Saw Red (Acoustic) – Bradley Nowell (Sublime)

I have been a huge fan of Sublime since middle school, and I think what really drew me to them was the fact that, at that time, I had never heard anything like them before. This sort of prototype of punk and reggae, with killer horns featured as well? Sign me up, man. Sublime was a three-piece, featuring Eric Wilson on bass, Bud Gaugh on drums, and Bradley Nowell on vocals. All three are killer players in their own right, and Bradley was certainly a great vocalist and lyricist as well.

Bradley unfortunately passed away from a heroin overdose, just two months before their self-titled album (3rd studio album) would be released, featuring some of their biggest hits “What I Got” and “Santeria” – two more of my favorite songs. Every now and then, I come across an artist that I really enjoy, and they have passed before my time, or even during, and it bothers me more than others. Bradley is one of those people; I think it’s because, in a similar vein to how I think of Mac Miller, he was a regular guy who just happened to be famous. Someone you’d want to have a beer with, or in his case, maybe split a joint with. Maybe this is because he passed before his peak popularity? Who knows.

I really love the studio version of this song, “Saw Red”, which features Gwen Stafani. It’s amazing in it’s own right, and I think the best way to understand why I like the acoustic version so much is to listen to the studio verison first. I’ll of course link it below. The studio version, coming in at just under two minutes, is a gung ho, full steam ahead ska track that is a perfect way to get introduced to the Ska-punk genre as as a whole. If you happened to like it, I would reccommend any of Sublime’s albums.

I think what attracts me so much to the whole Sublime Acoustic: Bradley Nowell & Friends album is how amazingly intimate it is. Yes, a lot of acoustic albums are intimate in general, but with this one in particular, you can almost just close your eyes and imagine you’re in the room with Brad while it’s being recorded. The acoustic version of “Saw Red” to me really shows off Bradley’s songwriting and vocal abilities. Hearing such a laid-back version of such a fast-paced track is always interesting, but I think this version reveals the hidden beauty of the lyrics.

If you’re unfamiliar with Sublime, which is hard to believe these days since every other store sells t-shirts with their iconic (and amazing) album cover from their debut, 40oz. to Freedom, of the sun that has become somewhat of their (un)official logo. It’s one of my favorite album covers ever and one of my favorite pieces of art as well.

The guy who originally created it, Opie Ortiz, was a good friend of the band and still runs a tattoo shop in Long Beach. He also is responsible for the tattoo that Bradley had on his back, which was featured on the band’s final album.

Besides the music, for better or for worse, Sublime has become its own brand of sorts, representing laid-back beach vibes, peace and love, and good music. I think it would be fair to say that the Sublime Sun is the new Nirvana smiley face. Even with the commercialization of the group, Sublime still brings people together. Recently, I was at the beach with a friend of mine, and we noticed a guy playing guitar and singing some Sublime tunes to a couple of friends. Turns out, he was from Sweden, and a really connection we probably wouldn’t have made if it weren’t for Sublime. It’s nice to think about the hundreds of thousands or maybe even millions of connections that have been made due to Brad’s lyrics and Sublime’s music, another testament to the power and beauty of music.

Link to studio version with Gwen – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YSXoKqjhFrw

Link to acoustic – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tFWy17DCqBo

Link to live performance with Gwen – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CloT6O4N56E