Melvins
Houdini

“Houdini” is considered as MELVINS' commercially biggest album. Released in 1993 by Atlantic Records, it was the band’s fifth studio album and the first one for the major record-company. Kurt Cobain of Nirvana was given co-production credit on some tracks, for guitar on “Sky Pup”, and percussion on “Spread Eagle Beagle”. Musically, the album presented quite an accessible take of Sludge, Doom Metal, and Grunge sounds, not without experimental weirdness and sophisticated sense of humor. In fact, the major-label deal didn’t water MELVINS down though pushed them up for clearer and punchier sound. The album featured several big songs by King Buzzo and Co. – like “Hooch”, “Lizzy” or “Honey Bucket” – and not to forget an excellent cover of the 1974 song “Goin' Blind” by Kiss. Arguably, “Houdini” is one of the most representative Melvins’ album which captured both the band’s power, mastery, and strangeness. It’s a good starting point, and undisputed must have for any lover of the ‘90s heavy music.