Time for a Witness

by The Feelies

Overview

In many respects, 1991's Time for a Witness was the weakest of the four albums the Feelies released between 1980 and 1991. Much of the album was written at a time when the band was fatigued from touring behind 1988's Only Life. In addition, the strongest supporters at their label, A&M Records, had moved on from the company. As a consequence, Time for a Witness is short on memorable songs, and the lyrics sometimes betray a certain resignation about the group's future. Despite this, Time for a Witness is also one of the group's hardest-rocking efforts. The Feelies were well rehearsed and ready to play for these sessions, and the bulk of the material was cut live in the studio, with minimal edits and overdubs. Thanks to this, the best cuts capture the band's frenetic post-Velvets groove with a joyous fury they rarely matched. The choice of the Stooges' "Real Cool Time" as a closer was apt. Time for a Witness captures the Feelies rising into the suburban New Jersey variation of the Stooges' cosmic unconsciousness better than anything since their debut, 1980's Crazy Rhythms. The kinetic force of "Sooner or Later," "Waiting," and the title song is raw and joyous. "What She Said" is a fine country-accented rocker, and "Find a Way" and "For Now" prove even the relatively quiet numbers are well focused and impassioned. Ensemble playing was always vital to the Feelies, and Time for a Witness is a superb document of the musicians' interaction. On Time for a Witness, what the Feelies say isn't as important as how they say it. Their sonic articulation here is outstanding, even when the songs are below their average. The Feelies broke up months after this LP was released. Despite its flaws, Time for a Witness shows they bowed out in proud form. ~ Mark Deming

Product Details

Release Date:	03/28/2025
Label:	INTEGRAL
UPC:	5400863166380

Tracks

1. Waiting
2. Time for a Witness
3. Sooner or Later
4. Find a Way
5. Decide
6. Doin' It Again
7. Invitation
8. For Now
9. What She Said
10. Real Cool Time

Album Credits

Performance Credits

The Feelies   Primary Artist
The Stooges   Primary Artist
Bill Million   Vocals (Background),Guitar
Dave Weckerman   Percussion
Glenn Mercer   Guitar,Vocals
Brenda Sauter   Bass,Vocals (Background)
Stanley Demeski   Drums,Percussion

Technical Credits

Bill Million   Composer,Producer,Group Member
Gary Smith   Producer
Greg Calbi   Mastering
Scott Anthony   Remastering
Jesse Henderson   Assistant Engineer
The Stooges   Composer
Dave Weckerman   Group Member
Diane Warren   Composer
Glenn Mercer   Design,Composer,Producer,Group Member
Don Sternecker   Mixing Engineer,Overdub Engineer
Scott Asheton   Composer
Iggy Pop   Composer
Michael Azerrad   Liner Notes,Reissue Liner Notes
John Bruce   Photography
David Richman   Reissue Design
Brenda Sauter   Group Member
Dave Alexander   Composer
Stanley Demeski   Group Member
Steve Haigler   Engineer
Ron Asheton   Composer