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Eels Electro Shock Blues Released in 1998 9.5/10 Styles Alternative Pop/Rock Adult Alternative Song Highlights Going to Your Funeral (Parts 1 & 2) Effils God Dead of Winter |
The Eels have always been nothing more than a vehicle for Mark Everitt (aka E) to showcase his songwriting ability. The group's first album, Beautiful Freak was an inconsistent, yet enjoyable effort that excelled mostly on the strength of it's singles. Their follow up, Electro Shock Blues, shows E coming into his own as a songwriter, and is a vast improvement in all areas. In the time between these two albums, E suffered a number of personal tragedies, including the death of his mother and sister. As is the case with many artists, he's decided to deal with these sad events through his music. The songs deal almost solely with mortality and loss, but are always questioning and trying to describe complex emotions, rather than simply fishing for pity. Interestingly, the album does contain a fair number of more upbeat tracks. While consistent in theme, it contains a wide range of musical styles, from the obvious slow tear-jerkers to jangly jazz-pop. This musical range, combined with E's earnest lytics, create a rewarding and quite beautiful epic. The Eels are yet to better the album, as nothing else they have recorded has contained the same levels of raw emotion and sincerity. With it's ability to examine such awkward and difficult topics so openly and truthfully, Electro Shock Blues is more than likely the best album the Eels will ever make. |