Music Review: The Mollusk by Ween (1997)

Unique, Bizarre, Outrageous, Weird, Satisfying, and Cool…

…are just some of the words that come to mind as I try to describe this album. It is the first Ween CD that I’ve bought. And wow, is it great!

Where else can you find a nautical-themed masterpiece, filled with music both strange and enticing, surreal and delightful? You never know what the next song will bring here, as one track passes to the next. From silly, whimsical ditties, to self reflective sea shanties, ballads of love lost, friends dead, and drunken pirates singing in a bar, this album is an odd yet entertaining bunch.

Some of the music could well be considered borderline unlistenable, hardly even qualifying as music – at least on first impression. But repeat listenings make it grow on you like crusty barnacles. Some of the songs are throwaways for sure, but some are truly incredible. Filled with reflections of life near the sea.

While I listen to it all, I get the distinct impression that one needs to be stoned in order to fully appreciate it. I’ve never done drugs, but listening to this is probably the closest you’ll get to a hallucinatory experience without the real thing. How else to explain a barking dog used as a percussion instrument? (“Pink Eye On My Leg”). Or a talking eel revealing your future? (“The Golden Eel”). Some of the songs make you want to go get drunk in a noisy bar, but your arms around some sweaty guys you don’t know, and sing them all loudly together. And as a heterosexual male, I don’t get that urge very often.

Track Listing:

1. I’m Dancing in the Show Tonight
2. The Mollusk
3. Polka Dot Tail
4. I’ll be Your Jonny on the Spot
5. Mutilated Lips
6. The Blarney Stone
7. It’s Gonna Be (Alright)
8. The Golden Eel
9. Cold Blows the Wind
10. Pink Eye (On My Leg)
11. Waving My Dick in the Wind
12. Buckingham Green
13. Ocean Man
14. She Wanted to Leave (Reprise)

The lyrics to some of the songs make sense, but others will leave you scratching your head, even while the catchy tune keeps repeating inside. For example, what to make of this?

• “I lick my brain in silence
• Rather squeeze my head instead
• Midget man promoting violence
• Listen not to what I said
•  

• Mutilated lips give a kiss on the wrist
• Of the worm like tips of tentacles expanding
• In my mind. I’m fine, accepting only fresh brine
• You can get another drop of this, yeah you wish…”

Listening to this may leave you wondering, “Are they for real?” Or is it just a big joke? Even so, “Mutilated Lips” is a really great song. My other favorites are “Ocean Man”, “Buckingham Green”, and “The Golden Eel.” The last song especially. “The Golden Eel” is fuckin’ epic.

Ironically, I first heard this decidedly ADULT-oriented band from a kid’s movie: Spongebob Squarepants! The soundtrack includes “Ocean Man”. And from the very first time I heard it, I was hooked. Even my 8-year old smiled when he recognized that one.

All in all, a great album. Ween is an interesting band unlike anything else you’ve heard. You will find this to be true even if you dislike the sound. I for one like it, and look forward to buying more of their albums in the future.

Rating: 7 out of 7 Topless Mermaid Sea Maidens

Enjoy...