"Rock Hard Times" by The Eels

We covered the brilliant 1992 album by the man called "E" (Mark Everett) not long ago, and here we are again with his group called The Eels. The prolific Everett has built up quite an extensive discography since the band's formation in 1996. 

The Eels were successful right out of the gate, giving Everett a much-deserved appearance on the charts. "Novocaine For The Soul" shot to #39, but the band hasn't seen the chart since. It's puzzling, with songs like "Rock Hard Times" and many more. Everett's a quirky songwriter, but his diversity in sound and exceptional lyrics and melodies are the reason why the band has so many devoted fans. 

"I've Been Kicked Around" by E

Back in 1992, I took a chance on a rather plain looking album by a singer/songwriter known simply as E. Today most people know E as Mark Oliver Everett, the man behind the alt rock band called The Eels.

I heard the single "Hello Cruel World" one night late on MTV and felt compelled to check E out. I was happy that I did. His record, "A Man Called E" is one of my favorites. Filled with catchy pop and melancholy lyrics, the only reason why this record didn't take off was because it was the opposite of grunge.

Among many highlights, "I've Been Kicked Around" exemplifies the theme of this remarkable record the best. Worth checking out, whether you like The Eels or not.

“Blood” by Abandoned Pools

Tommy Walter is the songwriting force behind the band Abandoned Pools, who broke onto the alternative rock scene in 2001 with the debut album, “Humanistic”. Walter was a co-founder and bassist for the Eels prior to breaking out with his own project, which is more reminiscent of “OK Computer”-era Radiohead.

You may recall hearing the songs that got some attention, mostly “The Remedy” and “Mercy Kiss”, but the one that grabs me the most is the haunting song called “Blood”.

In addition to having an addictive chorus, I enjoy trying to dissect the meaning of the lyrics of this one, which I included below. My take on this:  the song is written from a parent to child (referencing family trees, seeds, and bloodlines), apologizing for the adults (relatives or otherwise) who allow the children to inherit a screwed up world or situation. The adults seem blissfully blind to this fact (staring into the sun, we eat our young). I could be way off, so let me know how you interpret this intriguing song.

I see the happy the family tree

It sways so easily

We're smiling all the time

This world just isn't mine

We watch it burn

And we never learn

This can't be what you're waiting for

Staring into the sun

We eat our young

This can't be what you're waiting for

Just take it easy on yourself

Forget all the stupid things we say

I know you beat up on yourself

I know it's in your blood

You say what no one understands

The seeds are in your hands

The branches break your bones

I can't just leave you alone

And watch you squirm

And I can't bring myself to look

I rip the pages from the book

And watch it burn