The Joke's on You

Infobox Album
Name = The Joke's on You
Type = studio
Artist = Excel


Released = June 20, 1989
Recorded = April 1988-March 1989 at Music Grinder Studio, Hollywood, California and EQ Sound, Hollywood, California
Genre = Crossover Thrash
Length = Vinyl version: 39:49
CD version: 43:13
2001 re-release: 63:10
Label = Caroline
Producer = Randy Burns
Reviews =
Last album = "Split Image"
(1987)
This album = "The Joke's on You"
(1989)
Next album = "Seeking Refuge"
(1995)

"The Joke's on You" is the second album by Excel, released in 1989. It should not be confused with the band's song with the same name, which appeared on their debut album "Split Image".

Although "The Joke's on You" never reached any major charts, it is often considered Excel's best release, and it features their live staples "Fired (You're a Fine Girl)", "Tapping into the Emotional Void", "Seeing Insane" and "My Thoughts".

"The Joke's on You" is also the last Excel album recorded with the "classic" line-up members Adam Siegel (guitar) and Greg Saenz (drums). Following their departure, Excel's music would take a different direction on their next album, 1995's "Seeking Refuge".

Two different covers of the album exist: the original version featured a white cover and the 2001 re-release featured a black cover. Like many Excel albums, the recording is out of print.

Track listing

All songs by Excel, except "Message in the Bottle", originally by The Police.

Original release

ide one

# "Drive" (2:27)
# "Shadow Winds" (4:17)
# "Fired (You're a Fine Girl)" (3:16)
# "Tapping into the Emotional Void" (4:20)
# "Affection Blends with Resentment" (3:56)
# "Seeing Insane" (3:18)

ide two

# "My Thoughts" (3:19)
# "I Never Denied" (5:19)
# "Message in a Bottle" (2:51)
# "Given Question" (3:53)
# "The Stranger" (2:53)

CD version

# "Drive" (2:27)
# "Shadow Winds" (4:17)
# "Fired (You're a Fine Girl)" (3:16)
# "Tapping into the Emotional Void" (4:20)
# "Affection Blends with Resentment" (3:56)
# "Seeing Insane" (3:18)
# "My Thoughts" (3:19)
# "I Never Denied" (5:19)
# "Message in a Bottle" (2:51)
# "Given Question" (3:53)
# "The Stranger" (2:53)
# "Blaze Some Hate" (3:24)

"Track notes: The last track, "Blaze Some Hate", appears only on the original CD version as a bonus track."

2001 re-issue

# "Drive" (2:27)
# "Shadow Winds" (4:17)
# "Fired (You're a Fine Girl)" (3:16)
# "Tapping into the Emotional Void" (4:20)
# "Affection Blends with Resentment" (3:56)
# "Seeing Insane" (3:18)
# "My Thoughts" (3:19)
# "I Never Denied" (5:19)
# "Message in a Bottle" (2:51)
# "Given Question" (3:53)
# "The Stranger" (2:53)
# "Blaze Some Hate" (3:24)
# "Cultured" (4:42)
# "More Than You'd Ever Know" (3:49)
# "Soul Sick" (3:46)
# "Withdrawal" (3:58)
# "Priorities Astray" (3:42)

"Track notes: The last five unreleased tracks are demo tracks of later material. They were originally recorded in 1991 while Excel was planning their follow-up to this album."

Credits

* Dan Clements - Lead Vocals
* Adam Siegel - Guitars, Backing Vocals
* Shaun Ross - Bass, Backing Vocals
* Greg Saenz - Drums, Backing Vocals