THE EELS Shootenanny (DreamWorks/Universal) Rating: NNNN Rating: NNNN
There’s just something about the Eels that I’ve liked since Daisies Of The Galaxy, and Mark Oliver Everett, aka E, has yet to disappoint me. Shootenanny is full of the tragic humour and insight I’ve come to expect from E, with all his indie-level innovation intact. Perhaps the fact that E really has had some rough going makes him sound convincing, whereas anyone else doing tunes like Rock Hard Times might seem precious and irritating. Still, he isn’t all about self-indulgence. He pens lyrics that demonstrate a fundamental understanding of humankind, such as Love Of The Loveless. There’s also the usual healthy dose of wit and humour and plenty of jaunty melodies and catchy choruses. Sweet.
The Eels play the Phoenix Monday (July 28).
