Beautiful Freak

Review by Greg Gitzel

This debut CD from L.A-based band Eels is quite interesting. Recorded in basements and garages in the Los Angeles area, this is an album which is original and worth listening to.

The songs are catchy with great melodies. Twisted little ideas are thrown in here and there, such as some samples and drum loops. Not that nobody has ever used drum loops and samples before, but the Eels make good use of them. "Susan's House" is a cool song which has a Bruce Hornsby style piano sound with a hip hop beat to it. Other highlights are "Novocaine for the Soul" and "Beautiful Freak." Lyrically the Eels' songwriter E writes songs that are about being sad and depressed, and the lyrics are honest.

Overall I like this CD. It's different and refreshing.