Everclear reviewed

"Sparkle and Fade"
Everclear
Capitol Records
1995

Wow, it's 2004 and I'm only just reviewing this album, plus, it's May 2004 and I intended to review this months ago, but couldn't make up my mind. Everclear is definitely a talented band that people compare to Nirvana. Sure it's got that music of discontent --form-wise. In the end, I have to classify this Everclear album as pop, and not alternative. One of the reasons I had a hard time reviewing this album is that the lyrics are so nothing. I don't want to say they are inauthentic; although Everclear claims "Heroin Girl" does not refer to anyone actual. It's possible to have perfectly authentic lyrics and sound and still be just another variation of the oppressive romance culture. As it stands, the teenage years in Amerika bring a burst of energy and sexual drive. These songs express that sort of thing, various kinds of longings typical of the romance culture, and even "Heroin Girl" is not that interesting. It would be better for Everclear to redo some Bob Marley lyrics or hire some really discontented people to come up with their stories to match a discontented sound. Although the music is tight, I hesitate to recommend "Sparkle and Fade" even for background music while exercising. Getting hooked into some romantic dream world (and maybe a lof of wimmin would not find this album very "romantic" either) while exercising might undercut the proper basis of exercise and contribute to obesity. (If you are going to listen to slow, syrupy romance pop while exercising, then this might be a step up for you.) Buy This CD Notes: MIM has explained that one might even "like" this music while knowing rationally that there is something wrong with it, maybe even profoundly wrong and evil. Being a Maoist means being a revolutionary scientist and that means having the ability to question everything that we like. See MIM Theory on feminism and gender issues.