|
|
|
|
|
|
THIRD EYE BLIND
"Out
of the Vein" (Elektra; 2003)
Reviewed by Jeff Rogers
Third Eye Blind hit the scene with such pop/rock hits as
"Semi Charmed Life" and "How’s It Gonna
Be." This disc was the first without guitarist Kevin Cadogan (a former student of Joe
Satriani), so I was very interested to hear if the guitarist who replaced him on this disc could be talented enough
step into his shoes. Well, he has talent, but the hooks that were the major sound behind the first two albums have
faded away.
On "Out of the Vein" Lead singer Stephan Jenkins has taken charge and become the chief song crafter and kudos for his
accepting that responsibility. The guitar is still good, and the drums and bass are tight. There are really no stand-out songs
here but, since Third Eye Blind had something to prove after Cadogan split, they do so with an enthusiasm that makes up
for some fo the loss.
Jenkins has a confident delivery and the songs are sing-along friendly although most would be
considered background music rather than music you have to stop and listen to.
They stick to their formula as best they can, but just can't seem to break away
from it.
The best tracks here are "Blinded," "Crystal Baller," and
"My Hit And Run."
Third Eye Blind: Stephan Jenkins – vocals, guitar; Arion Salazar – bass, vocals; Tony Fredianelli – guitar, vocals; Brad Hargreaves – drums.
For more information, check out http://www.3eb.com.
"Blue" (Elektra;
1999)
Reviewed by Jeff Rogers
Since the song "Semi Charged Life" from
their first CD rocketed these guys above all others of their ilk, it seemed that
a repeat would be in order. Well, it seems that resting on the same formula was not what they
had in mind. This album has the hooks but not as much to remember in the song department.
"Blue" rocks a little harder than their debut; either Third Eye Blind
was trying to prove they weren’t one hit wonders or a new musical direction was taken by the whole band. The guitar fillers are good; the riffs are strong when they are blasted.
The band also likes the whole somber sound to the point that they over-do it a bit when those tracks are played.
Still, "Blue" has a power pop sound and is slick enough to keep your
attention. It kept mine. This CD is worth picking up.
The best songs here are "Anything," "Wounded," "Never Let You Go," "1000 Julys," and
"An Ode To Maybe."
Third Eye Blind is: Stephen Jenkins – vocals; Kevin Cadogan – guitar; Arion Salazar – bass; Brad Hargreaves – drums.
For more information, check out www.3eb.com.
"Third
Eye Blind" (Elektra; 1997)
Reviewed by Mr. Dude
This is the "hit" release from the pseudo-"alternative" band Third Eye Blind. It has all the big, bland boring songs you hear on the radio including "Semi-charmed Life," "Jumper" and "How It's Going To Be." This is the average album of the year by the most average band around. Nothing really sticks out on this gem, but you better go buy it, because I hear the girls dig this band. Memo to potential musicians ... if you lisp, don't sing, take up the guitar.
THIRD EYE BLIND: Kevin Cadogan; Brad Hargreaves; Stephan Jenkins; Arion Salazar.
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.
Copyright © 2007 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights reserved.
