Divided (An Argument For The Soul) - Brandon Of Incubus
Ozzy Speaks - Ozzy Osborne
Angel's Son - Lajon Of Sevendust
Forever - Fred Of Limp Bizkit
Funeral Flights - Dez Of Coal Chamber
Requiem - Corey Of Slipknot
Reaching Out - Mark Of Sugar Ray
Absent - Snot
Sad Air - Lynn Straight Of Snot
Bonus Track - Straight Up (Explicit)
Snot singer James Lynn Strait had a lot of friends, if this intensely emotional tribute is any indication. Strait died in a December 1998 car accident, with Snot on the verge of breaking big, thanks to critical kudos and a... more » stint on Ozzfest '98. Strait Up features a dozen of heavy rock's most prominent singers, including Limp Bizkit's Fred Durst, Korn's Jonathan Davis, Incubus's Brandon Boyd, and Sugar Ray's Mark McGrath paying homage to the late frontman. In 1998, Snot's Mikey Doling and John "Tumor" Fahenstock had music awaiting lyrics from Strait, who passed away before beginning the album. So the singers on Strait Up wrote their own lyrics to Snot's heavy music and recorded with the surviving members of Snot. The results are impressive. System of a Down's Serj Tankian offers up a eulogy in "Starlit Eyes": "The first to accept, the last to disappoint / Now you are free to roam the skies." Slipknot's Corey Taylor turns in a melodic but aggro "Requiem," singing: "I see the loss every time someone says your name." But it's the mellow emotion exuded by Sevendust's Lajon Witherspoon in "Angel's Son" that is the standout on a powerful album full of poignant triumphs. --Katherine Turman« less
Snot singer James Lynn Strait had a lot of friends, if this intensely emotional tribute is any indication. Strait died in a December 1998 car accident, with Snot on the verge of breaking big, thanks to critical kudos and a stint on Ozzfest '98. Strait Up features a dozen of heavy rock's most prominent singers, including Limp Bizkit's Fred Durst, Korn's Jonathan Davis, Incubus's Brandon Boyd, and Sugar Ray's Mark McGrath paying homage to the late frontman. In 1998, Snot's Mikey Doling and John "Tumor" Fahenstock had music awaiting lyrics from Strait, who passed away before beginning the album. So the singers on Strait Up wrote their own lyrics to Snot's heavy music and recorded with the surviving members of Snot. The results are impressive. System of a Down's Serj Tankian offers up a eulogy in "Starlit Eyes": "The first to accept, the last to disappoint / Now you are free to roam the skies." Slipknot's Corey Taylor turns in a melodic but aggro "Requiem," singing: "I see the loss every time someone says your name." But it's the mellow emotion exuded by Sevendust's Lajon Witherspoon in "Angel's Son" that is the standout on a powerful album full of poignant triumphs. --Katherine Turman
Joseph K. from AGOURA HILLS, CA Reviewed on 6/25/2007...
Great CD, perfect condition
CD Reviews
Snot's missing opus
Rubin Carver | Gilbert, AZ USA | 02/21/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)
"On December 11, 1998, Snot vocalist Lynn Strait was on his way to Los Angeles to work on the second Snot album when he got in a car accident that claimed his life. Meanwhile, the rest of the band had just finished demoing the music for 9 new songs when they got the call that Lynn was gone.
There are really two ways to look at this album - as a tribute to Lynn from his friends and bandmates, and as a glimpse into the aborted second Snot album, which with Lynn's death was doomed never to happen. Obviously it is a very touching gesture and a testament to how many lives Lynn affected. However, Lynn's death was also the death of one of the best metal bands of the era and while the lyrics are in many cases a heartfelt send-off for a good friend, the music is a scrapbook providing a glimpse into what Snot could have become.
First, lyrically, there are some very touching lyrics. What is interesting is how many different reactions Lynn's death incited - from Serj's poetic celebration of Lynn's virtues to Jonathan Davis's anger and feelings of betrayal and Corey Taylor's shock. Among the more disappointing deliveries is Fred Durst's inane ranting on "Forever"... on one hand, it can be seen as a reaction to the self-rightous a-hole DJ's and music critics who dismissed Lynn as just another worthless drug casualty, which is an honest enough reaction. But at the same time, why sully Lynn's memory by calling out his enemies on this tribute? Also, "Reaching Out" has mostly nonsense lyrics, even though the tune is one of the best on the album musically.
Seen as a glimpse into Snot's aborted second album, Strait Up is both fascinating and massively frustrating. What is immediatly clear is that Snot's music was becoming significantly more dark and serious. These tunes don't even need the somber lyrics to be heavy-hearted, as the music is just a lot more brutal and angry than most of the punk/jazz-core found on Get Some.
It should be pointed out that there are actually 15 tracks on this album. However, the band only wrote 9 new songs as of when Lynn passed away. So which songs constitute Snot's hypothetical second album? Well the 15th "hidden" track is a remixed soup of Snot songs and a few recordings of Lynn's spoken voice. Interesting, but not that listenable, and clearly not something that was written in the regular sense.
The only performance by the full band Snot on this album is "Absent", probably the band's single most emotionally powerful song. However, while this version is remixed and cleaned up for Strait Up, it was originally released on the Strangeland soundtrack, and was not one of the 9 new songs. It may have landed on Snot's LP2 though, and it is a perfect example of how much more powerful and dark Snot's music was becoming at this time. The music to "Sad Air" was written by ex Snot guitarist Sonny Mayo in response to Lynn's passing. While it is a very emotional track, with what I assume is one of Lynn's last interviews, it wouldn't have existed without his death.
"Ozzy Speaks" is a spoken word tribute from Ozzy Osbourne at the center of the album. "Angel's Son", on the other hand, is an absolutely beautiful ballad featuring singer Lajon Witherspoon from Sevendust. Actually, it features several other members of Sevendust, and was written by Sevendust guitarist Clint Lowerly. It is a great song but it is a Sevendust song and an alternate version can be found at the end of Sevendust's third album, Animosity.
All the rest of the songs are Snot songs, but one of them had to be written explicitely for this tribute album, since there are 10 tracks left. Well "Starlit Eyes" is for certain one the songs, since a version of it exists with Lynn's vocals, under the name "Choose What?" This song is a frenzied, intense metal track that is passionate in either version (but especially in the version with Lynn.)
Using "Absent" as an archetype for the overall vibe of new Snot songs (and using Get Some as a pallette of musical devices characteristic to this band,) several equally dynamic tracks can be assumed to be would-be LP2 songs. "I Know Where You're At" is a song that develops quite gradually and is musically a trip in a way old Snot wasn't. Granted, the hip-hop beat in the intro was probably added when M.C.U.D. was the confirmed as the guest vocalist, but the rest of the track is clearly Snot in origin. "Requiem" is even creepier than "Absent" and would probably have been one of my favorite Snot songs. I can only imagine what Lynn would have done with it. "Reaching Out" is of a slower pace than any previous Snot songs but has the same dark edge as the rest of the music on here, and the last minute and a half or so is ethereal. "Take It Back" is musically one of the lesser of these songs, being a bit heavy in a more 'cliche' nu metal way than the other songs, but maintains a similar style and was probably set for release on the next album.
Snot also had a penchant for fun and fast punk songs, a description which can easily be applied to "Until Next Time" (which was written by Lynn himself) and "Funeral Flights." However, three tracks have almost no resemblance to anything else by Snot and one of these was probably written to accomodate the guest singer - "Forever,""Divided," and "Catch a Spirit." The first song actually does have some telltale Snot lead towards the end, so my money is either on the bubblegum-sweet "Divided" or the tribal "Catch a Spirit." They're just too tailored to their respective guest singers. Both are good songs, especially "Divided", although not standouts on the album.
It is clear that Snot's second album was going to be amazing, and it is more than a little frustrating that we will never get it or any other future output from this band. Having not known Lynn personally, I'm not going to pretend I feel the pain these people felt from his passing, but it did make me pretty sad - this effort affected me strongly when it came out and I think I have more appreciation for their personal loss through it.
It is a bit depressing to sit through this record once you know the lyrics, especially if you make it all the way to "Sad Air," but I recommend it strongly - musically it is an accomplishment and even if you don't care for one or more of the guest artists, there's a high likelihood you'll find at least a few songs on it that you like. It is a MUST for fans of the band, who where left wanting more after Get Some."
Lamenting the loss of a metal hero
Andrew Lueken | Louisville, KY United States | 11/10/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This is truely a tear jerker of an album for fans of Lynn Strait. I found myself brushing away tears or smiling at certain moments of songs that recount the exploits of the metal outfit Snot. Snots lead singer and his beloved dog Dobbs were killed in a multiple car pileup on a California interstate. The album is almost entirely a roaring metal masterwork but there are moments such as "Angels Son", a haunting ballad-esque song performed by the remaining members of Snot and several members of Sevendust. Lajons(Sevendusts lead singer) vocal and lyrical talents are a force to be reckoned with. The video is even more touching with his mother, his girlfriend, and members of bands who once toured with Lynn Strait coming together. Bradon Boyd of Incubus puts in his two bits as well with "Divided(an arguement for the soul)" a more aggressive song that mourns Lynns passing. The most compelling tracks come from Serj Tankian(System of a Down) "Starlit Eyes" and John Davis(Korn) "Take it Back" who seemed to have befriended Lynn on a personal level, and sang of his exploits and his lust for life. One of the most haunting and powerfull tracks however is performed by Snot as a whole, before Lynns passing. The song is titled "Absent" first appearing on the Strangeland soundtrack(the best version of the song, it starts with a gut wrenching scream from Lynn before diving into the song.) The Strangeland soundtrack has most of the artists on this tribute cd as well. It is a must have for fans of the metal genre as a whole. Take a look at it on Amazons search engine. Other artists who contribute to the tribute album include Mark Mcgrath of SugarRay, Dez of Coal Chamber, Corey of Slipknot, M.C.U.D of Hed(PE), Max Cavalera of Soul Fly and Fred Durst of LimpBizkit fame. If You enjoyed Snot or even just one of the bands who took part of this project then it is worth at least a listen, and likely your money, as it will be given to a charity in his memory. Long live the Spirit of James Lynn Strait and Dobbs."
A great tribute to a fallen icon
Chris Erickson | Athens, Georgia USA | 11/08/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Lynn Strait was going to make a huge impact on the music world, I just don't think this was the way he had in mind. This album has the great musical structure that any Snot fan will love, plus the variety of vocals from many good metal bands out there today. I think Dez from Coal Chamber, Jon from KoRn, and Lajon from Sevendust sing the strongest songs on the album. All the songs are great tributes, except one that I have not yet listened to the whole way through. The song Fred Durst sings is supposed to be a tribute, but before he gets anywhere in the song, he makes sure to plug himslef and his band. Basically, that's a slap in the face to Lynn and everyone who put their hearts into this album. The point was to remember a friend, not for the possibility of personal gain. Other than that, this album captures the life and power of Lynn on every track. Including the song 'Absent' (from the Strangeland soundtrack) only adds to the album. R.I.P Lynn and Dobbs."
An X-treame tribute, just the way he'd like it.
The New and Improved Great One | Minnesota | 03/21/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Well, everyone has heard what has happened to Lynn Strait by now and how great he was. So after the funeral, the remaining members of Snot made this. When i heard about it, I planned on buying it right away. i just reviewed it cuz I actually have time on my hands. This thing has all of his friends singing and writing the lyrics with great results! Here's the summary of each track:1. Starlit Eyes - Serj Tankian: Serj mainly talks through this one. It's a starter on who Lynn was.2. Take It Back - Jonathan Davis: One of my favorites. Jon Davis always likes to talk about his pain in his songs. This time, it's no exception. He oviosley misses Lynn a lot.3. I Know Where You're At - M.C.U.D.: MCUD and DJ Product team up for this for a softer melody. It was okay, another song about the pain.4. Catch A Spirit - Max Cavalera: A high-powered song with high-powered lyrics that also kind of shows how Soulfly sounds (with 2 of the members). Talks about Lynn's spirit above us.5. Until Next Time - Jason Sears: This is a fast-talking ballet (like all of RKL's songs). This is one of those songs I like for the beat also along with "Take it Back."6. Divided (An Argument For The Soul) - Brandon Boyd: One of the best songs wheather you like it or not. It's the best song for comforting. You see when someone dies, they're really not gone.7. Ozzy Speaks - Ozzy Ozbourne: well, since Ozzy dosen't sing Metal-Rap, Ozzy makes a :13 appearence on this track. It's a little note of Ozzy wishing his dear friend goodbye. 8. Angel's Son - Lajon Witherspoon: No wonder why this one was a single! It was the song completely made for the album. It talked about how much pain Lynn went through his whole life. 9. Forever - Fred Durst: Not great lyrics, but catchy, and for a good cause.10. Funeral Flights - Dez Fafara: Another hardcore track talking about the spirit of Lynn.11. Requiem - Corey Taylor: #8's song was a great chance for you to get to know him and his pain and rememberance of Lynn.12. Reaching Out - Mark McGrath: A poppy, or, ah, less and less poppy 'til the end of the song where they have keyboards. But it's right, his face is a supernatural kind of face.13. Absent - Snot: Snot's last recording together, and quite possibly, their best.14. Sad Air - Lynn Strait: Just Lynn talkin' a bunch. very effective and sad. He talks a lot about his pain and stuff like that.15. (untitled) - (hidden track): (Pointless track) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------"
One last song, given to an angel's son....
sc_demandred | Irvine, CA USA | 11/10/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is a record I wish didn't have to exist. This record is the final epitaph for Lynn Strait, the most dynamic and exciting singer I have ever seen. This record is a tribute. The songs are what would have been Snot's second album, had Lynn lived to record the vocals. When he was killed, Mikey and Tumor decided to contact all of Lynn's friends and peers and asked them to contribute vocals to the already finished songs.The songs are amazing. The music is incredible. Powerful, melodic, crushing and raucous, it is the classic Snot sound evolving to the next level. Mark McGrath of Sugar Ray said that if Lynn had completed this album with the band, it would have gone double platinum, and he's right. The hardest thing about listening to this record is knowing what might have been.The first half of the album is the most powerful. Serj from System of a Down starts of with the poigniant and touching "Starlit Eyes", whose lyrics remind us of Lynn's sweet nature and his smile. Whenever I saw him, he was always smiling. Jon Davis (Korn) does a wonderful homage in "Take it Back", with the wrenching lyric "An angel in flight with a dog by his side." Brandon from Incubus contributes an emotional tribute in "Divided (an argument for the soul)", which reminds us that part of Lynn will always be with us.The other great tracks on here include Corey from Slipknot on "Requiem", Jason Sears from Rich Kids on LSD on "Until Next Time", M.C.U.D. from (HED) P.E. on "I Know Where You're At" and Mark McGrath on "Reaching Out."The most powerful song on this album, though, is the contribution from Clint, Morgan and Lajon of Sevendust. Their song (written by Clint Lowery and Morgan Rose), "Angel's Son", is beautiful and tragic. The video is a simple shoot of a bonfire on the beach where Lynn's friends and family are visited by his spirit... I cry every time I see it... the world needs to know about Lynn and what could have been for Snot. Thank you again, Sevendust. Your tribute speaks volumes.The only weak spot on this album comes courtesy Fred Durst of Limp Bizkit. Fred's lyrics are (yet again) un-expressive, needlessly laced with profanity, and seem somehow crude next to the eloquence of Dez Fafara (Coal Chamber), M.C.U.D., Lajon and Brandon. While his peers were writing words like "I have a new life now / she lives through you", "You give us a gift and then you take it back" and "now you are free / freedom in the skies / now and then visit me / with your starlit eyes", I'm sitting here watching the "Angel's Son" video with tears running down my face and thinking "except for Durst, it was a beautiful tribute, and a beautiful way to say goodbye."And, with the exception of Durst, it is. If you liked snot, go buy this record. If you've never heard of Snot, please go buy Get Some and then buy this record It has some of your favorite bands playing requiem for a soul who left us too soon. Never forget him. I won't."