16 years after this CD was released it still sounds great and after seeing the band live last week I can say that they still sound every bit as good live today as they did in studio 16 years ago. The other reviewers have covered the technical merits far better than I ever could, this album just strikes a chord for me because the time when it's songs got radio airplay was one of nothing but good memories for me. In any case, buy this CD, sit down, and give it a few good listens. It talks about so many things that everyone goes through in their life, its just sad that Doug Hopkins took his own before he could enjoy the appreciation this album received.
John
May 24, 2008 |  | A great document of adult alternative music |  |
The Gin Blossoms' debut album, New Miserable Experience, is one of the great albums of the early `90s. Led by three gifted songwriters in vocalist Robin Wilson and guitarists Doug Hopkins and Jesse Valenzuela, the band was one of the best and most successful bands in the adult alternative genre. The huge hits "Hey Jealousy" and "Found Out About You" are fantastic songs and have aged very well. The upbeat "Allison Road" and the ballad "Until I Fall Away" also received some airplay and you still hear them on occasion, again showing their staying power. As with any great album, the deep cuts are on the same level as the "hits" and that rings true here as evidenced by the rockers "Hold Me Down" and "Hands Are Tied" and by the reflective acoustic pop of "29" and "Pieces of the Night." Other strong tunes include the pop/rock of "Lost Horizons" and "Mrs. Rita" and a great old country tune called "Cheatin'." Sadly, Doug Hopkins, who penned the best songs here ("Hey Jealousy", "Found Out About You", "Pieces of the Night") would commit suicide shortly after the album's release and the band was never the same after that. Since every song is very good and it still sounds great today, I would recommend New Miserable Experience to anyone who loves all the great adult alternative pop that come out in the `90s.
April 10, 2008Shiny yet sad, one of the 90's best albums. Presenting a strong
set of pop-grunge music to offset the gripping personal lyrics, Gin Blossoms
took off in 1992. Few albums of the 90's can match it.
January 27, 2008| | | One of the best of the 90's | |
This CD has a special place in my heart. The songs are well written, the musicianship is supreme, and it's just an over all class effort. There is not one song on here that I don't like. Most fans will remember "Hey Jelousy" and "Found Out About You" from the radio. However, this CD is packed with quality songs. "Until I Fall Away" is a well composed and sentimental ballad that can tug at your heart. "Allison Road" is a fun up beat song with a country flavor to it that's just contagious. I grew up listening to this CD, and in my humble opinion it has stood the test of time. Just a quality recording you will enjoy having in your collection.
August 2, 2007| | | Top notch, beginning to end! | |
I have always loved this album (actually, I still have and play the audio cassette I purchased back in '92.) There's not a dud or a stinker in the bunch, and hearing it really evokes some pleasant early '90s memories. It's hard to single out a favorite, but "Allison Road," "Hold Me Down," "Mrs. Rita" and of course, "Hey Jealousy" are fantastic tracks. Incidentally, I just saw the Blossoms play last night and they still sound pretty good - even their new material was good enough to inspire me to buy the album (this time on CD) and make a fan of my son, who was born the year NME came out (and who luckily has a tape player so he can listen to and enjoy my cassette!)
July 22, 2007More reviews at Amazon.com ...
(83 reviews)