Loaded Language by Smilin Liar: A Raw, Unfiltered Blast from 1969
Alright, buckle up, because Loaded Language by Smilin Liar is one of those albums that feels like it was born in a garage where someone left the door open just enough for chaos to sneak in. Released way back in '69—yeah, the same year Woodstock happened and everyone was busy pretending they knew what peace and love meant—this US-born gem straddles genres like Hard Rock, Alternative Rock, Pop/Rock, and even dips its toes into Heavy Metal. It’s raw, unpolished, and kinda brilliant in its own messy way.
Let’s dive into two tracks that stuck with me long after the needle lifted off the record (or, you know, after I hit pause on Spotify). First up: "Apathy Ever After." This tune hits hard, not just sonically but emotionally. The guitar riffs are crunchy enough to make your speakers blush, while the vocals sound like they were recorded through a megaphone someone found at a yard sale. But here’s the kicker—it works. There’s something about the lyrics that feels eerily relevant today, even though this thing came out before most of us were born. Lines like “I don’t care anymore / But maybe I never did” slap you across the face with their honesty. You can practically smell the cigarette smoke wafting off the stage as they played this live. Or maybe that’s just my imagination running wild again.
Then there’s "Screaming Through Actions," which might as well be renamed "How to Start a Riot Without Saying a Word." This track is all swagger and attitude, with drums so punchy they could knock over a beer can from ten feet away. What gets me every time is how the song builds—starting slow and brooding, then exploding into this chaotic wall of sound that makes you wanna throw furniture around the room. Not that I condone property damage or anything, but damn, it’s tempting. And let’s talk about that title for a sec—it perfectly sums up the vibe of the whole album. Sometimes actions do scream louder than words, especially when those actions involve shredding an electric guitar until your fingers bleed.
Now, full disclosure: some of the other tracks blend together like mismatched socks in a laundry basket. For instance, both versions of “Awake And Breathing” and “Dropping the Smile” feel redundant. Did we really need two takes? Maybe Smilin Liar couldn’t decide which version was better, so they said, “Screw it, let’s toss ‘em both on there!” Either way, it doesn’t ruin the overall experience—it just makes you wonder if anyone told them albums have time limits.
The real kicker? This album wasn’t released under any fancy label. Nope, it proudly wears the badge of “Not On Label,” which honestly suits it perfectly. It’s like Smilin Liar looked at the music industry, flipped it the bird, and said, “We’ll do this our way, thanks.” That rebellious spirit shines through every note, making Loaded Language feel less like a polished product and more like a middle finger to conformity.
So, would I recommend this album? Absolutely—if you’re into music that sounds like it was recorded during a power outage using backup generators. If you prefer your tunes neatly packaged and radio-friendly, steer clear. But if you dig gritty, imperfect rock that punches you in the gut and leaves you gasping for air, give this one a spin.
Final thought: Listening to Loaded Language feels like finding an old Polaroid photo in your attic—you’re not sure who took it or why, but it tells a story you can’t stop thinking about. Also, fun fact: no one knows what happened to Smilin Liar after this album dropped. Maybe they got abducted by aliens. Or maybe they just decided to retire and start a taco truck. Who knows?
