ARTIST: Tad 
TITLE: Inhaler
YEAR RELEASED: 1993
CHART ACTION: None
SINGLES: Leafy Incline
OTHER SONGS YOU MAY KNOW: Grease Box
LINEUP: Tad Doyle, Kurt Danielson, Gary Thorstensen, Josh Sinder
WHAT’S IT ALL ABOUT: This may be the ultimate heavy grunge record. Hooks and heft. It didn’t sell. Damnit.
SOME WORDS, PHRASES AND CLAUSES ABOUT THIS RECORD: Long regarded as the heaviest band in the grunge scene (Tad Doyle’s weight notwithstanding – he as a big boy), Tad’s major label debut was a record that should have propelled them into the territory of Helmet in terms of recognition and sales.
It wasn’t meant to be.
While their previous record was an A+ due to attitude and spirit, this album rates as highly. The material is consistent, there are actually hooks, huge riffage, more actual singing (not that I don’t mind Tad’s yowl), and plenty of material that could have been on some radio station’s playlist (it’s 1993, a lot of stuff got on there) or on Headbanger’s Ball (“Luminol” anyone?)
J. Mascis’ production reins in the sound a bit, and focuses the band into a consistent sonic palette. It’s still heavy and fun, though, and catchy. Just didn’t make it. Damn it all.
NOTES & MINUTIAE: “Grease Box” was used during the credits of an Edward Furlong movie.
IS THERE A DELUXE VERSION: No
GRADE A+: This isn’t a ‘homer’ call. It’s bonafide one of the best 90’s records, and one of the heaviest and riffiest.
