P is the debut and only album by American alternative rock band P, featuring Bill Carter, Johnny Depp, Gibby Haynes and Sal Jenco.[1] It was released on November 21, 1995, through Capitol Records and was reissued on May 8, 2007, under the Caroline Records label.[2] Produced by bassist Andrew Weiss, the album also featured contributions from Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea, Sex Pistols guitarist Steve Jones, and pianist and Los Angeles scene fixture Chuck E. Weiss.[3]

P
Studio album by
ReleasedNovember 21, 1995
GenreAlternative rock
Length57:08
LabelCapitol
ProducerAndrew Weiss
Singles from P
  1. "Michael Stipe"
    Released: 1995

The album features a diverse "array of alternative rock, touching on funk metal, R.E.M.-style folk-rock, and grunge."[4] The album also features cover versions of Daniel Johnston's "I Save Cigarette Butts"[5] and ABBA's "Dancing Queen".[6] The track "Michael Stipe", named after the R.E.M. frontman, was released as a single in 1995 and received airplay on alternative radio.[3]

Critical reception

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Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic     [4]
Robert Christgau [7]
Los Angeles Times    [8]
Q     [9]

CD Review panned the album, stating, "Though the group aims to be something other than a Gen X conversation piece, much of this debut is pointless dross."[10] In Q, David Quantick awarded the album one out of five stars. He wrote, "Records made by actors are dreadful (there are no exceptions)... The result makes the phrase 'self-indulgence' seem puny and not up to the job."[9] Sandy Masuo of the Los Angeles Times gave the album three out of four stars, describing it as "a surreal blend of rough-hewn rock, Gothic Western twang and psychedelic dub."[8]

In a retrospective review, AllMusic senior editor Stephen Thomas Erlewine noted the band's eclectic musical style. He stated: "While they are musically proficient, some of their songs aren't quite up to par. Nevertheless, their debut album is a surprisingly enjoyable effort."[4]

Track listing

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All tracks are written by P, unless otherwise noted

No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."I Save Cigarette Butts" (Daniel Johnston cover)Daniel Johnston3:43
2."Zing Splash" 3:16
3."Michael Stipe" 4:25
4."Oklahoma" 3:38
5."Dancing Queen" (ABBA cover)Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus, Stig Anderson3:47
6."Jon Glenn (Mega Mix)" 9:00
7."Mr. Officer" 3:43
8."White Man Sings the Blues" 6:40
9."Die Anne" 4:43
10."Scrapings from Ring" 7:51
11."The Deal" 6:05
Total length:57:08

Personnel

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P
  • Bill Carter – guitar, bass
  • Johnny Depp – guitar, bass
  • Gibby Haynes – vocals, artwork
  • Sal Jenco – drums, percussion
Additional musicians
Technical personnel
  • Andrew Weiss – production, bass, mellotron, Moog, guitar
  • Tim DevineA&R
  • Tommy Steele – art direction
  • Wendy Dougan – art direction, design
  • Christina Bookman – artwork (print production)
  • Richard Huredia – additional engineering

References

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  1. ^ Strong, Martin C. (2003) The Great Indie Discography, Canongate, ISBN 1-84195-335-0, p. 248
  2. ^ Nelson, Michael (Jun 4, 2012). "Johnny Depp's 8 Most Notable Rock Collaborations". Stereogum. Retrieved April 9, 2014.
  3. ^ a b Deming, Mark. "P – biography". AllMusic. Retrieved April 9, 2014.
  4. ^ a b c Erlewine, Stephen Thomas. "P Review". AllMusic. Retrieved April 9, 2014.
  5. ^ Yazdani, Tarssa and Don Goede (2006). Hi, how are You?: The Life, Art & Music of Daniel Johnston. Last Gasp. p. 72. ISBN 086719667X.
  6. ^ Montgomery, James (June 4, 2012). "Johnny Depp's Movie Awards Jam Session And His Rock And Roll Life". MTV. Archived from the original on June 6, 2012. Retrieved April 9, 2014.
  7. ^ Christgau, Robert. "Consumer Guide: P". Retrieved 19 July 2016.
  8. ^ a b Masuo, Sandy (2 December 1995). "P Review". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 19 July 2016.
  9. ^ a b Quantick, David (March 1996). "P: P". Q: 101.
  10. ^ "P – P album review". CD Review. Vol. 12, no. 1–9. 1995.
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