By Conan the Destroyhhher

While researching the internet for reviews on this album, alot of them didn’t seem favorable towards Melissa Auf Der Maur solo outing “Auf Der Maur”.

Stephen Thomas Erlewine of the All Music Guide said in his review and I quote:

“Ultimately, it’s hard to avoid that Auf der Maur is living in the past, re-creating 1996 and acting like she’s still 24 and not facing her mid-thirties — something that doesn’t always wear well, but sometimes, it’s easy to succumb to Auf der Maur‘s relative charms.”


So is he saying that Melissa is childish and should grow up? I mean lets factor in that she was the bassist for 2 superbands which were of course Smashing Pumpkins and Hole. Smashing Pumpkins being one the most influential bands of the 90′s and one of the greats of generation X, while Hole was something of pop culture mistake masking the fact that Courtney Love may have killed Kurt Cobain after all, but then again that has yet to be debated. So where does this leave one Melissa Auf der Maur in this? Well she could’ve done without Courtney’s influence and that maybe….just maybe she could’ve kick some arse without these bands altogether.

After parting ways from Hole (thank god) and Smashing Pumpkins, it has left alot of questions to some who were more drawn to her beauty than Courtney Love in awe asking “Where the hell did she go?”

While leaving the 2 superbands, she did have a stint in photography with her work published in magazines such as Nylon, Bust, Mastermind, and American Photo. She also had a side project called “Hand of Doom” which was a covers band all singing and rocking to Ozzy Osbourne…or was it Black Sabbath? She also had time to contribute to her fellow Canadian and childhood friend, Rufus Wainwright….and thats all I can say. Now lets talk about the album.

Now judging by the album cover art and the clever logotype, it feels warm and inviting like a shot of rum with Auf der Maur standing statuesque on a wooden floor. In fact this album feels Nordic sounding, check out “Lighting is my girl” and tell me she is not setting sail towards the ends of post grunge abyss. Because thats what it feels like within the first listen

Following that comes “Followed the Waves”, probably the only well known song from the album due to it having an accompanying video……..AND SEE I TOLD YOU IT HAD A WEIRD SEA SHANTY VIBE!! In fact the very beginning of the video where she is chanting, you can see a pirate ship superimposed into the background.

I say some sea like undertones are a afoot, but nevertheless “Followed the Waves” is a very good tune and very standout (ish).

“Taste you” probably has the most sexually charged lyrics with lines such as ” I can’t fake it my love,I need filling come on, I need it louder than bombs”. Wow speaking off the record here………I will taste her if she makes it so glaringly oblivious, but then again you would think that would be the only song that has sexually charged lyrics, but then again………..”Beast of Honor” takes the cake with: ” I’m a taste test, at the beast fest, Got your crest on my breast Take one look at your cook Feed yourself, I’m on a hook” Seriously I would be more than happy to oblige if the opportunity arose!

“Would If I Could” has that high school-like melody if Peal Jam had a chick lead singer. Its rather catchy as shameful as that sounds, but as seductive as she sounds, you can’t help but wonder if there is something about this track that doesn’t seem right.

“I Need I Want I Will” has an dystopian twist of words, guitars, and bass that makes you feel like you’ve fallen off the edge of the planet. Would I say taking a page out of The Mars Volta book?……..probably. Josh Homme like after-taste is infused with this song as he shares co-writing credits with Auf Der Maur. Stranger than that, if you leave it running throughout the end you can hear a hidden recording……..I won’t say what it is, I guess I’ll leave it to you to find out.

Despite having average ratings from reputable sources such as the “All Music Guide” and “Rolling Stone”, I would say buy this album! I liked it, I dissected its meanings throughly and its a keeper. Just make sure you shake off her associations with Hole……especially Courtney Love!!!!

Check out http://melissaaufdermaur.org for your fix of daily Auf Der Maur