War' are perfect examples of his inspired (and inspiring) guitar style combined with his powerful political poetry - entertainer and educator in one! Of course, the Minutemen would not be the Minutemen without the distinctive bass of musical maestro Mike Watt (hear 'Little Man With A Gun In His Hand' for proof) and George Hurley pulls out all the stops in his mesmirising drum solo on 'Mr. Robot's Holy Orders'. For first-time listeners the sound quality may be off-putting (some of the tracks are actual audience bootlegs!) but for any lovers of raw, lo-fi music in the vein of Black Flag, early Husker Du and other SST bands, as well as all fans of the Minutemen, this album is an essential addition to your collection."

LP has different track list

Billy Rubin | Chicago, IL | 01/21/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"memo to Amazon: the LP version has different tracks from the CD, including LP-only cover of Steppenwolf's "Hey Lawdy Mama." The LP and CD versions should have accurate track lists -- there's quite a few songs that don't overlap."