“Everything was beautiful and free/In the beginning” - “The Beginning” from End Times.
My first introduction to The Eels was with the CD A Man Called E, released in 1992. The artist responsible for that work was Mark Oliver Everett (aka E), who sang songs about a sad young man “staring out the window with a blue hat on,” while feeling pretty darn sorry for himself. There was not a lot of life experience in those songs but they were beautiful and melancholy — proof positive that an LP’s worth of self-pity could be a worthwhile listen.
Everett eventually formed The Eels, staying at the forefront of that band as it changed personnel and style over the years.
Now, after a four year gap between releases, the Eels return to the fray with End Times, which, with its rich melancholia and spare arrangements, is reminiscent of that first E album. But there is a big difference.
In End Times our protagonist has made it to middle age, wiser and sadder with an excellent reason to feel miserable. He has lost of the love of his life - not by death but through a divorce.
The album takes us on a musical journey of E dealing with a relationship gone sour, self evaluation, and coping with the pain of living every day. E is not an optimist by any means. In “Gone” he laments: "Jesus loved me but it’s over now." His depression is such that in order to make sure he is alive, he has conversations with his dog.
Depression begets reflection and in “In My Younger Days,” E tells us that “back then this wouldn’t have been so hard”; he would have just shrugged it off, and put it down to his “ongoing education.” A gorgeous, aching melody complements this wistful homage to lost youth and the sad confession that all he wants is his lost love back.
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Article comments
1 - El Bicho
"after a four year gap between releases"
Huh? Even if you don't count compilation and live albums, you still have "Hombre Lobo: 12 Songs of Desire" which came out six months ago
2 - Neonfiller
Quite right El Bicho. This review makes no mention of Hombre Lobo - the most recent point of reference for the Eels latest sound. What most Eels fans want to know is how does this compare with Hombre Lobo.
Here's a review of Hombre Lobo for you Mindy.
3 - Mindy Peterman
I apologize for this gaffe. After reading the review and a listen to "Hombre", I can say that the similarities are in the ballads: stark, personal, and heartbreaking. The wildman pokes his head up only occasionally on "End Times" (particularly in "Paradise Blues"). I wouldn't say "End Times" is a radical departure from "Hombre" musically, but in concept and tone it is.
4 - Gerard
Just found END TIMES online, and listening to it now. Simple but very warm songs. Sound like they were recorded at home. Very much in style with Ordinary Man from the last cd.
5 - Theeyeballkid
Anyone know where the preview for this album is I cant find it anywhere?