The Eels - Trouble WithDreams

Mon 3rd Oct, 2005 in Music Reviews

Mark Oliver Everett, or as he self abbreviates himself, E, is a man obsessed. From the age of twenty he spent his years as if locked in a padded cell, writing and recording songs as his medication; an evidently ritualistic and insular activity. As the inspiration in his home town slowly dissipated, E decided to drive 3000 miles away to Los Angeles in search of a new cell, some new medication, and a new city that could feed his obsession. Gradually his obsession evolved into an even more qualitative art, and recognition for this came in the shape of a record deal. Since then, under the guise The Eels and with the support of an ever changing band lineup, E has been churning out albums, in a rather cathartic manner.

Now, The Eels return with the double album Blinking Lights And Other Revelations, and the first single from it, Trouble With Dreams. The track is a dreamlike experience indeed, oscillating between eerie pessimism, and sparkling bliss, the instrumentals and vocals both expressing these opposing personas eloquently. Due to noone elses fault but my own, this track is practically an introduction to this artists work for me, but as far as first impressions go, I will be sure to listen out for more of The Eels material. If one mans obsession can produce this, then let man be obsessed.