"Life's Not a Race" & "Strong All Along" by 311 were Sight N Sound.org's July, 2000 Sound Files of the Month.

311 is so unique it is difficult to liken them to others. In a stretch, they're part grown-up Beastie Boys, a touch earlyish Red Hot Chili Peppers; Lead Guitarist Tim Mahoney is unquestionably of the Carlos Santana ideology, and Chad Sexton mans the drums with notable Charlie Watts precision and compostional mastery. They rock, they improve the rap concept, they drive their songs with poetic grip, coloring with made-to-fit timechanges. Masterful songwriting comes from Lead Singers Nick Hexum and SA Marinez.

Take "Life's Not a Race" from 311's latest offering SoundSystem. The descending, singing guitar piece which complements the vocal is both alluring and a setup; the Latin theme throughout creates for your mood an instant junction toward festive. In title, Chad Sexton holds down a mean-beat with a tight high-hat, Tim Mahoney respectfully borrows from the Great Santana and sneaks in a strain or two of Steely Dan.

Also from SoundSystem, "Strong All Along" is downright infectious. Not breaking precedent, 311 provide us, the listeners, with an ever-vigilant search for their namesake mentions. Tim Mahoney kicks in a few wahs and even pulls out some of Yes's Steve Howe, unquestionably among the globe's String Royalty. Reggae lets loose and if you aren't tappin' your knee, you're huggin' an air-bass. Grab your shades and don your ride a new set of woofers, 'cos 311 is Interstate.

In a pure artistical sphere, SoundSystem isn't their most signature CD. That would have to come from either Transistor (1997) or 311 (1994). But it is arguably among their most listenable. And this is why 311 SoundSystem is ideally the album to introduce yourself to, if you don't know them. Fill a tank with gas and haul the left lane for thirteen songs and back. By chance if an officer asks you how fast you were going, smile say you were doin' 311.

Click here to visit 311s official website.

Morgan Field