Commentary / Reviews

The Crybaby is the third installment in the Melvins' Ipecac Records trilogy, and the band ensures that the series goes out with a bang. Covering "Smells Like Teen Spirit," they go balls out, even as they remain fiercely loyal to the original, and the fact that Leif Garrett provides the track's vocals does nothing to detract from King Buzzo and co.'s distorted wallop. In addition to Garrett, an all-star cast of guest vocalists contributes to the fray: the Jesus Lizard's David Yow lends his signature howl to "Blockbuster," ex-Brutal Truth grind maniac Kevin Sharp goes schizo on "Moon Pie," and Hank Williams III's Southern drawl on "Ramblin' Man" offers the Melvins a home on the range. Mike Patton's demented utterances grace the spaced-out grooves of "G.I. Joe," and members of Tool soak "Divorced" in black ambience. Would you expect anything less?