[koolthing78]

Dude Ranch Nurse hands down. But for me, while I love the album for its songwriting, much of it seems a little contrived, like they were trying too hard (which makes me think of the Jim O. threads). I'm sure it's just a neurotic hang-up of mine, but I am super-sensitive to anything that doesn't seem authentic, or genuinely in the moment. "Nurse" is a great album for being well thought-out, but I actually much prefer "Rather Ripped," for the simple fact that it seems less planned and constructed. (That, and for the existence of "Jams Run Free.") While I hate to fall back on drug references to analyze music, "Nurse" is somewhat uncomfortable for me to listen to when I'm high (except for "Dude Ranch Nurse"). It just exaggerates the whole "oh, listen to how hard they're trying" thing (and sounding like they're trying to *not* sound like they're trying, etc). I'd much rather listen to a band not trying at all, just doing (and who am I, Yoda?), which I acknowledge is a conundrum for even the best bands to achieve. Yet there are those that do it (see the Breeders newest, Magik Markers, etc.) Well anyway, I've kind of gotten off-topic. But "Dude Ranch Nurse" is just spectacular.