Whale – We Care

I remember discovering this criminally underrated band when their “Hobo Humpin’ Slobo Babe” video was featured on Beavis & Butthead back in the 90’s and was immediately taken by this Swedish band called “Whale”! I think by the time I had discovered them the limited vinyl pressing was long sold out or lost in vinyl delete bins since foolishly no one wanted vinyl back then. I had to suffice with the CD but would occasionally stumble into a trashed copy of the “Pay For Me” EP with a shiny mirror foil cover, hoping to eventually find a good one and of course the “We Care” album as well which also had the shiny mirror cover. Luckily a few years ago I found decent vinyl copies where both vinyl and jackets are in excellent shape.

Who are Whale? They were a Swedish alternative band that could be grungy but also could get into hypnotizing James Brown, trip hop riffs and grooves that are infectious AF! Led by a sultry female vocalist who can go from an angelic whisper to a devilish howl. Her male cohorts on bass and guitar absolutely tear up the place! They did some work with Tricky and I even saw Whale opening up for him on tour back in 1998. There isn’t much written about them but I recommend going down a YouTube rabbit hole with them! Sadly, they only put out 2 brilliant albums, an EP but loads of singles with unreleased B-sides and mixes that can fill up 2 CDs on their own!

This album on vinyl sounds incredible! The bass is thick and warm, the guitar is crunching, the keyboards are distinct amongst a wide soundstage. The songs are are of course what makes this album five stars in my book! I cannot sit still to this album at all! It instantly fills me with energy and excitement! This album should definitely be heard by more people! It’s absolutely criminal that so few know about it but once you discover Whale’s music and “get it” you are hooked for life! Check out their second (and last release) “All Disco Dance Must End In Broken Bones” which unfortunately never got any vinyl pressing at all and is only on CD. There are plenty of 12” singles out there to find.

This band needs to be resurrected and rediscovered!

This album desperately deserves a deluxe vinyl reissue. It should include the companion, 'Pay For Me EP'. Such a great album that takes you to so many places & yes, as the fellow above said, this album sums up the 90s pretty well, without even slightly being comparable to anyone else out at the time. The music is from all over the place & the lyrics can be just down right hilarious! Let's not even get started on their videos. Like, "Suburban Lawns" back in the early 80s, this album is a forgotten gem. So, if anyone's reading this who matters, REISSUE IT. NOW.

Underrated album! If you want an album that rides that 90's Alternative label hard, then this is for you. A bit trashy, a bit mellow... give it a shot.