Los Angeles, California - Alternative legends Sponge keep the buzz going for their latest studio album 1994 by turning our attention, at last, to grunge - the sound that dominated the year in question - with a fantastic and captivating video for the Alice In Chains mid tempo rocker “No Excuses.”
Having already raised eyebrows with their remarkable covers of Morrissey, Oasis and Mazzy Star, and with a host of further surprises on the album itself, Sponge’s take on “No Excuses” is simultaneously both comfortingly familiar and dynamically eye-opening.
1994 was the year in which Sponge themselves broke through, releasing their debut album Rotting Piñata, plus two massive hit singles,“Plowed” and “Molly (Sixteen Candles),” and the Seattle-based Alice in Chains were often cited among the bands that possibly influenced them.
Across “No Excuses,” we see exactly how that equation broke down - the elements that Sponge might have absorbed from Alice, but also, all that they themselves brought to the party - a remarkable performance that is only amplified by the accompanying video.
Directed by Drew Fortier (who also oversaw the other videos from 1994), the “No Excuses” video is a black-and-white tour de force, reminiscent of the best of Anton Corbijn’s 80s work, but wholly individual too.
In addition, the video also features a special appearance from Stephen Richards from Taproot, who says “I remember hearing that the guys were doing an AIC cover and although Vinnie's a better vocalist, I know my harmonies and TOLD them I'm doing Layne's part haha. The video was cool, easy and covered the artistic mind on one side, and the backdrop of all of our musical collaborations at the loft. So fun being a part of this track with Sponge. (and glad they listened to my decision haha)"
Vin continues, “We made an anything goes video to one of our all time favorite band’s jam!,” says Vin. “Having Stephen Richards on the track and vid blows the collective Sponge mind"!
WATCH THE VIDEO
1994 also includes include Sponge’s uniquely inspired versions of iconic alt rock hits like Blur's "Girls and Boys," Sonic Youth's "Bull In The Heather," Stone Temple Pilots’ “Interstate Love Song,” Urge Overkill’s “Girl, You'll Be A Woman Soon “ and more!
Track listing
1. Savory
2. Supersonic
3. Girls And Boys
4. The More You Ignore Me, The Closer I Get
5. Girl, You'll Be A Woman Soon
6. Interstate Love Song
7. No Excuses
8. Fade Into You
9. Bull In The Heather
