LEEWAY "DESPERATE MEASURES"

Artist: Leeway

Album: Desperate Measures

Label: Profile Records

Year: 1991

*Download: MESSAGE FOR A LINK!*

So, here it is. My first entry and what better record to write about than Leeway's sophmore effort "Desperate Measures". I first found Leeway a few years ago...probably through friends or something. This was probably around the time that there was a seemingly large resurgence of Leeway fascination, especially in the Texas hardcore scene. The first record I checked out was obviously the classic "Born To Expire". I seem to remember it being a bit awkward with Eddie Sutton's unique vocal stylings over some seriously hard riffing. Honestly, it probably took me a while to really get into Leeway...especially at the level that I would come to love and appreciate them. Anyways, I remember listening to BTE quite a bit and then eventually downloading and listening to the aforementioned DESPERATE MEASURES. 

I was taken back, as I was with Born To Expire, but in a different sense. It was like, this record was too different. The vocal effects, the clean guitar intros, and the semi-subpar recording (but let's be honest, it's hard to top the quality of BTE...espcially in '87) was almost too much. However, I knew one thing, the riff in "Make Me An Offer" had me saying "whoa."

After I had grown to this record, I realized that I loved it. I probably loved it MORE than Born To Expire at this point. For some reason, something about it just had me sold. Lemme take you track by track and invoke my commentary on just how awesome each track is.

MAKE ME AN OFFER - as you have already read, this song takes you from an intro of sorts with some little Leeway-esq fills into a riff that just hits you straight in the face. If I were talking in person, I would start humming it and together we would headbang to the awesomeness. Anyways, besides the relative nature of those comments, just think alot of palm mutes and mid tempo beats with Sutton's classic vocal style spread on top. 

ALL ABOUT DOPE - I didn't listen to this song for a long time. Mistake. After a very misleading melodic guitar part, it goes into the crossover nature of this record. Leeway sounding like Leeway. Also, the mosh part in the middle of the song "Here's a story about a boy and his plan..." is one of the best on the record. Seriously.

SOFT WAY OUT - starting out with the combination of snare drum and guitar that has been emulated many times over, this song is about as crossover as it gets. Fast riffs with intricate palm muting into awesome mosh parts. This song also has a more classic Leeway feel to it with gang vocals and fast drumming. Definitely a stand out track.

STAND FOR - this song also weirded me out the first time I heard it because of the beginning. The melody kinda threw me off and the song seemed so poppy. That is, until the break in Stand For hits. You know what I'm talking about. The mosh part is Stand For is one of those parts in songs that makes girls drop their purses to go hit the pit. Awkward, I know. But seriously, if you aren't moving once you hit 1:40...there is something wrong with you.

NO HEROS - going back to the style of Make Me An Offer, No Heros has the same mid tempo beat going for it with lots of hard drumming. Solid track.

KINGPIN - the classic. What can be said of this song that has not already been said? I'll just say this: the little parts where they each play a solo crack me up every time. Watch the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQ26s2p3bGg Kick it, kick it like that...

WHO'S TO BLAME - opening with a hard drum beat into typical hard AJ riffs this song can't be made any better after Eddie Sutton says "Come on girl...PUSH!"

BALL HUGGER - This song might be the best track on this record. Once again, when Eddie Sutton gives a call to "all the hotties who think they're holier than thou", you know this is going to be good. Also, the beginning of the break with Sutton laughing over the top....SO AWESOME. BALLLLL HUGGGGAAAAAA

2-MINUTE WARNING - obviously this track is ridiculous...in a very awesome way. I forgot to mention that I work out to this record quite often and when this track comes up...it's some comedic relief especially before such an intense track. "CHIPPY IN THE BACK SAYIN ZOOK A ZOOK"???

THE FUTURE (AIN'T WHAT IT USED TO BE) - I take back my Ball Hugger comment now. This is easily the best track on this record. I'm not going to try to describe it musically in any way, but if you don't feel like you can conquer the world at "KICK IT WHERE THE SUN DON'T SHINE" then that sucks. Also, the mosh parts in this song alone, are arguably some of the best that NY ever produced. Ever. The perfect track to end an incredibly awesome record.

The influence that Leeway has on hardcore, especially today, is undeniable. Riffs have been straight up stolen (which is cool) and so listening to and appreciating Leeway, especially the discography PAST Born To Expire is absolutely crucial. So to conclude, I'm going to make the bold statement official: I enjoy Desperate Measures more than I enjoy Born To Expire. There, I said it. Anyways, go and enjoy this awesome record and I hope to hear back from you soon enough. 

The future...still ain't what it used to be,

Deuce

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