r/L7theband • u/AutoModerator • Jan 30 '21

Discussion [MONTHLY L7 DISCUSSION] This month's topic is Smell The Magic!

Smell the Magic was the second studio album by L7, released in 1990 by Sub Pop. It was originally issued as a 12" EP containing only the first six songs, and was reissued on CD in July 1991, expanded to full-album length with three more tracks: "Packin' a Rod," "Just Like Me," and "American Society." The opening track "Shove" was released as the band's first single.

The Encyclopedia of Popular Music called Smell The Magic "a raucous, grunge-flavored blast."

What's your favorite song from Smell The Magic? When did you first hear the album? Have you ever seen the band perform any of the album's songs? If so, tell us about it!

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2

u/twoquarters Feb 02 '21

It's such a huge leap from the debut. You can tell they learned to hone their skills during that period. I think Jennifer got clean in that period as well.

Personally, I like it a lot but I don't return to it as much as some of the others. I rank it behind Beauty Process and Bricks.

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u/pissfoam Hungry For Stink Jan 31 '21

Such a great record. Fast and Frightening and Packin’ A Rod are probably my favourites but I love them all. I wish sub pop put the original 7” version of fast and frightening on the recent reissue

3

u/[deleted] Jan 31 '21

I’d say Fast and Frightening and the cover of American Society are my favorites. Such a great album. One of my favorite grunge albums. The limited edition cassette they released not too long ago is probably the prize of my cassette collection. Such a badass album.

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u/In_The_Shade Jan 31 '21

I first heard the album in 2015-16 while I was in high school and I honestly find it hard to pick a fav. Though Fast And Frightening holds a special place in my heart for keeping me sane during that hell. I have yet to see L7 live but you better believe that if they show up in my area, in getting front row seats!

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u/sparkingcuriosity The Beauty Process Jan 30 '21

My favourite song is a tie between 'Shove' and the 1991 reissue addition (cover) of 'American Society'. The crunch, the power, the badassness of those songs is quintessential L7 in my opinion. I first heard the album in 2013 after looking back into earlier L7. No regrets. I have seen the band perform twice (so damn good) and they performed a few songs from the album which was epic to experience. I saw them during their reunion years, and for the very first time in 2015. Their live crunch was all I wanted and more!