Riff overlord Matt Pike doesn't think you should play someone Dopesmoker if you're trying to show them Sleep. Instead, Pike suggested in an interview with Revolver that either "The Clarity" or "Holy Mountain" are the ones that might be good introductions to the band. Which makes sense considering Dopesmoker is over one hour long and would probably turn most people off.
"I always thought 'Dragonaut' was good. But, I don't know, nowadays I'd probably play 'The Clarity'… or 'Holy Mountain' because the 'Holy Mountain' tone, I'm still trying to get that back. I know the secret, but I still can't get the same recording. There's just something about that … that's like, Fuck. If you put on Dopesmoker, you might lose their interest … That's after you'd heard the band for a little bit and you're like, Oh OK, this is the masterpiece thing or whatnot."
Speaking of Dopesmoker, Sleep is reissuing the stoner classic through their new record label Third Man Records. The reissue is part of a subscription series and features alternate takes of "Dopesmoker," an unearthed studio version of the long-lost track "Hot Lava Man," and a 7" featuring "Dopesmoker" (Radio Edit) and "Proceeds The Weedian" among other goodies. Third Man Notes that a standard 2xLP version will be available this summer.
