I don't understand the so-called "fans" who bash this album for not sounding like old-school 311. This is undeniably 311's most eclectic and experimental album to date, and understandably so; the band was simply at a point in their career where making the same record twice was not an option anymore. Every song on here is amazing, except maybe for "Rub a Dub". Haven't quite figured that one out yet; it's just not 311 at all. This is a long album with only a handful of roof-raising hard rock songs, focusing more on expanding the band's sound into larger territory with songs like "Inner Light Spectrum" and "Stealing Happy Hours". The lyrics here are top notch, not falling into the cheesy territory of the "From Chaos" record. The songs often do not follow traditional song structures, throwing in some interesting time signature changes and rhythmic transitons such as the reggae jam at the end of the title track. Mahoney's guitar work is amazing on this record, focusing less on metal-influenced chords and more on jazz, blues, and reggae soloing. The first thing the 311 listener will notice upon first listen is the greatly reduced usage of rapping. Don't get me wrong; 311 is always good at rapping lyrics, but it's nice to hear two extremely gifted singers finally showcasing their deeper talents. Many people criticize the record for not being like the self-titled "blue" album, but there's one thing you must remember: the self-titled album, while being the band's first big hit album, was in fact their 3rd major label album. They had been doing this act for some time, and it was about time they dared and challenged their listeners to enter new territory with them while still remaining true to their roots. This album may not have all the headbanging party songs from earlier records, but the songwriting is undeniably their best ever. So don't listen to naysayers. 311 has yet to match this album's artistic integrity and genius. Interesting how bands' most creative and interesting albums are often discarded and forgotten by folks these days because they lack the old reliable sound of the band. Other sad examples of this are Nine Inch Nails' "The Fragile", Led Zeppelin's "Presence", and Pearl Jam's amazing "No Code". Listen with an open ear, folks. This record may take a little time to grow on you, but once it does, you'll be glad it did.

This record is bliss. I find the beats and rhythms stellar, while the songs transport me to different places with their psychedelic appeal, voyaging into new territory almost on each track. This album was way ahead of its time when it came out in 1997. 311 found their artistic niche with Transistor, and they went against a lot of expectations by the mainstream audience and disapproving media who wanted another "blue album" (a nice record itself, but not as artistic or musical as this one). I believe such criticism must be taken lightly when judging this art form, for we all have our own subjective tastes and separate definitions of what "good music" must sound like. You sort of have to feel it out for yourself and see if Transistor rubs you the right or wrong way. For too many others, they wanted the same thing that came before, dismissing this album.

To me Transistor feels like the future of music, combining many styles and infusing skilled instrumental play with ambient progressions of vocals, melodies, and song ideas. Transistor rocks, but it has so much more to offer than any casual fan will be ready for.

If 311 ever decide to follow such an abstract direction again, then they will truly shatter the limitations that musical mediators try and use to weigh down recording artists that have made it big. There is a notion to be easily digestible and not overstep any creative bounds beyond simplicity. Fortunately for us, there exists 311.

I don't believe there's anything wrong with going against the norm (sometimes it's needed badly), and 311 displayed this by writing what they wanted. I give a lot of respect to them for pushing the envelope and having this much ambition at a time when they were enjoying much success.

This album is amazing. It's probably best to listen to in an atmosphere that is conducive to feelings of comfort and peace, humming along with headphones on. But, to each his own. So enjoy!

I cannot wait to hear what's in store next.

While I think Grasroots and Music are the best albums from the band, I think this album is the best one to listen to start to finish. It is very solid from beginning to end, and sorta seems to talk about the band's philosophy of life, outer space, technology, and probably a thousand other subtle things. While there are songs that standout IMO (Stealing Happy hours is my favorite on the album with No Control, Inner Light Specturm, Prisoner, and Starshines), pretty much every song on the album ties in well with the other, and there are only a couple tracks that are sort of weak or don't (Tune In and Rub a Dub come to mind, but they aren't that bad either). I love the fact they went into the studio to create an album they wanted to create, and did it with a lot of originality and supurb musicianship. This album is definitely a must own.

I've been a 311 fan since Grassroots, and it puzzles me that everyone calls this "311's worst album". One thing is certain: This is definitely 311's most experimental album, so many of the people who jumped on the bandwagon with "Down" would be disappointed that this album doesn't feature several "Down" rehashes, as many bands who have a hit song tend to do (ex, Sugar Ray and Smash Mouth). The album as a whole doesn't have as much of a hip-hop flavor as 311's first three albums, but you still have "Galaxy", "No Control", "The Continuous Life", "Borders", etc., which sound enough like old school 311. On the other side, 311 take a few 180 degree turns from that sound on tracks like "Stealing Happy Hours", "Rub A Dub", and "Running", which are laid back and go into dub reggae territory. 311's lyrics are at their peak (they focus on astrology on several tracks, as you would expect with song titles like "Galaxy" and "Starshines") and they silence the naysayers who criticized them by saying "all their songs sound the same" - this is their most varied and eclectic album to date. It ties Grassroots for being 311's best album, and it's safe to say that anyone who has a few of their albums (not just the self-titled) will like this, even if it takes time to get used to the new sound. Whether you like it or not, you've got to hand it to 311 for not being afraid to experiment and not throwing out the same old formulaic drivel just to sell albums.

It distresses me how many true 311 "fans" out there who dismiss this album because it doesn't sound like the Blue or Music. 311 is not another Top 40 band playing to sell records; they try expressing their ideals on leading better, happier lives through an open mind and showing love to fellow humans. Remember, we are all one race on this planet together. Personally, 311's albums all stand on the same plain, as each explores another aspect of sound territory. This cd captures the warmth, comfort, thought, and occasional edge through a mind-blowing 21 tracks, each one being full of its own flavor and personality, as much of their other material. Just try listening to "Stealing Happy Hours" without finding yourself completely at ease, and looking up to the stars at night after listening to "Prisoner." It does take a short incubation period for it to grow, but when it does, every person who surrenders themselves to the sounds of these 5 incredibly-talented individuals will, in the end, come out a better person. Take care of one another, and peace. By Serving Eachother We Become Free....