Reviews (page 4 of 9)
I remember this coming out, I believe it was the first release on DreamWorks records, and it sounded like it - experimental, but on big production budget, sort of Smashing Pumpkins' grand-scale midwestern Goth meets Pavement's introversion. It can be a little annoying in places, but it's still a unique and challenging album.
9/10
Really liked this. Reminded me a bit of Mogwai & Arab Strap with the talking rather than singing, and bleak tone which I quite like.
"Life is hard and so am I. You'd better give me something so I don't die." With those words, Eels obtain and maintain a pace that hardly lets up with the forty plus minutes given. Beautiful Freak showcases itself as being amongst the best power-pop of the 90s with the kind of grit that would surprise. For a first album dropped by a nascent label, this is a good start that would pay dividends down the line. Favorites: Novocaine for the Soul, Susan's House, Rags to Rags, Beautiful Freak, Not Ready Yet, My Beloved Monster, Mental, Spunky, Your Lucky Day in Hell.
SHREK IN THE WILD (My Beloved Monster) Really good album with a lot of great tracks. E has that nice balance between utter depression and beautiful art in his songs. I'd recommend his autobiography to anyone that likes this album or just likes musician's stories in general.
quite good
never noticed it was a weird stereo mix. reminds me of high school, good jams,
This has been my favorite “discovery” so far on this journey. I had never heard this album before and my only knowledge of Eels was in their song “ You’re My Friend,” which isn’t great (a popular) song. Though I was initially distracted by what seemed like alternating Kurt Cobain and Elliott Smith impressions, everything changed when I got to “My Beloved Monster.” “Holy shit!” I thought. “The Shrek song!” From then on, I listened with perked ears and ultimately, I went back and listened to it again twice through. The album fits squarely in alternative rock, not quite grunge but grunge-adjacent. The songs and lyrics are solid, but what tickled me the most were the whimsical production and orchestration choices. All in all, a great album that will enter my regular rotation. I do hate the album cover though. Just had to say it.
I've known this album for years, and only listen to it occasionally. However, this album contains some masterpieces (even lesser known ones).
I can’t believe I’d never heard of this band. What an awesome album!
Wasn't expecting much from the album cover but I actually really liked it. Solid 4 will listen again
Really enjoyed! Was a nice time
3.5 stars rounded up. This album reminded me of The Beautiful South and Pulp: cheery melodic rock with angry or acerbic lyrics somewhat ambivalently sung. Happy, catchy songs that with close attention reveal a dark or mean streak only in the lyrical content. I enjoyed it. If you like this, try Pulp’s His n’ Hers or Welcome to The Beautiful South.
Good. Would have loved it in '96. 3.8
Another pleasant surprise! I only knew of Eels from the Shrek 2 soundtrack (“I Need Some Sleep”) so imagine my delight when a song from the Shrek 1 soundtrack came on, (“My Beloved Monster,” one of the album’s best). This is just a great showcase of alternative music that still sounds fresh today. I can imagine this album being released by an indie artist this year and it not feeling out of place. There’s even traces of Death Cab for Cutie here. This album was definitely up my alley and I’ll be checking out more Eels as a result.
Not my genre but good
Dreamy anxiety pop
One of my faves when it came out
Late 90s psychedelic rock.
Sounded a lot like other alt/grunge bands (foo fighters in particular in my brain)
A good album with more relaxing and fun tunes and experimental stuff. A great example for a helpful discovery.
The first couple of songs were rough, but as the album went on, I started recognizing the songs. Quite a few were used in the Shrek movies' soundtracks, for example. He doesn't sing as much but kind of talks through the songs with his raspy voice. Somehow it works out. I'm a bit on the fence in regards to the amount of stars I'd give. On track 7 at the moment, and I'd give about 2.5-3 stars. Just finished listening to it. I'll give it 3 stars. It captures a certain feeling, but it just ain't for me and that's alright.
Cool, chill, alt album. Worth another listen.
Formative for the bright eyes era
Really enjoyed, beautiful, freaky
Digging it. Sounds early for 96. Could easily believe this was late 00's early 10's
An album to surprise me. Interesting indie-rock from US at a time when most of the interesting indie rock was here in the UK. Great set of songs, plenty of changes of mood and texture. Really good album.
I really dug this record. Not sure why I haven't heard it before. I was the perfect age for this record when it was released and the weirdness of it is right up my alley. This is good. I almost wish it was a little harder at times. The lyrics are Beck/The Flaming Lips level weird which I also like.
Wat een debuutplaat. Mijn eerste kennismaking met E was het nummer Susan's House, een 90s compilatie met 'festival favorites' anno 98. De opname was niet live, maar het idee dat zo'n half spoken word nummer een festival favorite kon worden, was intrigerend. Het nummer is sindsdien altijd een Filip favorite gebleven, o wat had ik het graag eens live gehoord. Gebaseerd op het openingssalvo van de eerste 4 nummers zou ik een 5 geven, zeker als je daar nog latere sterkhouders zoals My Beloved Monster en Your Lucky Day in Hell. E is 1 van de allerbeste songwriters van zijn generatie, en zijn indiepoprock heeft vanaf de eerste plaat al de heel herkenbare Eels sound waar eenvoud siert. Het simpel houden is een kunst op zich. Veel doen met weinig. Een integrale luisterbeurt blijft een zeer mooie en aangename ervaring, maar het niveau kabbelt wel soms richting 'gewoon goed, maar niet bijzonder'. Er zijn latere platen van Eels die ik eerder zou opnemen in een lijst die '1001 Albums to Hear Before You Die' getiteld is. Emotionele rollercoasters als Electro-Shock Blues of het magistrale Blinking Lights and Other Revelations raken mij meer. Toch zeker niks minder dan een 4.
New to me. Really like this despite the creepy album cover :-)
Good album, felt super cohesive as a piece, and the intro and closing songs both stood out to me, and were experimental in just the right amount. The album appealed to the part of me that likes the Smashing Pumpkins, other similar rock albums, while also being fairly poppy and with a cohesive and uniform sound. Standout tracks: T1 (Novocaine for the Soul), T12 (Manchild).
has the song from shrek 1! my beloved monster crunchy 90's indie
Read his book - he has had a miserable life. The music is both depressing and uplifting at the same time. Some lyrics are very basic rhyming couplets. Voice can grate but it adds to the atmosphere. Beautifully produced.
The epitome of mid-90s sound
Very edgy. Not bad.
An impressive fusion of indie rock with other genres. Frontman E’s performance, while it is very charismatic, can come off as bitter in many instances, though, as the majority of the lyrics deal with a multitude of afterthoughts about a failed relationship, mainly of negative thoughts. However, the unique songwriting definitely makes up for those issues as a whole, as this thing is a joy to get through.
Creepy and obscure, while beautiful. Novocaine for the Soul is epic!
Love the style of eels
Solid quirky American indie
Lovely indie weirdness.
Decent
'Life is hard. And so am I'. Few opening statements (first words of the first song on his first album) by an artist have proved so powerful. And so true, as anyone who has read Mr Everett's autobiography will know. Eels would go on to prove that he was an enduring artist with more than a few amazing records. But this first 'Beautiful Freak' remains his most innocent, honest and sensitive. Well rooted in the 90s, it is also a beautiful and brilliant testament to its era
God awful album art. But I liked the music. Sounds like CAKE, but, darker?
This is not my favorite Eels album, as one of their later works in the 2000's trilogy may be, but I see why this album was put on the list. It's an introduction to their sound and it would probably be a bit disconcerting to place the listener right in the 6th or 7th album by the band without there being any huge radio hits on it. "Beautiful Freak" is a really good album and if you like this then you would probably like most of Eels output. Novocaine for the Soul is a great song and I think E does a great job of mixing a low-fi sound with great hooks. I would recommend this album to people, as I think it will surprise some people.
One can sense a certain amount of twee in E's sensibility, at a closer look. Unexpectation does a whole lot of work for Beautiful Freak. And it's surprisingly old, the 90s certainly informing indie-pop bones which would become more typical after scavenging. Like the white cover, the album's held together by implication as much as anything else; Space for a mirror, the pleasant if not flattering though.
This album was a pleasant surprise. There were some interesting sounds and lyrics.
Didn't really vibe with this one too much today, but I think it might be something I will enjoy when in the mood for it. God I hate that album art though. Favourite: Mental
Novocaine for the Soul, Beautiful Freak, My Beloved Monster. Very unique sound. Could have fallen in the 90s alt trap but they kept their sound interesting.
Rather lovely, in its way
eels! the unique vocal stylings of “e”, somewhere between singing and speaking. dark lyrics. great album. highlights: “novocaine for the soul”, “rags to rags”, “your lucky day in hell”.
Recently heard a different Eels album and liked it. This one is great, too. Digging this guy even if it does sound like a Beck ripoff but I like Beck too so if you’re going to rip someone off, rip someone off that’s good.
Very advanced indie. Slow, with very unique arrangement. The vocals are great, and the songs go down some adventurous paths. Sometimes it works out nicely, others are less so. I really likely the style and would listen again.
So I really enjoy their Sophomore album Electro-Shock Blues. I've listened to this before one as well, but don't have the same burned in impression. Pretty cool that their lead singer is the son of one of the foremost quantum physicists behind the many worlds theory. Novocaine for the Soul has a similar, but brighter feel to it that ESB has. Susan's House features more of the same quirky elements that I enjoy about Eels. Always found their songwriting to be solid with tight if a bit theatrical compositions. Mostly had this in the background. I enjoyed what I heard, but did not find it as moving as ESB. 4 / 5
A strong album with standouts in Novocaine for the Soul, Rags to Rags, and Splunky.
I liked this way more than I thought I would—crazy good guitar work especially. I don’t know how widely sampled this was, but a few parts called to mind some more recent artists.
This one of those 'suburban' albums that American bands can do so well (think Gin Blossoms, first Counting Crows etc.) - think kids on bikes, the 7-11, walking over to someone's house (oh they actually did that). We didn't quite what a singular and depressive talent E was from this, by far their most 'band' record. But a great set of songs. If it was a photo it would be a 'golden hour' shot of trees, a street, a twenty something couple walking away from the camera.
i think this juuuuuust misses out on a 5 just on the second half falling off a bit. the first half of the album hits really good though, specifically Novocaine for the Soul to Not Ready Yet. Extra love to Susans house with its changeup midway through.
I... weirdly like this (hate the album cover though)
Such a different album that I really enjoyed, had very through provoking lyrics and the music was great.
I liked it!
Beautiful indeed: many things to enjoy on this album.
Creepy music but made it into shrek
I really enjoyed this album. I see their influence on a lot of artists that I listen to. I also listened to the album while playing elden ring so I do not have any really specific thoughts other than it was good.
Genuinely didnt expect this album to be this good!
Grungy, pretty, great listen. Really cool lyrics.
pretty ait
J’ai pas mal aimé
engaging middlebrow bummer pop, maybe a bit too clever for his own good
I know Eels as having those two good songs from the first 2 Shrek movies and I wasn't expecting to enjoy the rest of the album. I know "I Need Some Sleep" isn't on here but I still really enjoyed it. Some of the writing reminds me of Mook a little bit. I know this album came first but I can see where Mook maybe got inspiration.
I listened to this for the first time late last year. Once I got past Novocain it was actually really good. I’ve listened to a lot of Eels since then. Who new that behind that song there was great material.
Finally a 90s alternative album I can get behind. A little odd but at ;east they are trying something different. Novocaine for the Soul has been getting some play on Indie Radio here in Toronto, the rest of the album was pretty good too.
I liked this album overall. Very 90s, but some of the songs I added to playlists.
The Electric (Guitar) Eel. This album is great for checking pay phones for stray quarters. During the first listen, I felt like I was Not Ready Yet, because I was finding songs like Susan’s House and Beautiful Freak just Mental. But then I came around on the second listen and found I enjoy the tracks quite a bit, as they’re a little Spunky. There’s not a ton of layers, like a vinatierta, the songs are pretty straightforward like a one-layer mousse. But I love mousse, like my favourite song on the album Rags to Rags. Just good vocal melody is all I need to jam out. Just goes to show, sometimes music is just about how it makes you feel rather than analyzing the hell out of it. I dig the stripped down, one-man show vibe of the band which shares seemingly brutally honest lyrics and feelings. Novocaine for the Soul is a 90s classic.
My initial impression of this album was that it was more boring alternative rock. Upon repeated listens however it really raise its head above the other stuff we've had. These guys' sound reminds me of Pavement, and places the album firmly in the mid-90s. This album definitely suffers from some sameyness, but luckily in this case it was a samey sound that I found myself getting into. I like the singer's style, and I quite liked the bass and guitar's work on the side, simple as it may be. The turning point for me was listening to this music out loud while doing chores this weekend. I found that the music was really nice played that way, as opposed to in headphones like I typically listen to these. Pleasantly surprised, I'm marking this one to return to!
Few nice songs. Can be listened.
Great album, low vibes
1001 not so great album genreator.
Pretty good! Liked this more than I expected, solid mid-90s alt rock. 3.5/5
let the record show j'ai hésité avec 3
I liked this one a lot!
Great. Great, all the way through. An album that took me by surprise. I was taken in by the songwriting. I think someone on the reviews said that it was a lot of elements that shouldn’t necessarily work together, but they all work here. I just really liked it. Fun fact: Mark Oliver Everett, the songwriter behind this project, is the son of Hugh Everett, creator of the Many Worlds interpretation of quantum theory. And Mark made this amazing documentary about his relationship with his father (a very cold and absent one in his childhood), and re-discovering his dad, years after he died, by retracing his life and scientific work. It’s a really moving documentary! I’d recommend. That context really gave me a lot, going into this album. 4/5
Was a fan of this, a lot more listenable then other similar American stuff coming out at this time. Got a bit of The Replacements vibe. Susan's House got a permanent like; the album cover did not. 3.5
I only discovered Eels a few years ago. There were some songs I really liked and the quirky lyrics grabbed my attention but for whatever reason I always felt a whole album might be a bit much for me. Well I'm happy to report this album wasn't too much for me; it drew me into its eely world and kept my interest throughout. The grungey guitar bits were a surprise, and really add an extra edge to what was already quite an inviting, pretty mix of sounds.
So first song kicks in and I think, "wow, this is really good." I downloaded first song right then and thought, wait a minute, is my mind gone from listening to Suicide? And then Susan's House kicks in and I was like, holy shit, what a unique sound, lyrical content, the entire presentation. I started writing down all the songs I liked and I realized I was writing down the album in order. I had to ask myself again, am I damaged from Suicide or am I loving this album? By the time I listened to Rags to Rags and then Beautiful Freak, I realized this is freaking awesome. Maybe not for everyone, but definitely for me. My Beloved Monster, Flower, Spunky and Manchild, all very good, lyrically and content unique. I re-listened on Sunday to make sure I didn't have permanent brain damage from Suicide. I don't. Listened again this morning and I can't even figure out my favorite song off his album because I really enjoyed almost all of them. Are these guys my next Velvet? My next Jesus? What can I say, I really liked this album. I will download most of the songs off this album. Do I are dare give these guys their own Spotify title? I'm going to take the time to listen to some of their other stuff, but damn, this was a very good listen and I am happy to be introduced to the Eels. I'm going to score a 4, yet somehow feel I may be underrating a little here.
4.5 Really happy Eels made this list. While not an all-time favorite of mine by any means, I do think the band is criminally underrated and has some great tunes… and yes, not just the ones on the Shrek soundtracks. But holy cow, I’ve been underrating them too - this album is fantastic. Novocaine for the Soul is a great song and opener - I’ve always loved the track, and here it’s really effective at setting the tone and themes for the rest of the album. I also really loved how it segued into Susan’s House, a song that sounded completely different (like it could have come off of A Tribe Called Quest album) but never came off as jarring or out of place. As I kept listening, I learned that was the case with the majority of this album - incredibly diverse in sound, yet somehow it flows perfectly. There are a number of songs here I had never heard before but fell in love with instantly, including Rags to Rags - especially the line “And one day I'll come through, My American dream, But it won't mean a fuckin' thing” with the music cutting out on that last part. Guest List was another favorite, with that goddamn “I’m never on your list” outro hurting me somewhere deep. Not Ready Yet, Mental, and of course My Beloved Monster were also highlights. Yes, the latter is known for being in Shrek, but everyone knows the soundtrack to that film went way harder than it had any business doing so, and this song is no exception - I listen to the song semi-regularly because of it. There’s something about the quiet verse/loud chorus dynamics of the song that I absolutely love (probably because of Pixies). Finally, Manchild was a beautiful closer, though I have to ask - is this the first time an artist used their ex-girlfriend’s voicemail in a song?? I guess modern emo bands have just been copying this guy’s notes this whole time. A great time, especially for miserable times, front to back. Airtight musically and lyrically - I’ll be listening again. Probably soon.
Love the album cover, first of all. Nothing too special but a really good listen. Every song was unique, and the lyrics were entertaining. Fave track(s): Mental
first listen i know this came out in 96 but something about it sounds so classic 00s indie movie, maybe it's the shrek song
Strangely enjoyable
Tracks 1-5 - Hey, it sounds like that one song from "Shrek". Track 6 - Hey, it's the song from "Shrek" Tracks 7-12 - Hey, it sounds like that one song from "Shrek" with the side of the Radiohead.
4/5 This was one of the best albums that I have never heard of in a *long* while. I really enjoyed the 4 count silence in Novocaine for the Soul. I know it sounds silly to like the part of a song where there nothing happening, but that nothing is what contrasts the something and makes it special. In Taiko we call it Ma. The silence between beats. It was just as powerful in All I Really Want by Alanis Morissette. This album also had a lot of lyrics about places I've lived and it felt really relevant. I want to go back and listen to them all again. I mean I heard a lyric that said Winston Churchill in drag. I need to know more. It also had the singable music quality I like, that makes you want to join in. They gave me Eve 6 vibes, which makes sense as as they are from that era. Overall, I really enjoyed it.
I enjoyed this! Varied and kept me listening all the way through. A few songs I already knew and a few songs that really drew me in. Will revisit this!
ome super interesting song writing and arranging. I really like his vocals but I think he may have overdid the spoken parts a bit. Great sounding samples and compressed 90’s drums. I like the 90’s alternative rock sound on songs like Not Ready Yet. Produced and has some cowrites with Jon Brion! 3.5
Maybe not the greatest album of all time, But it is really pleasing, I like its metaphores. Maybe a 3, but these are my fckn melodies, so I give it a 4
Liked the vibes of this album, thought the singer sounded familiar and couldn’t remember where from until I heard the song in shrek. Probably wouldn’t listen to the whole album again, but definitely had a few somgs I liked.
Awesome album. I only knew Novocaine going into it. 8.5/10
I've always enjoyed the "one-hit wonder" that is "Novocaine for the Soul", so I was excited to hear this album. And it stands up to that single quite well! I'll admit that I can't remember many details about this right now, as I listened a few hours ago, but I know I really enjoyed this and definitely intend to listen to it again.
I've heard of Eels before, and I could have sworn that I'd never heard their music before, but after listening to this album today, I think maybe I've heard some of their songs? I dunno, and I guess it isn't important. I really enjoyed this album. I thought all of the songs were really good and well made. Each song had its own feel, but felt very much rooted in the post grunge era of the 90's. Every song really pulled me in with its unique instrumentation. I can't say that the lyrics did much for me, but this was still very enjoyable to listen to, and I would listen to it again.
This was such a pleasant surprise! Susan's House is a gem
Just a really melodic group. Enjoyed this a lot.
A somewhat restrained alternative rock release. Pretty consistent and solid... engaging to listen to. Enjoyed Rags to Rags, Not Ready Yet and Guest List.
This music was unknown to me before this project. I really enjoyed the 90s sound and I feel a great bit of nostalgia when I hear music from that era. I liked the singers voice/style and the music was catchy. Definitely will give this another listen.
Really enjoyed this one. Pretty singular song writing without being overly eclectic.
It took me a second listen, but I actually really like this. The song writing is interesting and reminds me a little of early Radiohead 4/5
This was almost like magical realism – floating on a storm cloud. It was ethereal and unusual and gloomy and uplifting at the same time. The first two tracks were just brilliant. The rest of the album didn’t quite live up to those and the singing and melodies didn’t particularly change that much. But I liked the whole ambience so didn’t mind that there wasn’t too much deviation. Interesting note, I found out that David Jolicoeur from De La Soul died and started playing ‘Me Myself and I’ at the same time as ‘Spunky’. In a wacky alternative universe, they make a really good mashup. Danger Mouse, you’re welcome!!!
Hot on the heels of my displeasure with the ennui of xx comes Eels, bringing their own brand of disaffected attitudes. But this time, I like it. Not sure if it's familiarity — I own this disc — I think it's more that I can relate to this. It's more world-weary and beaten than irritated, and it paints a sheen and spirit of disconnectedness that is as much a part of the songs as the instruments. I don't even really know what any given song is about, so much as I enjoy the wordplay, tones, and vibe of the band.
I really enjoyed this album! I don't recall much about Eels and I didn't do my usual reading about them prior to listening.
soft grunge :3
I always forget about the Eels. I few people tried to get me into them years ago and I didn't pay that close attention - they were just "okay" to me. This fresh listen made me wish I had started with them earlier. It's really good. Just, good. I don't even really know why.
This album is so much better than I remember. It's got this great 90's feel all over it. It feels a lot like Beck and the Shins and several other things that were happening in the mid-90's, but it genuinely feels organic to this group rather than derivative or copied. The songs are good, but the attraction is really the production and the studio work. Everything sounds good and the songs vary widely in sound, instrumentation, and timbre without completely losing the plot. There's a funky groove with a break-beat, there's a piano ballad, there are several production "rock" songs, and even a couple sing-a-long sections. Guitars are either super clean or super crunchy, drums are clean and compressed, bass is simple and deep and round. Very 90's! It really makes so that the tracks all blend really well and gives the vocals a clear space to shape the emotion of the record. I'm surprised how well this album holds up for me. I expected it to sound much more dated to my ears and maybe even cringey (very like my own personal 1996), but I really like it. I'm impressed with how well balanced it is, how funky it is, and how well the production fits the album.
Even though I've only heard 1 of the songs on this album before and that might have been in a commercial, this album felt very nostalgic and comforting to me.
I had no idea this band and album existed, but it's quite lovely
Novocain for my soul is super dope. The album is a rhythmic melody.
Very interesting band and album, right up my alley.
This one took me a while to get into, what with the spoken lyrics and something in the music that gave me an unbalanced feeling, but I ended up liking the album. It's the 101st that I've listened to from the list and if it ever randomly shows up again, I won't skip over it.
It's quite good one!
Eels up inside ya Findin an entrance where they can Eels up inside ya Findin an entrance where they can Boring through your mind, through your tummy, through your anus, eels! Eels! Eels (x14)
This is a combination of excellent 90s rock and some wild spoken word. There are so many bands that must have spawned from having the access to this.
cool
Prachtig album
😍. Prachtig, wel een beetje sip. Wisten jullie dat de vader van de zanger een zeer beroemde en belangrijke natuurkundige was?
I love the eels.
I liked it. Felt like some sort of post grungy poetry reading. Like watching some sad movies about small towns in the middle of a cold and snowy winter day.
interesting
Don’t think I’ve ever listened to eels before. Enjoyed this really good 90’s alternative rock, good variations through out the album gets it’s the 4 stars.
The "musicality" (?) of this record, and all Eels records, really, are amazing. Harmonious, haunting, emotional. It's like the Eels signature sound. I loved this record when it came out, and listening to it again that hasn't changed.
sad songs. Some of the lyrics come off a tad overemotional. Even The Smiths threw us a fun one every once in a while. There is something about the effects on the instruments -- guitar and organ I guess -- that creates really harmonious, beautiful, emotional sounds.
Excellent. Glad to listen to this after way too long
I've heard it said that the first song of the first album of a band is their "thesis" - if this is true, "Novocane for the Soul" is one hell of a thesis. As with most of their stuff, many of these songs fall flat for me but the ones that are great are really freaking great - wish there were more of them.
Happy (miserable) days…
it might because cause. I was diagnosed with chronic dumbassery but this feels like it has a lot of Bob Dylan influence on it. That’s just me, but it’s honestly a pretty good album
Surprisingly pleasant
Nice album. Used to listen to it a lot in high school so it brings me back. Maybe the perfect mix of sadness and pop that creates a sound that is both ironic and heartfelt at the same time.
B-list 90s rock. The first track is fire but on the whole Beck does it better.
Fascinating!
I love this album. Eels have done a lot since, but this one still tops it. It felt more like a band at the time than it did a further Mark Everett solo project under the name Eels. Some great songs here.
Very interesting album, very easy to listen to, needs another listen because some of it blended into the background for me, which isn't necessarily a bad thing
Overlooked this back in the day. Extra star for 90s rock
“Life is hard and so am I” may be one of the greatest opening lines to a record I’ve ever heard.
4*, prima poprock, niet heel speciaal
A bit emo but pretty cool. An upbeat jazz feel to it but pretty hard hitting lyrics.
Isuse šta je ovo ružan cover, majke ti božije. Ali, (Muhamed), album je catchy, dostaaaa mi se sviđa. Depresivan je, da, ali mi paše. Dakle četvorka sigurno, bit će nekih repeticija sa albuma, definitivno. Potez od prve stvari Novocaine for the Soul do Flower je odličan. Al brate taj cover...
It is not an unbelievable breakthrough in anything, not the "omg album of the year / decade". It is, however, emotional. And that's something that E makes you feel quite instantaneously and will keep you glued to your headphones to for the whole runtime. It is 90s "woe me and my aching heart thinking of missed connections, phantasizing myself into RomCom main-character situations and feeling the melancholy drip through the ceiling of my Toyota Camry on the college parking lot" in a highly distilled bottle.
great album
Had never heard of this album or artist before but really liked it. A bit of a Wilco vibe.
Eels are always great, but when they are on they are REALLY on
Such a classic of the 90s
good melancholic vibes
Fantastic I loved it
7/10. Ah, yes, the album with the song from Shrek on it.
It was novocaine for the soul.
Frábær 90s-angistar plata.
Clearly I haven’t seen Shrek for a while, didn’t recognize “My Beloved Monster” when it came up on the album. Something about mid-90s alt-rock/grunge production puts me off at times (though I was born in the mid-90s), but the songs are good enough that it doesn’t matter HL: “Beautiful Freak”, “Flower”, “Lucky Day in Hell”
This album has the kind of whiny self-pity lyrics that I usually hate and I have panned other albums in the past for this reason, but I guess I'm a hypocrite because I thought it worked here. The more albums I listen to on this list the more I realize that I am just going by my gut and then post-hoc rationalizing my feelings here.
This was a super interesting listen! It has a lot of the typical 90s alternative vibes that one might expect from bands like Beck or Cake, yet Eels finds a way to make the album slightly more eclectic, slightly more diverse, slightly more eerie, and at times, slightly more ambient. This album feels familiar and yet unique at the same time. I wouldn't say this album just "sucked me in", it was more like a strange new thing that makes itself known and its up to you whether you want to investigate its strange and eclectic nature. And I did want to; I found myself eager for a second listen so that I could pick up on all of the quirks that I missed the first time around. Ultimately, this genre is an absolute soft spot for me, but this album really had me feeling like I was discovering something very 90s that I had never quite put my ears on before. As a sidenote, I had always wondered why so much of Eels was in the Shrek soundtracks. Well, they're both put out by DreamWorks. I had no idea DreamWorks even produced music, so today I learned.
Ikkje Eels sitt beste, men bra!
Freaky and beautiful.
freakily beautiful
Enjoyed this album, but wouldn’t listen to every song
I don’t know if I love or hate that cover… The album opens on novocaine for the soul a rather creepy track that does this cool emulation of vinyl pops and crackles that evolves into this really well played 90’s pop rock track . The only problem is that it’s not that great lyrically. Susans house is a more deeper sounding drum and bass based track that has spoken word verses the chorus is very different to all of this though being quite harmonic and piano led. Each bit is slightly too separate but not bad It flows perfectly into rags to rags the transition between verses and chorus is still oddly separate but they’re actually executed well ( especially the kick arse chorus). The album’s title track is slow and dreary yet emotional and hopeful at the same time I hope the songs stay at the quality of these last two songs. Not ready yet is just what you would want at this point in the album it’s fairly slow but explodes into this grand, spectacular chorus with amazing guitars. Just what I wanted! My beloved monster ends the first half of the album a mostly slow track with brilliant guitars but a booming epic chorus. Flower is a rather angelic, beautiful relaxed track that brings the mood of slowly waking up on a warm summers day. Also the lyrics are some of the albums best. Guest list is quite a good idea for a song thematically. And all is good ( a nice slow burn) until the dam harmonica. God those things can be annoying. I enjoy the bass line and the slow build up of metal it’s a great song, good lyrics good chorus it’s all you need. May have swapped this and flowers positioning on the album though. I thought with a name like “ spunky” that this song would be song youthful burst of energy but what we actually get is a semi mature slow burn that isn’t a favourite but I like it. The penultimate track your lucky day in hell is an amazing song that slowly builds up throughout the intro. It’s so sad probably the album’s best song! I love a random lot of samples like the beginning of manchild it’s a brilliant close off kinda feels like the aftermath of the whole album putting everything to a gentle resolve. There’s so many songs that I enjoy on here but it’s definitely an album where the singles aren’t necessarily the best as it slowly reveals its best cards rather than throwing it all in your face making some moments rather boring. But the majority was great!
I like Eels, but I'm still not convinced about the many worlds paradigm.
Depressing, but good...
Susan's House is such a standout for me, just a perfectly delivered narrative. Novocaine For The Soul is great and it was nice to dig in to the rest of the album.
Wondering if the singer ever feels embarrassed at some of the lyrics on this album. They remind me of a high school student trying to write deep poetry. Some of the lyrics in "Susan's House" were almost laughably bad. Musically, however, this is pretty great. Genre-flipping, sometimes grungy, sometimes shoe-gazey, sounds very of-its-time (which is good because 90s alt is my personal favorite)
Interesting album, enjoyed it. Very 96 in the alt distortion, good chord progressions, sometimes the singing was good, overall catchy. Would possibly listen again
Interesting music, interesting lyrics, totally listenable but never boring. It's a perfect choice of 90s alternative and "Beautiful Freak" is an apt description.
So, if you had asked me yesterday if I know about this band called Eels, I would have shrugged and said "nope". However, when this album popped up with the cover staring me in the face, it struck me as somehow familiar. Then I started to play it and was singing along...not just to the first tune, but the second and the third... Thank you to this project for bringing this album back into my life!
This is adorably creepy and misanthropically cute. The comparison to a David Lynch movie is apt with darkness behind white picket fences --- Susan's House in fact sounds a lot like A Real Indication from the Fire Walk with Me soundtrack. This Could Be Your Lucky Day (sounds nice!)...In Hell (uh oh!). I truly love Novocaine for the Soul, My Beloved Monster, and Spunky (a cat named lola with a violent past is balled-up asleep 'cross her knees). There are a handful of songs that are a bit of a wash for me but I like the general feel.
Eels can be relied on to provide playful tunes that shimmer and shine instrumentally while delivering dark lyrics struggling to make sense of life and the world. It makes for a very engaging listening experience!
Really strong start, I thought we might be on track for an unexpected 5 stars after hearing jazz, rock and trip hop in the first 2 songs. While the rest of the album was perfectly enjoyable, it seemed to settle into pretty standard fare, 4 star stuff. I will try and revisit this one though.
Better second time around- feels like an album that gets better the more you listen. Pleasantly surprised. 7/10
Better than I though, given the terrifying album art. Also hey! That one song from the Shrek soundtrack, a surprise to be sure-but a welcome one
Great to listen to while working on taxes! X)
Novocaine for the Soul is like Lou Reed meets Beck or Cake. This is some quirky, dark stuff. Initially, the songs are listenable and toe-tappers, but if you listen to the lyrics, these are dark, sometimes devastating songs. That irony is unsettling but also imaginative and intriguing. Also, unlike a lot of albums, this one builds as it goes. Some of the better tracks are in the middle/towards the end!
This was great no wonder they're in Shrek
amai een heel tof album
Mon adolescence Prefs: Novocaine for the Soul, Susan's House, Rags to Rags, Beautiful Freak, My Beloved Monster, Flower, Guest List, Your Lucky Day In Hell Moins pref: Not Ready Yet
"Novocaine for the Soul" and "Susan's House" made some big promises, and this album delivers. Mark Oliver Everett's laid-back and introspective vocals, melodic arrangements are smooth and consistent against the chaos of his broken characters.
Täähän oli ihan jepa. Hyvät saundit, tarttuvia kertsejä, miellyttävä lauluääni. Sisällöllisesti biisit aika +-0, mutta eipä se mua haittaa. Mainittakoon että tässä oli kokoajan semmonen taustaviba että tää on jonkun disney-leffan soundtrack, tyyliin Monsterit OY, ja tälle löytykin selitys, My Beloved Monster oli tietenkin Shrekissä. Tästä vois antaa miinuspisteitä mutta oikeestaan siitä tuli hyvät nostalgiat.
This is good… I’ll defo listen to this again!
Eels sind irgendwie immer da aber nie im Fokus. Liebe ich schon ziemlich. wenn man mal auf die Texte hört teilweise echt überraschend düster, v.a. im Vergleich zu den layed-back sounds. Schön
Haven't listened to this for quite a few years! I thought I was fairly so-so about it, but actually this listen triggered quite a lot of affection. I can still get down with the affected hipster ennui... Fave track - "Novocaine for the Soul" was traditionally my go to, but this time around "Rags to Rags" takes the crown!
'Novocaine for the Soul' is an absolute banger! Nothing else hits that hard but this is a neat experimental album that was a hugely pleasant surprise. A couple of iffy tracks but similar vibes to Syd Matters which I'm here for.
Honestly surprised me a little bit, reminded me of radiohead?
I really enjoyed this album. I saw it pop up and immediately recognised it. As it turns out, it was incredibly popular in Belgium when I was growing up. Every once in a while I'm reminded of just how foreign I am, and certain things, like these things that I subconsciously grew up with, remind me of that
this album hits you in the feels and keeps you entertained with its jank metaphors and grungy, monotone vocals to convey the feeling of being of not good enough for love
Haven't heard this album in quite a while. Reminds me of Tom Waits and Blur in places.
Well, this is a nice find. All completely new to me, and this album is very well done. I really like the overall sound and style. The performances and recordings are excellent. Giving it another listen now. Thanks, 1001 Albums project!
Wow what a cool, fun trip-hop jam! Some of these tracks were entrancing, like "Your Lucky Day in Hell" and the title track!
Þessi plata er bara helvíti skemmtileg, hlustaði á hana einu sinni í gegn og mikið eins og síðasta plata heyrði ég mörg góð lög, get léttilega hugsað mér að hlusta aftur á þetta. 4 stjörnur, gæti verið 5 ef ég myndi hlusta oftar en ég efast um það no offense
4/5. I mean bruh it’s got a Shrek song on it. Automatic classic 👍
I have a soft-spot for 90's rock music, especially corny alt-stuff (akin to things you would hear in Buffy the Vampire Slayer), and this album hits that spot perfectly. It's not a great album, but it's not bad by any stretch. I enjoyed it.
I enjoyed this. Like Beck for people that want to understand the lyrics
Not bad! Immediate throwback to their song from The Grinch soundtrack. Novocaine For The Soul is my fav on the album, the rest are pretty moderate.
Liked it a lot, despite the cover art making me hesitant. Good vocals, and some really interesting vocals. Favorite Songs: Susan's House, Rags to Rags, Guest List
Great album - unique sound that is as fresh now as it was on release.
A very weird alt. rock album. I loved it.
Some of this kinda reminds me of Spoon and some of it kinda reminds me of Summerteeth era Wilco.
Beautiful Freak, the debut album of Eels, was an epiphany at the time of its release. A complete unknown artist debuting with such strong material. The strength of this album is in the weakness and uncertainty it shows in its lyrics in mesmerizing songs like "Novocaine for the Soul", "Rags to Rags", "My Beloved Monster" and "Manchild"
Nostalgia classic
Eels are a classic 90s alt band but also do just enough to push beyond the genre to set them apart. Big fan.
I’m into this - but I’m also a little high. I’ll try again later to make sure
Excellent & quirky album.
I mean, it's pretty good! like the emotion.
Knew a fair few of these, and love the vibe. Fav new track: Your Lucky Day In Hell
Was not pumped on this album during the first song or two, but I grew to like it more as the album progressed.
I don't even know how to name this music style? post-grunge? pop-punk? However, this kind of music that remembers me of some rainy afternoon watching "How I Met Your Mother" and eating some pizza deserves some respect.
Marvelous roll lately with these minor chord pieces. Super happy this was on my play list today. Great change up for road music
So good I listened to it 3 times in a row. I can hear Flaming Lips, Beck, and early Wilco in their music. Susan's House is my favourite here. Definitely got me curious to hear more Eels albums.
A great album
Liked it more on a second listen
I've got this on CD somewhere I think, possibly in my parent's attic. Always had a soft spot for it, has some interesting songs on it, interesting structures and sounds. Bit of a shame they were never as good live. Songs that bring back good memories of my life in 1996, which was one of my very favourite times.
Can't believe I've never listened to this before. Only ever heard one track before on the Skrek soundtrack. Really cool, dark sound.
I have been a fan of the Eels since I first saw the video for "Novocaine for the Soul", the first track from this album. I'll listen to that track every time it plays. I've seen the Eeels in concert once, and I've listened to at least a few of their albums all the way through. I'm not absolutely sure if I've listened to this album as a whole, but I know I've done repeat listens to later albums from the band. On this album, like the later albums, there is a bit of darkness to many of the tracks backed by gently up-beat music. All of the tracks on this album are good enough for a second listen. This album is easily a 4-star album for me.
I don't know why I didn't listen much to this - I think it's because I didn't like Eels fans much. But some truly ironic mid-90's tracks like Novacaine For The Soul. Angst ridden, iconic, etc etc... Enjoyed!
Actually really enjoyed this. Heard the songs before but never knew who it was.
Pretty good, does some really interesting stuff. Favorite tracks are Not Ready Yet and Mental.
Annoying dynamics - just when you start to get into the tune, it stops dead. Completely. Then starts off in another direction. But overall its really good, and the sound is unique, in a good way. Mixture of synth/guitar sound is unmistakable and appealing. I really like this, though you definitely have to be in the right mood. It isn't background music.
no conocía a la banda, por lo que no estaba esperando nada en particular, pero debo admitir que este álbum me sorprendió completamente.
Cool beans
Was nervous about returning to this one, as I suspect I'd overlistened to it in the past. I suspect that remains true, but it was a pleasant surprise even if it won't be back on heavy rotation.
Fun quirky album
260921 16:45 4
A little sacred feeling over the whole dish. I like it 👍
J’ai bien aime dans le style et l’album est tres bien construit. 4.25
molto particolare, tranquillizza, fuzzy
Fedt album med mange gode 90er lyds sange
Novocaine for the soul.
Seems to me like Eels' trademark is on an album with one incredibly good song followed by other good but not good enough songs. This album is a bit of an exception: everything is better than average.
I like Eels, favourite ablum is Daisies of the Galaxies, but I also like Souljacker, Electro-Shock Blues and Hombre Lobo. Not sure why I never listened to this one before but it<s another fine Eels album.
Very nice songs. I liked that.
Most 90s thing I’ve never heard
Pretty good, 90s alternative. 4
A solid album. After the first listen, I enjoyed the first song but overall felt the album was unremarkable. Listened to it again on a whim and it really got a lot better. Some nice, unique songs
Loved Susan's house
Susan's house was a great song. I enjoyed the album. I thought there was good emotion in the lyrics and also the composition felt complex. Nice to my ears
Nostalgic 90s
Pretty good album! After I finished listening, Spotify started shuffling other Eels songs, almost all of them I liked more than this album. Overall, glad to get to know Eels better than I did previously.
Liked this! Some good pop throughout and a few trippy songs.
Um álbum que inicialmente soou muito a Shrek, até que chegou o My Beloved Monster e ai era demasiado parecido, uma breve pesquisa permitiu apurar que a música entrou no primeiro filme do nosso ogre verde favorito. O Álbum com esta comparação só lucra, é um elogio. Curioso e agradável no geral. Nota: 7/10
Surprised me
Love it!
Een leuke variatie in de nummers van dit album
I liked this one, had some great songs. Will definitely give it another listen
Sounds a lot like Radiohead
En album dat met zorg en emotie is samengesteld
Cool album, adding to the library. Enjoyed a unique sound and interesting lyrics
Nummers met veel emotie en een unieke, herkenbare sound.
I have a thing for artists that make me say "You must be quite fucked up to write this stuff" . Nova and Susan's House fit perfectly. I really like how the dreamy almost fantasy like music camouflages the angst. Think of a suicidal Mr. Rogers. The Guitar sound on Rags2R, Not Ready and Mental is quite amazing. Not sure if this shows producer rather than guitarist talent. Anyone notice the words “Winston Churchill in drag” on Your Lucky Day in Hell. The brother must be a fan of Supper’s Ready and P. Gabriel.
Decent for 90's Alt rock I've never heard before.
This album certainly has a lot of personality and it was a fun listen. Great opening few tracks. All in all some majestic keyboard riffs accompanied by rather avant garde lyrics. I Listened again on Sunday night and the album only got better on the second pressing (unlike olive oil)
The album has a vibe and an emotion throughout which is so real to me. I can feel this album. Very unique sounding and enjoyable, with a good run time.
Enjoyable
Very nice. I like the Eels but haven’t delved too deeply into their catalog.
I like the sound of this group and this album in spite of the creepy album cover. Added Eeels to my Spotify library.
Not bad!
Was good. I don’t know why I haven’t dropped the needle on it sooner. But the songs were memorable 90s bedroom pop/
This album hits! I really enjoyed it! It definitely has some tracks that will become part of my regular rotation.
“Sometimes it feels like I’m made of eggshells...and I’m gonna crack”. This is one of my favorite albums of the mid 90s. My wife and I when were dating used to sit in my room and listen to this album while staring at the ceiling like some silly episode of “My so called life”. This is the perfect Gen X/Elder Millennial album. It wallows in its angst and I love it.
really liked this. liked the lyrics and how it all sounded a bit sad. creepy cool cover.
Production: 12/20 Songwriting: 15/20 Innovation: 13/20 Bangers: 15/20 Emotional response: 14/20 =69 Very strong. Good lads.
So many familiar songs so good
Liked it a lot.
always funny to be listening to these albums and suddenly get hit with an unexpected wave of nostalgia (this time because there's a song from shrek). The whole album is great, I had a great time with this messy emotional rock
I really liked this album. I'm not sure I really knew anything about Eels beforehand so it was a pleasant surprise!
Heard the name but never really taken any notice of Eels before - I guess they got lost in the rest of 90s alternative rock. However really enjoyed this. Liked Everett's lyrics and voice.
Eels are one of those bands that so many people haven't heard of that have such a wide range of potential appeal. Smoky and passionate, Eels really feel unique. This isn't even their best-- hoping for Electro-Shock Blues and Daisies soon!
A great record that I will happily listen to any time. Fairly simple songs structures, but well executed, with clever use of samples and some interesting instrument choices. Nice melodies and hooks, and I really like Mark Everett's distinctive vocals. Some of the lyrics can come across a bit patronising / condescending, but not enough to put me off listening.
Interesting
I knew I needed to wait until I felt like listening. This was actually really good lol, Idk why it took me many months to finally make it all the way through. Probably started it like 8-9 times and turned it off because I just wasn't pulled in. Shoutout to that one song that's in Shrek lmao. Overall nice sound with varying beats and tones that still connect throughout.
Life is hard and so am I Life is white and I am black
Dang this sounds nice, the sound is pretty smooth. Like what i've heard of them prior anyway, daisies and the 2020 one but yeah this is nice, tempted to check out more at some point, good album :)
Very nice feeling
This album is so mid to late 90s, it evokes images of puka shell necklaces and frosted tips. Pretty good anyway. Best track: Novocaine for the Soul
Best: Rags to Rags & Mental
Quirky with interesting lyrics but does get a bit bland and slow musically. 3/5
Ei oikein lähteny alt rock, post grunge mitä onkaan. Näitä bändejä tuntuu kans hirveä lista olevan mitkä on same but different. Alotuskappale on nimeltään tuttu, mutta ei kyllä paljoa herättäny muistikuvia, että olisin monesti ainakaan kuullu. Kertakuunteluna meni taustalla aivan ok, mutta ei oikein herättäny kiinnostusta artistia tai levyä kohtaan sen enempää. Levynkansi creepy ahh.
It’s my kind of music, but I don’t think there was any one song I particularly latched on to. It has a good sound overall, and I didn’t find the lyrics to be too off putting, but I’m still just kind of wondering what value it has on a list like this. I won’t completely pan it because it wasn’t a talentless affair, but it also was just another album that breezed by with little to remember.
Fine. It has the general alt-rock sound of my youth, but I doubt I would have been that hyped about it at the time.
3,5
Interesting album. It’s a tad on the dark side; however, it is a testament of the social, political, and economics of the time.
Last song amazing other songs boooo lyrically sonically p good last song tame impala type shit 4? 3? 3. Man early lyrics sucked.
For a debut this album feels really weird because it’s already so formed and experimental. It’s got both simple instrumentation but also a wide range of different genres and feelings all covered by lyrics that talk about drug abuse, loneliness, and isolation. At least I think that’s what it’s about idk I listened to it pretty much twice but I didn’t have the lyrics up to my eyes or anything so I might have missed or added something. It’s good shit though I appreciated this one a lot. It’s a little off for this list though. We’ve got alt rock albums like this but not a single Ween album? No Mollusk no Chocolate and Cheese? That’s their problem not mine. Would have a lot more 100s if they added those to be fair. Anyways, on the types of songs they have. There’s a song that really sounded like a James Bond intro parody (Your Luckiest Day in Hell), a sort of twisted pop ballad (Beautiful Freak), some hip hop type vocals mixed with pianos (Susan’s House) and even some gospel influence (Flower). They crammed a good bit into this one so you won’t feel bored or anything. Although on the other hand like I said the instrumentation is pretty simple so don’t expect like a crazy masterpiece or anything. It’s just a pretty artistic good little album.
The songs are dark and serious but I close my eyes and all I see is Shrek
My favorite Eels album is the greatest hits album. Why? Because E is definitely a hit maker. However each one of his albums has certain songs that just drag on. This one really only has "Rags to Rags" in my opinion. Every other track is well written or well produced, or both. Nostalgia clouds my judgement, so my 3.5 rating is knocked down to a very solid 3
Very standard mid-90s fare. Good for what it is, but not the greatest genre.
Twin maybe I am a freak after all
A perfectly serviceable album. The one interesting thing is that the lead singer of the band father came up with the many worlds theory in physics.
A little monotone, but i love Shrek
Another one I've never heard of; keep 'em coming! Apart from the distinct basslines played on the cello in "Susan's House", you could easily mistake the first 3 tracks as being one long thing. Instrumentals are serviceable, but his airy flat tone never changes from song to song, making it feel impossible to know when one track is ending and another is starting. "Not Ready Yet" caught my attention though, with it's distinct notes at the beginning, bleeding into reverbed effects chords. The slight distortion affect on the vocals also fits his voice better too. Then came the chorus, and he showed some more range! This almost had Radiohead energy. Easily the stand out track for me so far. Any more like this and the opening tracks may be excused. Instantly (maybe unfortunately) recognized "My Beloved Monster" from Shrek, it is a good track, another with interesting guitar sections and the way the rasp in his voice escalates in time with the drums is a stroke of genius. Unfortunately "Flower" was much like the beginning songs for me, but the hip-hop drum roll and moody bass of "Guest List" worked for me, despite vocals being relatively the same as disliked tracks. The harmonica sections were also appreciated too, blending well with the drums. More of the same disappointment with "Mental" and most of "Spunky", though the wibbling distorted guitar notes flanked by the piano notes were a fun surprise. Even so, it couldn't save the song for me; beautiful lyrics though. "Your Lucky Day in Hell" had some unique arrangements and fun lyrics; lots of cool things going on with a deep bassline layered with angelic strings and distorted guitars. Enjoyed this one. "Manchild" was weirdly beautiful, his voice working in this soft higher pitch accompanied with the organ. Thankfully a satisfying end to an otherwise mediocre album for me. Overall, there are things to enjoy here, but much of it is surrounded by the sands of some generic vocals and instrumentals. Would love to see how this band evolves, as I get the impression that their is more to this band than this album has you believe.
Not bad but, by the end, not very interesting.
Interesting 90's melancholy vibe, but that can only go so far, amirite
Novocaine For The Soul was huge, but I don't think this album held its weight in comparison
This is a very intriguing album. It feels like it wants to be a serious grunge album but the band just doesn't have the chops for it. This doesn't make the album bad, but puts it in a unique place. The sound is accessible, interesting, and compelling despite the lack of strong lyrics. Still, it has a great vibe.
Eels have always struck me as an extremely solid if oddly dull indie rock band. This debut sets the template - some truly memorable and eclectic songs like "Novocaine For the Soul" and "Susan's House" but also true yawners that fade into pleasant background hipster coffee shop music. A mixed bag overall.
Novocaine is awesome, I still think the rest of the album is a little underpowered though.
They had some good songs and then some others that seemed to drag. They are not bad but would not seek it out to listen again.
It wasn’t beautiful but it was still decent
This was an enjoyable listen. Liked the variety & his voice grew on me. Not really sure why it is on this list but it’s still mikes better than lot of other drivel we’ve suffered thru
A 3 for Novocaine For The Soul and My Beloved Monster. The rest was ok. I do love his voice.