EELS
Posted by admin | Filed under Art, Music
I’ve had a revelation this year. Back in the Spring a friend leant me a book called “Things The Grandchildren Should Know” by Mark Oliver Everett, aka E from the American alternative rock band EELS (for those of you who don’t know). I read it in a week and frankly it has changed my life. Here’s why…
When I was at university in Sheffield in the late 90′s I listened to EELS. I had their first 2 albums and almost went to see them live at The Octagon or someplace similar but for lack of funds. A couple of their songs have consistently made it onto compilation CDs and playlists of mine over the years too. I even bought an EELS album about a couple of years ago and quite got into it. However, I’ve never really considered myself a huge fan, nor gone to the trouble to really explore their music fully or see them live. Why? I don’t know. I never really got it. Well, now I know the reason. Because I wasn’t meant to until now.
The book is an autobiographical account of E’s life up to the release of Blinking Lights And Other Revelations and the tour that followed. In it, he tells, in a very matter of fact way, the harrowing story of how he saw his entire family die over the years; went through fits of depression and anguish; lost friends to terrorists, disease and drugs and still managed to come out on top by turning that pain into music. One reviewer said “Blinking Lights is a manual for mining grace from the ashes of crushing despair”. They were right.
After reading the book I now understand the music. It is pure release. Therapy. A transformation of pain into beauty. If you ever wondered what artists and musicians mean when they talk about their art being their therapy, well read the book and listen to the albums. Then read the book again. You’ll see what I mean. Before I read the book I didn’t understand where the music came from. It was quirky and honest but once you get under the skin of the music they become more than just songs, they become stories and feelings.
Needless to say I bought the entire back catalogue and have barely a day has passed since the spring without me listening to EELS at some point. In the age of pop nonsense it is liberating to know that somewhere out there, there is a man making music from the heart for those who will listen.
If you’re curious, then check them out. You won’t regret it!
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