Pretty Vultures
| Pretty Vultures | ||||
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| 📅 Released | 4 May 1993 | |||
| 🎙️ Recorded | November 1992 - March 1993 | |||
| ⏳ Length | 50:54 | |||
| 🏷️ Label | Atlantic | |||
| 🤑 Producer | Brendan O'Brien | |||
| Ten Inch Men chronology | ||||
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| Singles from Pretty Vultures | ||||
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Buy this album Pretty Vultures or listen to it on amazon
Pretty Vultures is the second studio album by the american rock band Ten Inch Men, released in 1993. The album would not only mark a significant turning point in the band's lineup but also propel them to greater success on a global scale.
Five singles were released: "Crazy Day Dream", "Beautiful", "Never Say Hello", "Go With Me" and "She Comes".
Background[edit]
In 1992, the band saw the departure of original bassist Rusty Riopelle and the introduction of John McCloy on bass. This lineup change, while a pivotal moment for the band, did not disrupt their creative momentum; instead, it injected new energy and dynamics into their sound. The chemistry between the members laid the foundation for an album that would surpass the achievements of its predecessor.
Music[edit]
The tracklist of Pretty Vultures showcases Ten Inch Men's sonic diversity and their ability to navigate through various moods and textures. The album opens with "Crazy Day Dream", a single marked with an asterisk, which sets the tone for what is to come. The track features Dave Coutts' distinctive vocals, Templin's powerful guitar work, and the band's signature fusion of grunge and alternative rock elements.
"Karma" and "Pretty Vultures", the title track, delve into darker sonic territories. The latter, in particular, with its collaboration between Dave Coutts, Templin, and the newcomer McCloy, reflects the band's growth in songwriting complexity and a willingness to experiment with their established sound.
"Beautiful" is another single from the album that highlights Ten Inch Men's knack for crafting accessible yet emotionally charged songs. The band's ability to balance melodic sensibilities with gritty, distorted guitars is evident, making it a standout track that contributed to the album's commercial success.
The inclusion of "Go With Me" and "Never Say Hello", both marked as singles, further emphasizes the band's broad appeal. These tracks showcase the evolution of Ten Inch Men's sound and their ability to connect with a wider audience without compromising the integrity of their music.
Reception[edit]
Critics universally praised Pretty Vultures for its growth and maturity compared to the band's debut. The departure of Riopelle and the addition of McCloy brought a fresh dynamic to the group, evident in the album's intricate compositions and layered soundscapes.
The singles, particularly "Crazy Day Dream", "Beautiful" and "Go With Me", garnered attention for their infectious melodies and poignant lyrics. Critics pointed to Dave Coutts' vocals, which continued to showcase a unique blend of vulnerability and intensity, as a driving force behind the album's emotional impact.
"Never Say Hello" emerged as a standout moment, with its brooding atmosphere and collaborative songwriting demonstrating the band's ability to push boundaries within the grunge genre. The integration of McCloy's bass playing added depth to the overall sound, earning praise for the seamless transition in the band's lineup.
Pretty Vultures outperformed its predecessor commercially, reaching a broader audience and solidifying Ten Inch Men's status as a force to be reckoned with in the alternative music scene. The singles received extensive airplay on mainstream and alternative rock radio stations, contributing to the album's success on the charts.
The album remains a cornerstone in Ten Inch Men's legacy, representing a pivotal moment in their musical journey. The critical acclaim and commercial triumph solidified their position within the grunge movement and contributed to the rich tapestry of alternative rock in the '90s.
Track listing[edit]
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Crazy Day Dream" | Dave Coutts, Mark Templin | 4:18 |
| 2. | "Karma" | D. Coutts, Templin | 3:25 |
| 3. | "Pretty Vultures" | D. Coutts, Templin, John McCloy | 4:03 |
| 4. | "Beautiful" | D. Coutts, Templin | 3:21 |
| 5. | "She Comes" | D. Coutts, Templin, Jim Schumacher | 3:51 |
| 6. | "Black Tree" | D. Coutts, Templin, Schumacher | 3:15 |
| 7. | "Go With Me" | D. Coutts, Templin | 2:58 |
| 8. | "Saddest Song" | D. Coutts, Templin, Schumacher | 3:54 |
| 9. | "Never Say Hello" | D. Coutts, Templin, McCloy | 1:27 |
| 10. | "Machine Gun Blues" | D. Coutts, Templin | 3:37 |
| 11. | "Pieces of Nothing" | D. Coutts, Templin, Schumacher | 4:00 |
| 12. | "Your Eyes Hide" | D. Coutts, Templin | 3:26 |
| Total length: | 37:10 | ||
Pretty Vultures Tour[edit]
Buoyed by the success of Pretty Vultures, Ten Inch Men embarked on a world tour that took them to stages across continents. The tour, aptly named the "Pretty Vultures Tour" saw the band supporting iconic acts such as Bon Jovi, Stone Temple Pilots, and Nirvana. This exposure not only solidified their place in the grunge pantheon but also introduced their music to a diverse audience.
Personnel[edit]
- Dave Coutts – lead vocals, acoustic guitar, tambourine
- Mark Templin - lead guitar, acoustic guitar
- John McCloy - bass guitar
- Jim Schumacher - keyboards, backing vocals
- Steve Coutts - drums, cowbell
