Eels - Hombre Lobo: 12 Songs Of Desire

The Eels. I'm doing this review today for a few reasons. First being, the Eels are still amazing. I've profiled them before, but I don't think a lot of readers have given them their due yet. Second, they're putting on a show in October at the Pabst Theater in Milwaukee, WI. Everyone who lives in that area should be there. It's been said before, but I'll say it again - this is the best band you're not listening to. Thirdly, I needed to run an 'oddball' type review today, and the Eels will always fit that mold. They still don't fit into any sort of genre that I can pick up on. Their music is just a ride down great roller coaster, you go up the ramp and when you start coming down the big drop - you have no idea what's ahead. You just know you're going to love it. Hombre Lobo was their 7th studio release back in 2009. This was part of a trio of concept albums released by the Eels in late 2009 through the beginning of 2010. 'End Times' dropped in January of this year and then 'Tomorrow Morning' will be released here in a couple weeks. I'll need to make sure I'm well versed in all their tuneage for the show, so I'll try to get to all those albums this month/next month. You'll recall I reviewed their first studio release, 'Beautiful Freak' and gave it great reviews. Nothing is going to change with this rating. I'm not sure it's AS good as that one, but it's certainly not behind my very much. The Eels always have such great arrangements and such a fantastic sound that it's hard not to enjoy what they do. I know you'll love them too, so please check this one out. And please, enjoy them and come to the show. Good times shall be had by everyone! Blast your way through Thursday with all the Eels greatness.

TRACK LISTING:
1. Prizefighter
2. That Look You Give That Guy
3. Lilac Breeze
4. In My Dreams
5. Tremendous Dynamite
6. Longing, The
7. Fresh Blood
8. What's a Fella Gotta Do
9. My Timing is Off
10. All the Beautiful Things
11. Beginner's Luck
12. Ordinary Man

Listen To Samples

Top 3 Tracks:
1. Ordinary Man
2. The Longing
3. All The Beautiful Things

FINAL RATING:
4.5 out of 5 stars

Eels - Beautiful Freak

There is no question in my mind that the Eels are the best band you're not listening to. Every single Eels record out there is extremely well put together and has the creativity flowing that you just don't find in the popular genre. This review takes me all the way back to 1996 when the grunge revolution was still in full force. Maybe way back when you heard Novocaine on the radio or on MTV, but if you didn't check this full record out, you did yourself a huge disservice. Start to finish, this is one of my favorites of all time. This is another group that I put into my hodgepodge type genre because they don't really fit into anything I can pre-label. This cd is only like $7 dollars at Best Buy and well worth the price. If you're still skeptical, check out the samples below and make your call there. I'm fairly positive you'll enjoy it though, no matter what genre fits you best. They've got 4 or 5 other really solid albums out there, and of course I'll get to those in due time as well. Until then, enjoy the classic!

TRACK LISTING:
1. Novocaine for the Soul
2. Susan's House
3. Rags to Rags
4. Beautiful Freak
5. Not Ready Yet
6. My Beloved Monster
7. Flower
8. Guest List
9. Mental
10. Spunky
11. Your Lucky Day in Hell
12. Manchild

Listen To Samples

Top 3 Tracks:
1. Beautiful Freak
2. Flower
3. My Beloved Monster

FINAL RATING:
4.75 out of 5 stars