Few records can alter my mood and demeanor quite like Rollins Band's 1994 album "Weight." Once this record comes on I am sucked right into the album's vacuum and all consciousness is at the mercy of four dudes with instruments. The band's most recognized release for their popular single "Liar," "Weight" displayed Henry and crew at their peak, when the band, like the man, seemed to ooze furious energy like the most destructive neutron bomb. This album is nearly flawless. Drummer Sim Cain and bassist Melvin Gibbs were arguably the best rhythm section in rock at the time and the grooves that they were able to write on this record perfectly echo the harsh, confrontational vibe of many of the songs. "Wrong Man" and "Civilized" display exactly what I mean. There's an almost tribal influence in many of the beats that certainly seems to be influenced by funk and early hip-hop that just breathes life into the tracks and commands a reaction from the listener.
"Civilized"
While I love the early work of the Rollins Band, particularly "End of Silence" and "Life Time," the crisp production of "Weight" highlights the power the band possessed like no other. Albums that can display a clear sound but not sacrifice an ounce of aggression are rare and commendable, this is no exception. Which mega rock producer was capable of such an achievement? Theo Van Rock, soundman for Rollins Band. The fact that the band's best sounding and most polished record was produced by their friend and virtually unknown sound engineer is not only astounding, it's a testament to how important the chemistry between producer and band is to make a high quality record. Equally as focused is Rollins' existential lyrics that articulate loneliness, self-loathing, despair, rage, paranoia, and the trials and tribulations of love and love lost."Tired" calmly articulates the thoughts of a madman on the brink of destroying others and "Liar" is written from the perspective of the deceiver, showcasing the frontman's ability to write from the perspective of the characters he creates who are extensions of his own personality. The strongest song lyrically, however, has to be "Step Back," a confrontational challenge to the superficial to defend their facade and their ultimate failure to do so when faced with someone capable of seeing through to their interior. Certainly the soundtrack to his psyche, "Weight" captured Rollins at his creative high point and in many ways helped him step out of the shadow of Black Flag once and for all and come into his own as a solo artist.
"Step Back"
This record is about volume and a clear headed attack on not only the world around you, but the one inside of you as well. "Weight" proved once and for all that Rollins Band and their chief mastermind stood atop the world of rock. They didn't drive to it in a fancy car or fly on a jumbo jet, they didn't suck the tit of record executives to get there, they didn't adjust their sound in a manner that pleased the MTV generation or Soul Asylum's publicist, and they didn't compromise an ounce of sweat to earn what they deserve. Period.
- Joe