The music of Mark Oliver Everett -- aka E, best known as the only permanent member of Eels -- has remained more or less unchanged for about three decades now. Sure, he has singer-songwriter mode (his default setting), weirdo pop mode, 'rock' mode (NOT GOOD), and even Shrek mode, but it's all splitting hairs around the same mopey, lovesick smart-ass. The only thing that's really changed about his music has been its quality, which has taken a significant downturn over the past 15 years or so.
His debut album, A Man Called E finds him in full-blown pop-rock singer-songwriter mode, and it's often more effortless, thoughtful, and mature -- not to mention concise -- than anything he'd put out as Eels. Due to having first heard them as a stoned sadsack teenager, I'll always have a very special place in my heart for Beautiful Freak and Electro-Shock Blues, but as a content but anxious adult, A Man Called E is my favorite thing dude's ever done.
Track listing:
1. Hello Cruel World
2. Fitting In with the Misfits
3. Are You & Me Gonna Happen
4. Looking Out the Window with a Blue Hat On
5. Nowheresville
6. Symphony for Toy Piano in G Minor
7. Mockingbird Franklin
8. I've Been Kicked Around
9. Pray
10. E's Tune
11. You'll Be the Scarecrow
Also listen to:
Great stuff!!! Have you his second album? Thanks!!!
ReplyDeleteSo glad you like it, I do have his second album. I've never quite connected with it the way I do with this one, but I'm probably due for a re-listen. Enjoy! https://mega.nz/file/4ZAiSZhS#0lcrV3z50luRizhNMGSOTgfjsATpgA7PZLgbn9tKaA0
DeleteMany thanks for sharing this DEAR_SPIRIT.....a very nice album.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, happy to hear you like it. Cheers!
DeleteThanks for reminding me of the delights 'A Man Called E.' I'd nearly forgotten its charm in the aftermath of what became his "weirdo" rock. But then, one look at his rather tragic personal history, is it any wonder that he stepped into the outré? I look forward to hearing this again! Thanks!
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