Tesla--Bust a Nut (1994)
Rating--9.1
When I first saw Tesla, they were headlining a 6,000 seat arena. The second time, it was to about 12,000 people. The third time, for this album, it was for about 1,000 people in a club. The pattern here is not the quality of the musical product--rather, it is the musical scene during each time period. This is arguably Tesla's best work to date, yet it sold the poorest of all their albums to date, as well. It's because of these things that I worried about the group's stability, and these also probably led to their breakup earlier this year. But thus was the fate for numerous metal acts during the huge alterna-grunge explosion of the early '90s. Despite how refined, heavy, or professional they became, they were still ignored by MTV, who sadly enough decided the popularity of more than one five-piece group of young men...
Ah well. On to the review, though it is simply more musical excellence...
A heavier album in several places, with some great tunes. Highlights include the simply piledriving tracks "Solution," "Shine Away," and "Earthmover," while "Action Talks" is pure attitude. Both "Cry" and "Rubberband" make their rhythmic marks, and how can you leave out "Mama's Fool"-- a great message, and a great, swaggering cut.
HOT CHOPS--As referred to above, the absolutely driving guitarwork in songs like "Earthmover," "Rubberband," and "Shine Away". Great stuff...

TRACK LIST:

  1. The Gate--Invited
  2. Solution
  3. Shine Away
  4. Try So Hard
  5. She Want She Want
  6. Need Your Lovin'
  7. Action Talks
  8. Mama's Fool
  9. Cry
  10. Earthmover
  11. A Lot to Lose
  12. Rubberband
  13. Wonderful World
  14. Games People Play
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