Third Eye Blind [LP] by Third Eye Blind (Vinyl, 1997)

8718469536627

5050166362

Third Eye Blind, Michael Urbano

Vinyl

1997

Third Eye Blind [LP]

LP

Alternative, Rock

Third Eye Blind: Stephan Jenkins (vocals, acoustic & electric guitars, drums, percussion, programming); Kevin Cadogan (vocals, guitar, auto harp); Arion Salazar (vocals, piano, bass); Brad Hargreaves (drums). Additional personnel: Eric Valentine (guitar, piano, keyboards, programming); Ari Gorman (cello); Michael Urbano (drums). Recorded at Toast Studios, Skywalker Ranch and H.O.S., California. This San Francisco band's first album is a study in contradictions, presenting heavy, often melancholy, themes in the guise of catchy, tuneful power pop. The irresistible single "Semi-Charmed Life" is just one example of Kevin Cadogan and Stephan Jenkins' agile lyrical stylings. The delirious tempo aptly reflects both a high feeling and a sense of desperation, of things spinning out of control. The album is chock full of searching lyrics set against a background of lush, rhythmic music. "How's It Going To Be" has a palpable sense of nostalgia and loss. The funky "I Want You" expresses a yearning for connection: "Children love to sing but then their voices/Slowly fade away/People always take a step away/From what is true/That's why I like you around/I want you."

1

Entertainment Weekly (4/25/97, p.71) - "Balancing a cheery ear for harmonies with a finely honed sense of despair, this clamorous pop band displays deft songwriting on its hook-laden debut..." - Rating: B Alternative Press (p.108) - "Seminal contributions included downright-fun melodies and not-quite-off-key harmonies."