No. 324: Foo Fighters - "There Is Nothing Left To Lose" (1999)

Well, the Foo Fighters have just released their seventh studio album, Wasting Light (with ex guitarist Pat Smear back in the band), and although I've already heard a few tracks, I'll reserve judgement until I've listened to the whole thing.
I suspect, though, that I'm not alone in thinking that the last two Foo's albums have been a bit "ho-hum / let's roll out the barrel again". As much as I love "drummer Dave Grohl" (Nirvana / QOTSA), I've never been as excited about "front-man Dave Grohl".  The over-done, screaming vocals worked well on some of their earlier stuff, but over the last few albums this style has gotten a bit old. Yes, those albums still have some great songs and great melodies, but did he really need to sing the skin off "Best of You"?
Anyway, enough of that. I read in a recent interview that Dave thinks There Is Nothing Left To Lose is the best thing he and the band have ever done - and I wholeheartedly agree. 1997's The Colour And The Shape may have more tracks that are "fan favourites", but this album is a more mature offering which showcases the softer, more experimental side of the band. "Next Year", "Aurora" and "Ain't It The Life" have some great, melodic Dave singing, plus you can still get your fix of meatier stuff too, courtesy of "Stacker Actors", "Gimme Stitches" & "Breakout".
And the "Learn To Fly" video is a classic - there's not many bands around these days with a sense of humour, which is one thing eternally in the Foo's favour. God bless them.
I think the new album will be more Colour And The Shape than Nothing Left To lose, but either way I just hope it's a good one. The last thing we need is any "Wasting Space" gags.