The Crybaby

The Melvins' The Crybaby, the final volume in their Ipecac Recordings trilogy, applies their uncompromisingly dense sound and irreverence to a collection of covers and original material. A motley crew of guest artists, including Tool, Foetus' Jim Thirlwell, the Pain Teens' Bliss Blood, the eclectic New York City rockers Skeleton Key, and Brutal Truth's Kevin Sharpe, assist them — and the results are predictably unpredictable. Helmet's Henry Bogner and Hank Williams III team up with the group on drastic reworkings of two country classics, Hank Williams' "Ramblin' Man" and Merle Haggard's "Okie From Muskogee." The Jesus Lizard's David Yow joins the Melvins on a cover of the Lizard's "Blockbuster" and "Dry Drunk," which also features the surf-jazz band Godzik Pink. "G.I. Joe" showcases the vocal talents of Ipecac founder Mike Patton, and in one of The Crybaby's most inspired turns, '70s teen-dream Leif Garrett sings on the band's surprisingly faithful rendition of Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit." One of their most creative albums, The Crybaby reaffirms the Melvins' ability to venture outside of their trademark style while still remaining quintessentially Melvins.