Everclear – Return ToSanta Monica
2011, Cleopatra Records
Through it all, Art Alexakis just keeps going. His band, Everclear is on its third lineup, with the only originalremaining member being Alexakis himself. The Portland, Oregon band, formed in 1992, were darlings of the alternativerock scene throughout the 1990’s, leaders of the pop-based rock response to thegrunge sound coming out of Seattle. There has been a trend in the last few years of bands re-recording theirhits, as aging acts separate from the major label apparatus have found a way toregain control of their catalog for licensing. Everclear jumps on the bandwagon today with Return To Santa Monica.
The up side to such a move is it improves a band’s ability to generate income;for fans it can be an opportunity to hear a fresher version of a favorite hitor three. Everclear does right by thefans with Return To Santa Monica,offering up a nearly live sounding collection of reborn hits from theircatalog. “Santa Monica”, “I Will Buy YouA New Life”, “Father Of Mine” and “AM Radio” are particularly vibrant. “Unemployed Boyfriend” seems even better thanit did the first time around, though whether this is due to a change in therendition or a change in the times it uncertain. Everclear rounds out the remakes with “Wonderful”and “Everything To Everyone”.
Perhaps the biggest treats for fans, however, are the cover songs spreadthroughout the album. The remake of TomPetty’s “I Won’t Back Down” is classic, and Steve Miller’s “The Joker” gets anew look. Death Cab For Cuties “I WillFollow You Out Of The Dark” is among the highlights on the disc, as is theclosing number, Van Morrison’s “Brown Eyed Girl”. The only misfire on the entire album is asomewhat messy cover of The Police’s “Every Breath You Take”, which Alexakismuddles his way through on, showing neither the vocal range nor (here, atleast) the sense of personality to pull this tune off.
These sorts of collections are as much for financial gain of the artist (asopposed to a label) as they are for fans. Sometimes such collections can be ill-gotten nightmares, but Everclearmanages to pull the whole thing off with a bit of panache. The album plays like an intimate live show,with even the production values bending in that direction. So instead of a boring retread of hits andcovers you know, listeners get a quality, live-in-studio set of songs that willhave you tapping your toes and remembering the 1990’s fondly.
Rating: 4 Stars (Out of 5)
Learn more about Everclear at www.everclearonline.comor on Facebook.
CD Download
iTunes.
2011, Cleopatra Records
Through it all, Art Alexakis just keeps going. His band, Everclear is on its third lineup, with the only originalremaining member being Alexakis himself. The Portland, Oregon band, formed in 1992, were darlings of the alternativerock scene throughout the 1990’s, leaders of the pop-based rock response to thegrunge sound coming out of Seattle. There has been a trend in the last few years of bands re-recording theirhits, as aging acts separate from the major label apparatus have found a way toregain control of their catalog for licensing. Everclear jumps on the bandwagon today with Return To Santa Monica.
The up side to such a move is it improves a band’s ability to generate income;for fans it can be an opportunity to hear a fresher version of a favorite hitor three. Everclear does right by thefans with Return To Santa Monica,offering up a nearly live sounding collection of reborn hits from theircatalog. “Santa Monica”, “I Will Buy YouA New Life”, “Father Of Mine” and “AM Radio” are particularly vibrant. “Unemployed Boyfriend” seems even better thanit did the first time around, though whether this is due to a change in therendition or a change in the times it uncertain. Everclear rounds out the remakes with “Wonderful”and “Everything To Everyone”.
Perhaps the biggest treats for fans, however, are the cover songs spreadthroughout the album. The remake of TomPetty’s “I Won’t Back Down” is classic, and Steve Miller’s “The Joker” gets anew look. Death Cab For Cuties “I WillFollow You Out Of The Dark” is among the highlights on the disc, as is theclosing number, Van Morrison’s “Brown Eyed Girl”. The only misfire on the entire album is asomewhat messy cover of The Police’s “Every Breath You Take”, which Alexakismuddles his way through on, showing neither the vocal range nor (here, atleast) the sense of personality to pull this tune off.
These sorts of collections are as much for financial gain of the artist (asopposed to a label) as they are for fans. Sometimes such collections can be ill-gotten nightmares, but Everclearmanages to pull the whole thing off with a bit of panache. The album plays like an intimate live show,with even the production values bending in that direction. So instead of a boring retread of hits andcovers you know, listeners get a quality, live-in-studio set of songs that willhave you tapping your toes and remembering the 1990’s fondly.
Rating: 4 Stars (Out of 5)
Learn more about Everclear at www.everclearonline.comor on Facebook.
CD Download
iTunes.