Eels- Daisies Of The Galaxy

Daisies Of The Galaxy is Eels' third album. It was released in 2000, two years after Electro-Shock Blues.

And it starts out very strangely indeed. The marching band interludes in Grace Kelly Blues are completely out of place! However, once it settles into its groove, the combination of husky voice and gentle xylophone and ukulele works a treat. The vivid storytelling is also a highlight.

Packing Blankets is a similar success story, with special mention to the subtle organ in the background

Mixing things up a bit is The Sound Of Fear, where the rock/funk groove is used to great effect. I also really enjoy the time-freezing interlude that is the chorus.

I Like Birds is a bit of a simplistic ditty, but the narrative makes it work. Also, the grandiose chorus (relatively speaking) makes for a wonderfully obscure contrast to the whimsical lyrics. Like much of the album, it's quite oddball, but I really dig it. The genius of The Eels is how they stylistically wander through various pop genres, while the core attributes - catchy melodies, comforting lyrics and syrup-smooth instrumentals contrasted by gravelling vocals - continue to shine through.

And the audio quality perfectly matches this style; light and airy, while sitting on a solid foundation of bass.

While the song Daisies Of The Galaxy injects some variety with its melancholy style, personally I find it a bit of a killjoy. Also, it tends to lumber along. It's A Motherf#&!@r follows a similar recipe, but manages to hit the nail on the head and form a nice interlude for the album.

The indie-rock groove of Flyswatter works a treat. Especially the catchy and headbanging chorus. A minor whinge is that I wish it had a snappy ending, instead dragging out into an experimental jam session.

Tiger In My Tank is another solid pop song and the lyrics are a particular highlight. On the other hand, the music is a bit too stop-start for my liking. Similarly, the abrupt transition into the chorus on A Daisy Through Concrete isn't to my liking. However, the stars all align perfectly for Mr E's Beautiful Blues. It makes for an infectiously bouncy pop song. And to think that the band didn't even want to include the song on the album!

Wooden Nickels makes for a great lullabye, thanks to the wonderfully vivid imagery of the lyrics. The music also plays its part perfectly, to create a nice moody, sparse scene.

Favourite songs

Grace Kelly Blues, Packing Blankets, The Sound Of Fear, I Like Birds, Flyswatter, Wooden Nickels, Mr E's Beautiful Blues

Worthwhile?

This album gives me great happiness whenever I listen to it... a wonderfully naive and simple happiness. Can't ask for anything more than that!