Sometimes after browsing Pitchfork reviews I feel less informed than I did before I started reading. Don’t get me wrong, Pitchfork is an impressive site that has a lot to offer people. But, in my opinion, part of the problem with review sites is that they feel the need to “interpret” things when they don’t necessarily know what they are talking about. It comes across as a lot of BS, and especially with Pitchfork, after comparing their reviews with others, I find their over-criticalness a big hindrance.
There are probably better examples for making that particular point, but I felt that confusion after reading the Pitchfork review of the Eels new release, Meet The Eels: Essential Eels 1996-2006 Vol I. The review somewhat makes it sound like the Eels have been unsuccessful, when in all truth, they have been successful in many ways. They have sold many albums over the years, and have had songs featured in commercials and Hollywood movies. Jason Crock, the Pitchfork reviewer, writes:
The covers just reinforce that Everett– or ‘E,’ Mr. E, MC Honky, whomever– is both more tasteful than he’s often given credit for, and often unable to take those tastes anywhere original or unexpected. That’s the frustrating duality that exists in even the Eels’ best singles, and maybe why there’s an air of undelivered potential on this, the portentously titled ‘Vol. 1’ of their hits.
Maybe it’s just me, but I don’t really know what that statement means. Everett is tasteful, but unoriginal? Also, the Eels have a big following. There are bands that obviously have more spotlight than them, but they still are a well-known band. I do not agree that Everett lacks originality, and while some of theirs songs may be faulty at times, find me an artist where that’s not the case.
I’m not the biggest fan of the Eels on the face of the earth, but like a lot of their songs, and loved their Live at Town Hall album. If you are new to the Eels, and would like to hear their best songs, check this album out. The songs are, in fact, the “Essential Eels.”
I really enjoy the Jon Brion remix on the album, “Climbing To The Moon.” It’s previously unreleased, and has a really nice beat, and banjo, and is just a really cool song. Some of my favorite Eels songs include: “I Need Some Sleep,” “Last Stop : This Time,” “Dirty Girl (Live At Town Hall),” “Trouble With Dreams,” “Love of the Loveless,” “Mr. E’s Beautiful Eyes,” “Fresh Feeling,” “I Like Birds.”
Meet The Eels: Essential Eels 1996 -2006 Vol I:
The Eels – Climbing To The Moon