Stoner Witch is the seventh studio album by American rock band Melvins, released on October 18, 1994, by Atlantic Records. It is their second release for the label.

Recording

The album was recorded with Garth "GGGarth" Richardson and Joe Barresi in 19 days at the A&M Studios in Hollywood. Most of the tracks were captured in a single take, and all of the tracking and mastering was completed in a single, continuous session.

The title comes from a term that drummer Dale Crover and his friends used to describe "the stoner chicks" at their high school. stoner rock and sludge metal album, Stoner Witch melds hallmarks of the band's earlier work, such as "molten tempos and guitarist Buzz Osborne's nonsensical lyrics" with a relatively radio-friendly ear towards arrangements.

Release and critical reception

Upon its initial release, Stoner Witch sold approximately 50,000 units, with particularly strong sales in New York City and Seattle.

The songs "Revolve" and "Queen" were both released as promotional singles with accompanying music videos.

AllMusic critic Patrick Kennedy wrote: "Where Houdini resided more in an expansive—though lugubriously heavy—metal vein, refining the techniques built up through the band's early struggles, Stoner Witch truly showcases the band at the apex of their wide-ranging creative abilities." The album was also featured on Treblezines lists of "The 30 Best Grunge Albums" and "10 Essential Stoner Rock Albums".

Track listing

All words written by Buzz Osborne and music written by the Melvins (Dale Crover, Mark Deutrom, and Osborne), except where noted.

Personnel

Melvins

  • King Buzzo – lead vocals, guitar and bass
  • Mark D – bass, guitar and backing vocals
  • Dale C – drums, guitar and backing vocals

Additional personnel

  • GGGarth – producer
  • Joe Barresi – engineer
  • Geetus Guido South Aguto – assistant engineer
  • Mike "Elvis" Smith – assistant engineer
  • The Magic Eight Ball – spiritual guidance
  • Scott Humphrey – door squeaking and pencil sharpening
  • Paul Dicarli – digital editing, back cracking and Moog
  • David Lefkowitz – management
  • Mackie Osborne – art direction
  • Annalisa – photography

References