Eels (band): Difference between revisions

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Latest revision as of 12:34, 9 August 2025

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{{Short description|American indie rock band}}

: ''This article is about the band. For the fish, see [[eel]]. For the spectroscopic technique used in materials science, see [[electron energy loss spectroscopy]].''

{{Use American English|date=June 2023}}

{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2023}}

{{Infobox musical artist

| name = Eels

| image = Eels at Birmingham Town Hall 26Feb2008.jpg

| image_upright = 1.25

| caption = Birmingham Town Hall, February 2008 (left to right): The Chet and [[Mark Oliver Everett|E]]

| alt = The band performing onstage

| origin = [[Los Feliz, Los Angeles]], [[California]], U.S.

| genre = {{flatlist|

* [[Alternative rock]]

* [[indie rock]]<ref>{{cite web|author=Greg Prato |url=http://www.allmusic.com/artist/eels-mn0000174752/biography |title=Eels &#124; Biography & History |website=[[AllMusic]] |access-date=January 15, 2017}}</ref>

* [[trip hop]]

}}

| years_active = 1991–1995 (E) 1995–present

| label = {{flatlist|

* [[DreamWorks Records|DreamWorks]]

* [[Vagrant Records|Vagrant]]

* [[E Works]]

}}

| current_members = [[Mark Oliver Everett|E (Mark Oliver Everett)]]<br />The Chet (Jeff Lyster)<br />Koool G Murder (Kelly Logsdon)<br />P-Boo (Mike Sawitzke)<br />Knuckles (Derek Brown)<br />Big/Krazy/Tiny/Honest/Upright/Royal Al (Allen Hunter)

| past_members =

}}

'''Eels''' (often typeset as '''eels''' or '''EELS''') is an American [[Rock music|rock]] band formed in Los Angeles in 1991 by singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist [[Mark Oliver Everett]], known by the stage name '''E'''. Band members have changed over the years, both in the studio and on stage, making Everett the only official member for most of the band's work. Eels' music is often filled with themes of family, death, and unrequited love. Since 1996, Eels has released fifteen studio albums, seven of which entered the [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]].<ref>{{cite web|title = Eels – Chart history {{!}} Billboard|url = http://www.billboard.com/artist/301484/eels/chart?f=305|website = www.billboard.com|access-date = June 23, 2015|archive-date = November 6, 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151106002802/http://www.billboard.com/artist/301484/eels/chart?f=305|url-status = dead}}</ref>

'''Eels''' (also sometimes '''eels''' or '''EELS''', depending on the album) are an [[United States|American]] [[rock music|rock]] band formed by singer/songwriter [[Mark Oliver Everett]], better known as Mr. E or simply E. He is the frontman of the band, calling Eels a vessel for his music. Other members rotate frequently, both in the studio and on stage. Their live shows include interesting interpretations of older songs, and usually some well-known covers.

== BiographyHistory ==

=== E solo records ===

In 1991, Everett signed a contract with [[Polydor]] and released ''[[A Man Called E]]'' under the name E a year later. The single "Hello Cruel World" was a minor success. Touring to support the album, E opened for [[Tori Amos]].<ref name="things">{{Cite book |title=Things the Grandchildren Should Know |last=Everett |first=Mark Oliver |date=2008 |publisher=Thomas Dunne Books |isbn=978-0-312-38513-2 |edition=1st |___location=New York |oclc=213451480 |url-access=registration |url=https://archive.org/details/thingsgrandchild00ever_0}}</ref> ''A Man Called E'' was followed by ''[[Broken Toy Shop]]'' in 1993. This year also marked the beginning of E's collaboration with drummer [[Jonathan "Butch" Norton]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Crock |first=Jason |title=Eels: Meet the Eels: Essential Eels Vol. I / Useless Trinkets: B-Sides, Soundtracks, Rarities and Unreleased |url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/11648-meet-the-eels-essential-eels-vol-iuseless-trinkets-b-sides-soundtracks-rarities-and-unreleased/ |access-date=2024-11-15 |website=Pitchfork |language=en-US}}</ref> After ''Broken Toy Shop'', E was released from his record deal with [[Polydor Records|Polydor]].{{citation needed|date=February 2016}} E has performed two of the songs from ''Broken Toy Shop'' ("The Only Thing I Care About" and "Manchester Girl") for his own live shows with Eels.{{citation needed|date=February 2016}}

A record was released in 1985 by Mark Everett called "Bad Dude in Love." Not much is known about the LP, all information found is located here [http://www.eels.nl/1996/eels19850000baddude.html].

In [[1992]], [[Mark Oliver Everett|Mr. E]] released his first solo album (under the name E) titled ''[[A Man Called E]]'' on [[Polydor]]. The single "Hello Cruel World" was a minor success. Touring to support this album, he opened for [[Tori Amos]]. ''A Man Called E'' was followed by ''[[Broken Toy Shop]]'' in [[1993]]; This year he was also joined on stage by drummer Jonathan 'Butch' Norton. After ''Broken Toy Shop'' E was released from his record deal with Polydor.

=== ''Beautiful Freak'' ===

Eels were officially founded when Butch and E met [[Tommy Walter]]. The name "Eels" was chosen so that the band's records would be close to E's solo records in an alphabetical ordering, although it was too late once they realized that numerous [[Eagles (band)|Eagles]] and [[Earth, Wind and Fire]] releases were in between.<ref>{{cite book |last=Everett |first=Mark Oliver |title=[[Things the Grandchildren Should Know]] |page=110 |publisher=Picador |year=2009}}</ref> "I went to the Virgin Megastore and I see the E CDs right at the beginning of the E section," Everett recalled on the ''Naked Lunch'' podcast with [[Philip Rosenthal|Phil Rosenthal]] and [[David Wild]]. "And then there's like, 28 Earth, Wind and Fire [albums], 40 Eagles [albums] -- they're nowhere near each other!"<ref>{{Citation |title=Mark Oliver Everett, AKA E from EELS |date=2023-09-07 |url=https://open.spotify.com/episode/4fbV3WdtiaQkCVP5fnYL72 |access-date=2023-09-07 |language=en}}</ref>

When Butch and E met [[Abandoned Pools|Tommy Walter]], they founded Eels. The main reason for this name was so that the [[musical band|band]]'s records would be next to E's in an alphabetical ordering. It was only later that they realised that [[The Eagles]] would fall in between. They signed a record deal with [[Steven Spielberg]]'s [[Dreamworks]], being one of their first bands. In [[1996]] the band released their debut album ''[[Beautiful Freak]]'': a melancholic pop record, where the lyrics of a tormented Everett shine. With the singles "Novocaine for the Soul" and "Susan's House" the band had modest international success. They toured extensively to support the album in 1996 and [[1997]], playing many festivals and building their name as a live act in the United States and Europe. In September 1997, Tommy quit the band (or was fired, depending on who you ask - see the hidden message in the track "Dog's Life"). The album demonstrated a wide range of influences, including [[grunge]] and [[hip-hop]].

Eels became one of the first acts to sign a record deal with [[DreamWorks Records]], followed by [[Elliott Smith]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hochman |first=Steve |date=2005-02-20 |title=Vagrant is home for the Eels |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2005-feb-20-ca-popeye20-story.html |access-date=2024-11-15 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}</ref>

===''Electro-Shock Blues''===

E had a difficult time in his personal life at this point. His sister had committed suicide just before ''Beautiful Freak'' was released, and his mother was diagnosed with cancer. These events inspired him to write ''[[Electro-Shock Blues]]'', released in [[1998]]. The lyrics deal with subjects like suicide, death, and cancer. Despite the fact that it is a very dark album, and not nearly as big a commercial success as its predecessor, ''Electro-Shock Blues'' is still many fans' favourite. Contributions to the album were made by [[Jon Brion]], [[Dust Brothers|Dust Brother]] Michael Simpson, and [[T-Bone Burnett]]. "Last Stop: This Town" was a minor success as a single; the second single "Cancer for the Cure" was used on the soundtrack for the film ''[[American Beauty (1999 film)|American Beauty]]''. Still a three-piece band on stage, Tommy Walter was replaced by Adam Siegel, formerly of [[Suicidal Tendencies]]. A large part of the American leg of the tour was cancelled after the death of E's mother. They returned to Europe later in the year, to open for [[Pulp (band)|Pulp]]. After the tour Adam left the band to focus on his own project, [[My Head]].

In 1996, the band released their debut album ''[[Beautiful Freak]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |date= |title=» Eels Q&A and Playlist: ‘The Cautionary Tales of Mark Oliver Everett’ |url=https://grantland.com/hollywood-prospectus/eels-interview-the-cautionary-tales-of-mark-oliver-everett/ |access-date=2024-11-15 |language=en-US}}</ref> The singles "[[Novocaine for the Soul]]", "[[Susan's House]]" and "[[Your Lucky Day in Hell]]" achieved modest national and international success, with the band winning the Best International Breakthrough Act award at the [[1998 BRIT Awards]].<ref name="guardian">{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2022/jan/22/on-my-radar-mark-oliver-everetts-cultural-highlights |last=Bromwich |first=Kathryn |title=On my radar: Mark Oliver Everett's cultural highlights |website=[[The Guardian]] |date=January 22, 2022 |access-date=January 25, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Nierenberg |first=Jacob |date=2024-05-18 |title=100 Of The Best 90s Alternative Songs: When The Underground Went Mainstream |url=https://www.udiscovermusic.com/stories/best-90s-alternative-songs/ |access-date=2024-11-15 |website=uDiscover Music |language=en-US}}</ref> The single Susan's House was extremely popular in the UK, in part due to its stylistic resemblance to the then-popular [[trip hop]] genre, with its slow tempo, subdued melody, and distorted spoken-word vocals. In 1996 and 1997, Eels toured extensively to support the album, building their name as a live act in the United States and Europe. In September 1997, Walter quit the band.<ref>{{Cite news |date=June 8, 2006 |title=EELS At The Vogue |url=https://thevogue.com/artists/eels/ |work=vogue.com}}</ref>

===''Daisies of the Galaxy''===

In [[2000]], the ''[[Daisies of the Galaxy]]'' album was released, a much happier work. As E puts it, If ''Electro-Shock Blues'' was the phone call in the middle of the night that the world doesn't want to answer, then ''Daisies of the Galaxy'' is the hotel wake-up call that says your lovely breakfast is ready. The album was almost entirely recorded in E's basement. E is joined in the studio by Michael Simpson ([[Dust Brothers]]), Grant Lee Phillips ([[Grant Lee Buffalo]]), and [[Peter Buck]] ([[R.E.M. (band)|R.E.M.]]). On the tracks "It's a Motherfucker" and "Selective Memory", E plays on the same piano [[Neil Young]] used on his classic album ''[[After the Goldrush]]''. The first single "Mr. E's Beautiful Blues" was co-written by Simpson and features the sound of his pager in the intro. The song was not intended to be on the album, but the record company insisted on its inclusion. Therefore it is not featured on the track listing but listed as 'bonus track', separated from the rest of the album by 20 seconds of silence. The song also appeared on the ''[[Road Trip]]'' soundtrack; some prominent members of the cast from that film feature in the music video. Because of the use of [[Profanity|swear words]] on "It's a Motherfucker" and "Mr. E's Beautiful Blues" (''god''damn right, it's a beautiful day) a [[Censorship of music|censored]] version was released. "It's a Motherfucker" was renamed to "It's a Monstertrucker"; instances of the '[[Fuck|f-word]]' were removed by E singing over them in a distorted voice.

To promote "Daisies of the Galaxy" another tour was planned across the United States and Europe. This time Eels were transformed into an 6-piece orchestra, including [[Lisa Germano]]. E also played a few solo shows, opening for [[Fiona Apple]].

Released in May 2001, the motion picture soundtrack for the movie ''[[Shrek]]'' included the song "[[Beautiful Freak|My Beloved Monster]]".

===''Souljacker''===

In [[2001]] ''[[Souljacker]]'' was released, an album with a darker feel than ''Daisies of the Galaxy''. [[John Parish (musician)|John Parish]], previously in [[PJ Harvey]]'s band, co-wrote most of the songs and also played guitar on the album and first part of the tour. Koool G Murder played bass and keyboards and joined Eels on tour, jokingly introduced by E as 'the other guy'. [[Wim Wenders]] directed the video for the first single, ''Souljacker Part 1''. After Parish became a father, he was replaced with [[Joe Gore]] for the American leg of the ''Bus Driving, Band Rocking'' Tour.

=== ''Electro-Shock Blues'' ===

===''Shootenanny!'' and Butch's controversial departure===

Following the success of ''Beautiful Freak'', E experienced a difficult time in his personal life. His sister died by suicide, and his mother was diagnosed with cancer. These events inspired Eels' second album, 1998's ''[[Electro-Shock Blues]]''. The album deals with many difficult subjects, including cancer, mental illness, suicide and death.<ref name=stereogum>{{cite web |last=Tedder |first=Michael |url=https://www.stereogum.com/2019333/eels-electro-shock-blues/reviews/the-anniversary |title=Electro-Shock Blues Turns 20 |website=[[Stereogum]] |date=October 19, 2018 |access-date=January 24, 2022}}</ref> The tragedy of Everett's father's death became prominent once more in the context of his mother's impending death and his sister's suicide, and as a result the song "Baby Genius" is written for his father [[Hugh Everett III]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Healy |first=Mark |date=2000-05-25 |title=Q&A: E of the Eels |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/qa-e-of-the-eels-193307/ |access-date=2024-11-16 |website=Rolling Stone |language=en-US}}</ref> Contributions to the album were made by [[Jon Brion]], [[Lisa Germano]], Jim Jacobsen, [[Grant-Lee Phillips]], [[Dust Brothers|Dust Brother]] Michael Simpson, and [[T-Bone Burnett]].

[[2003]] marked the release of the album ''[[Shootenanny!]]''. E now refers to the album as a break from recording the following ''Blinking Lights'' album. It was recorded live in the studio in only ten days. "Saturday Morning" was released as a single.

The single "[[Last Stop: This Town]]" saw minor success, while "[[Cancer for the Cure]]", the second single from the album, appeared on the soundtrack for ''[[American Beauty (1999 film)|American Beauty]]'' (1999).

Fans were shocked later that year when Butch left the group. The official reason given by the band was that he had amicably left to play drums for [[Tracy Chapman]]. However, in an interview given to Rythm Magazine, Butch stated that he was fired from the band over monitarial disputes. "...We were coming through Europe on the second tour for ''Souljacker'', and I had to apply for bankruptcy." After asking their management for a retainer in exchange for giving up his half of their legal partnership, "I got a call from E's accountant who said, 'E doesn't want to change the structure'...I'm still very hurt. That's how it goes with relationships. I would hope that the door would be open for me to return and work with E one day because that's what I enjoy." He also has also recently done work with [[Tracy Bonham]] and [[Rufus Wainwright]].

Still a three-piece band on stage, Tommy Walter was replaced by [[Adam Siegel]]. Part of the American leg of the tour was canceled after the death of E's mother.<ref>{{Cite web |last=DiGiacomo |first=Frank |date=2024-06-07 |title=EELS Frontman E Discusses His Open-Heart Surgery and the Band’s New Record |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/features/eels-frontman-e-interview-new-album-heart-surgery-1235703600/ |access-date=2024-11-16 |website=Billboard |language=en-US}}</ref> They returned to tour Europe later in the year, to open for [[Pulp (band)|Pulp]].{{citation needed|date=February 2016}}

Butch was replaced on drums by Puddin. In 2003 Eels did another big tour, The ''Tour of Duty''. The live band then consisted of E, Shon 'Golden Boy' Sullivan (guitar), Koool G Murder (bass) and Puddin (drums). Sullivan soon left to work on his own project, [[Goldenboy]], and was replaced with Chet Atkins III. Later that year, E composed the score for the film [[Levity]].

=== ''BlinkingDaisies Lightsof andthe Other RevelationsGalaxy'' ===

In 2000, Eels released ''[[Daisies of the Galaxy]]''. The album, which was recorded almost entirely in E's basement, is lighter and more upbeat than its predecessor.{{citation needed|date=February 2016}} Everett noted, "if ''Electro-Shock Blues'' was the phone call in the middle of the night that the world doesn't want to answer, then ''Daisies of the Galaxy'' is the hotel wake-up call that says your lovely breakfast is ready".<ref name="lucas">{{cite web |url=https://drownedinsound.com/in_depth/4143890-an-album-of-the-year-2000-11yrson--eels-daisies-of-the-galaxy |last=Lucas |first=Dan |title=An Album of the Year 2000 – 11yrson: Eels Daisies of the Galaxy |website=[[Drowned in Sound]] |date=October 27, 2011 |access-date=January 25, 2022 |archive-date=January 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220125092010/https://drownedinsound.com/in_depth/4143890-an-album-of-the-year-2000-11yrson--eels-daisies-of-the-galaxy |url-status=dead }}</ref> He was joined in the studio by [[Michael Simpson (producer)|Michael Simpson]] ([[Dust Brothers]]), [[Grant-Lee Phillips]] ([[Grant Lee Buffalo]]), and [[Peter Buck]] ([[R.E.M.]]).

The new album, called ''[[Blinking Lights and Other Revelations]]'', was released on [[April 26]], [[2005]]; it was the band's first release for new label [[Vagrant Records]]. It is an epic 33-track double album. Contributions were made by [[Tom Waits]], [[Peter Buck]] and [[John Sebastian]] ([[The Lovin' Spoonful]]). A hand-written lyric-sheet to "In the Yard, Behind the Church", a song from the new album, was sold on [[eBay]] for charity. The winning bidder paid $544 for it. The first tour in support of this album, billed as ''Eels With Strings'', featured primarily .acoustic guitar-, [[pump organ|organ]]- and piano-based performances by E backed by Alan 'Big Al' Hunter on piano and [[upright bass]]; Chet Lyster (also known as Chet Atkins III or 'The Chet') on guitar, [[mandolin]], [[pedal steel]], [[musical saw]] and drums; and the string quartet of [[violin]]ists Paloma Udovic and Julie Carpenter, [[viola|viol]]ist Heather Lockie and [[cello|cell]]ist Ana Lenchantin. The tour resulted in a live album, ''[[Eels with Strings: Live at Town Hall]]'', recorded in [[New York City]], due to be released on [[compact disc|CD]] and [[DVD]] on [[February 21]], [[2006]]{{ref|BLAOR-news}}.

The first single, "[[Mr. E's Beautiful Blues]]", was co-written by Simpson. The song was not intended to be on the album, but the record company insisted on its inclusion. Therefore, it was not featured on the track listing but was instead listed on the cover sticker as a bonus track, separated from the rest of the album by 20 seconds of silence.

===Bobby, Jr.===

Everett's [[dog]], Bobby Jr., has been on the rise lately, too. A mix between a [[German Shepherd]] and a [[Basset Hound]], Bobby Jr. was a homeless dog, roaming the streets of [[Silver Lake, Los Angeles, California]] until the [[Los Angeles]] Animal Control caught him, and he was taken to a [[dog pound]], where Everett eventually "adopted" him. Recently, Bobby Jr. lent his vocals to the [[Eels]] song ''Last Time We Spoke'' on the album [[Blinking Lights and Other Revelations]] (2005). Bobby Jr. can also be seen on assorted [[Eels]] merchandise, the official [[Eels]] website, and he even has his own [[MySpace]]!

To promote ''Daisies of the Galaxy'', another tour took place across the United States and Europe, with the band also playing their first concerts in Australia. For these performances, Eels were transformed into a 6-piece orchestra, including [[Lisa Germano]] and Probyn Gregory. E also played some solo shows, opening for [[Fiona Apple]].

== Fanscene ==

Eels have a huge fan community. Their several wold tours took them to Europe, Australia, Japan and USA. The band is probably most successful in the UK and in Middle- and Northern Europe.

=== ''Souljacker'' and ''Shootenanny!'' ===

There have been few collaborations between the band and the fans. In [[2001]] for example a song called ''Hidden Track'' was recorded, a song which only consisted of text messages from fans.

In 2001, ''[[Souljacker]]'' was released, an album with a heavier feel and more rock-oriented sound than ''Daisies of the Galaxy''.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2002-03-28 |title=Souljacker will rock your soul |url=https://www.ocolly.com/souljacker-will-rock-your-soul/article_0d440cc3-c1ca-5bba-b270-ecd37228219b.html |access-date=2024-11-15 |website=ocolly.com |language=en}}</ref> [[John Parish]], previously of [[PJ Harvey]]'s band, co-wrote most of the songs and played guitar on the album and first part of the tour. After Parish became a father, he was replaced with Joe Gore for the American leg of the Bus Driving, Band Rocking Tour.{{citation needed|date=February 2016}} Koool G Murder played bass and keyboards and joined Eels on tour.

2003 marked the release of the album ''[[Shootenanny!]]''. E now refers to the album as a break from recording the following ''Blinking Lights'' album.{{citation needed|date=February 2016}} It was recorded live in the studio in only ten days. "Saturday Morning" was released as a single.

The relatively big community is also very active on its own. In [[1999]] a tribute album was made, organized by the Fansite ''The Galaxy'' (now [http://www.behindthechurch.com/ Behindthechurch.com]).

Also, currently the first ever Eels karaoke contest is held on the Austrian fansite [http://www.rockingeels.com/ Rocking Eels].

Butch was replaced on drums by Puddin'. In 2003, Eels embarked upon another big tour, called the Tour of Duty. The live band consisted of E, [[Shon Sullivan|Goldenboy]] (guitar), Koool G Murder (bass) and Puddin' (drums).{{citation needed|date=February 2016}} Later that year, E composed the score for the film ''[[Levity (film)|Levity]]''.

== Discography ==

See [[Mark Oliver Everett]] for E's solo discography.

=== ''Blinking Lights and Other Revelations'' and ''Eels with Strings'' ===

===Studio albums===

[[File:The Eels.jpg|alt=Eels performing onstage|thumb|Eels in 2006, back as a rock combo after a string quartet tour]]

* ''[[Beautiful Freak]]'' ([[1996]]) #5 UK

Eels' next album, ''[[Blinking Lights and Other Revelations]]'', was released on April 26, 2005, and was the band's first release for new label [[Vagrant Records]]. It is a 33-track double album. Contributions were made by [[Tom Waits]], Peter Buck, [[John Sebastian]] ([[The Lovin' Spoonful]]), Jim Jacobsen, and Butch.

* ''[[Electro-Shock Blues]]'' ([[1998]]) #12 UK

* ''[[Daisies of the Galaxy]]'' ([[2000]]) #8 UK

* ''[[Souljacker]]'' ([[2001]]) #12 UK

* ''[[Shootenanny!]]'' ([[2003]]) #35 UK

* ''[[Blinking Lights and Other Revelations]]'' ([[2005]]) #16 UK

The first tour in support of the ''Blinking Lights'' album, billed as Eels with Strings, featured primarily performances by E on acoustic guitar, [[pump organ|organ]] or piano, backed by Allen "Big Al" Hunter on piano and [[upright bass]], Jeffrey Lyster (also known as Chet Atkins III or "The Chet") on guitar, [[mandolin]], [[pedal steel]], [[musical saw]] and drums, and a string quartet consisting of [[violin]]ists Paloma Udovic and Julie Carpenter, [[viola|violist]] Heather Lockie and [[cello|cellist]] [[Ana Lenchantin]]. The tour resulted in a live album, ''[[Eels with Strings: Live at Town Hall]]'', recorded in New York City. The performance includes tracks from all of their albums, and was released on CD and DVD on February 21, 2006.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/60337/eels-get-tangled-in-strings-on-live-cddvd|title=Eels Get Tangled In Strings On Live CD/DVD|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |access-date=December 15, 2005}}</ref>

===Compilations and live albums===

* ''[[Oh, What a Beautiful Morning]]'' ([[2000]], live album)

* ''[[Electro-Shock Blues Show]]'' (1998/[[2002]], live album)

* ''[[Sixteen Tons (Ten Songs): 2003 KRCW Session]]'' ([[2005]] Tour/Website exclusive album)

* ''B-Sides & Rarities - 1996-2003'' (2005)

* ''[[Eels with Strings: Live at Town Hall]]'' ([[2006]], live album, also available on [[DVD]])

=== ''Meet the Eels: Essential Eels Vol. I'' and ''Useless Trinkets'' ===

===Singles===

In early 2008, Eels released their first "greatest hits" compilation as well as a compilation of [[A-side and B-side|B-sides]], rarities, soundtrack singles and unreleased tracks. ''[[Meet the Eels: Essential Eels Vol. I]]'' spans the first decade of the Eels, including singles from all their albums, as well as a DVD featuring music videos and one live performance video. ''[[Useless Trinkets]]'' contains 50 B-sides and rarities and a DVD of their [[Lollapalooza]] 2006 performances. To promote the releases, the band went on a world tour, An Evening With Eels. This time, only the Chet joined E on stage, both playing a broad cross-section from the Eels repertoire on a variety of instruments.{{citation needed|date=February 2016}} The concerts also featured the Chet reading excerpts from E's 2008 autobiography, ''[[Things the Grandchildren Should Know]]''.{{citation needed|date=February 2016}} On this tour, the band released a live CD/DVD package of Eels' 2006 performance at the ''[[London Astoria]]'', ''[[Live and in Person!]]'', documenting a show from the second tour in support of ''Blinking Lights and Other Revelations''.{{citation needed|date=February 2016}}

* "Novocaine for the Soul" ([[1997]]) #10 UK

* "Susan's House" ([[1997]]) #9 UK

* "Your Lucky Day in Hell" ([[1997]]) #35 UK

* "Last Stop: This Town" ([[1998]]) #23 UK

* "Cancer for the Cure" ([[1998]]) #60 UK

* "Mr E's Beautiful Blues" ([[2000]]) #11 UK

* "Flyswatter" ([[2000]]) #55 UK

* "Souljacker Part 1" ([[2001]]) #30 UK

* "Hey Man (Now You're Really Living)" ([[2005]]) #45 UK

The soundtrack of the 2008 comedy film ''[[Yes Man (film)|Yes Man]]'' features nine songs by Eels, including "Man Up", a brand new song.<ref>{{cite news |url = http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/node/147621 |title = Zooey Deschanel, Eels Affirm ''Yes Man'' Soundtrack |publisher = Pitchfork Media |date = November 21, 2008 |access-date = December 23, 2008 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081225232353/http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/node/147621 |archive-date = December 25, 2008 }}</ref>

== External links ==

=== Concept album trilogy: ''Hombre Lobo'', ''End Times'', and ''Tomorrow Morning'' ===

* [http://www.eelstheband.com EelsTheBand.com] &ndash; Official site

[[File:Eels salzburg 5.jpg|alt=The band onstage|thumb|Eels in 2011]]

* [http://www.myspace.com/eels www.myspace.com/eels] &ndash; Official MySpace Account

''[[Hombre Lobo]],'' the seventh Eels studio album, was released on June 2, 2009. The album comprises twelve new songs.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.eelstheband.com/main.php |title="Hombre Lobo" out on June 2nd, 2009 |publisher=Official Eels Site |date=March 3, 2009 |access-date=March 3, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081218024326/http://www.eelstheband.com/main.php |archive-date=December 18, 2008 }}</ref> "Hombre Lobo" is Spanish for "wolf man" or "werewolf" and references E's unusually long beard, which he originally grew when writing the song "Dog Faced Boy".<ref name="beard">{{cite magazine |url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/268569/eels-ready-beard-inspired-album |title=Eels Ready Beard-Inspired Album |first=Gary|last=Graff |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |date=May 21, 2009 |access-date=January 25, 2022}}</ref> On March 31, 2009, the band made the track "[[Fresh Blood (song)|Fresh Blood]]" available on [[Spinner (website)|Spinner]],<ref name="freshblood">{{cite web |url=http://www.spinner.com/2009/03/31/eels-fresh-blood-song-premiere/ |title='Fresh Blood' on AOL Music |publisher=[[AOL Music]] |date=March 31, 2009 |access-date=March 31, 2009 |archive-date=May 24, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110524070402/http://www.spinner.com/2009/03/31/eels-fresh-blood-song-premiere/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> explaining that the song would be the lead single for the album. A [[Jesse Dylan]]-directed music video was released on April 29, 2009, as well,<ref name="freshbloodvid">{{cite web |url=http://stereogum.com/archives/video/new-eels-video-fresh-blood-stereogum-premiere_066932.html |title="Fresh Blood" music video |publisher=[[Stereogum]] |date=April 29, 2009 |access-date=April 29, 2009 |archive-date=May 2, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090502150720/http://stereogum.com/archives/video/new-eels-video-fresh-blood-stereogum-premiere_066932.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> and the track would become the theme song of the 2015 [[HBO]] documentary miniseries [[The Jinx (miniseries)|''The Jinx'']].<ref name="freshbl_jynx">{{cite web |last1=Appelo |first1=Tim |title='The Jinx' Theme Composer on Robert Durst: "It's Hard Not to Feel Sorry for Him" |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/jinx-theme-composer-robert-durst-783131/ |website=The Hollywood Reporter |publisher=PMC |access-date=16 September 2023 |date=19 March 2015}}</ref> The album was released as a single-disc CD and a deluxe edition with a DVD.<ref name="hombrelobodeluxe">{{cite web |url=http://www.play.com/Music/CD/4-/9602997/Hombre-Lobo/Product.html |title=Hombre Lobo Deluxe Edition |publisher=[[Play.com]] |date=April 22, 2009 |access-date=April 22, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090527013125/http://www.play.com/Music/CD/4-/9602997/Hombre-Lobo/Product.html |archive-date=May 27, 2009 }}</ref> In September 2009, Eels released a music video for "That Look You Give That Guy", featuring Bobby Jr., E and ''[[Top Chef]]'' host [[Padma Lakshmi]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Eels, 'That Look You Give That Guy' – Video Premiere |url=http://www.spinner.com/2009/09/01/eels-that-look-you-give-that-guy-video-premiere/ |work=Spinner.com |date=September 1, 2009 |access-date=September 8, 2009 |archive-date=April 3, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120403001921/http://www.spinner.com/2009/09/01/eels-that-look-you-give-that-guy-video-premiere/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

* [http://www.behindthechurch.com Behind The Church.com] &ndash; Fansite

* [http://www.eels.nl/ Eels.nl &ndash; the online guide to live Eels] &ndash; Fansite with tour archive

While promoting this album, Eels released the live EP ''[[The Myspace Transmissions Session 2009]]'' on October 14, 2009. That same day, the band's website announced that a new Eels album entitled ''[[End Times (album)|End Times]]'' would be released on January 19, 2010. It was largely recorded on a four-track recorder and is based on the themes of broken love.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://rock.about.com/b/2009/11/16/eels-end-times-will-be-a-divorce-album-with-a-modern-twist.htm |title=Eels' 'End Times' Will Be "A Divorce Album With a Modern Twist" |publisher=Rock.about.com |date=November 16, 2009 |access-date=October 23, 2011 |archive-date=July 7, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707075631/http://rock.about.com/b/2009/11/16/eels-end-times-will-be-a-divorce-album-with-a-modern-twist.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref> Three album tracks—"Little Bird", "In My Younger Days", and "[[A Line in the Dirt]]"—were made available as music videos or promotional downloads prior to the release of the album. Once again, Butch contributed drums to "A Line in the Dirt". On January 19, 2010, ''End Times'' was released. E made no comment on touring and there was no tour scheduled to begin.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://eelstheband.com/main.php |title=End Times News |publisher=Eels |date=October 14, 2009 |access-date=October 14, 2009 }}</ref>

* [http://www.eelsitalia.com/ Eels Italia] &ndash; Italian fansite

* [http://galaxy.bykr.org/galaxy_butch.htm Butch leaves eels] &ndash; Email from Butch, confirming him leaving the band

A second album was announced on May 20, 2010: ''[[Tomorrow Morning (album)|Tomorrow Morning]]'' was described as the "final installment of a trilogy that began with ''Hombre Lobo'' and ''End Times''." The three albums respectively explore themes of desire, loss, and redemption.<ref name="concept">{{cite web |url=http://www.ocregister.com/entertainment/eels-260689-soundcheck-http.html |title=Eels Explore New Material at the Galaxy |last=Larsen |first=Peter |publisher=O. C. Register|date=August 4, 2010 |access-date=August 4, 2010}}</ref> A world tour, the first since 2007's An Evening With Eels tour, was announced at the same time.{{citation needed|date=February 2016}} This tour once again featured the Chet on various instruments, alongside Koool G Murder on bass, trilogy drummer Knuckles on drums and a new member, P-Boo, on guitar.{{citation needed|date=February 2016}}

* [http://www.eelsthediscography.co.uk EelsTheDiscography.co.uk] &ndash; Collectors and fansite.

* [http://galaxy.bykr.org The Galaxy] &ndash; Database of all eels tracks

=== ''Wonderful, Glorious'' and ''The Cautionary Tales of Mark Oliver Everett'' ===

* [http://www.rockingeels.com Rocking Eels] &ndash; Austrian Fansite

[[File:Rock en Seine eels 2.JPG|alt=Eels onstage, wearing track suits|thumb|Eels in 2013]]

[[File:Eels (2013-04-25, Le Trianon, Paris, FR).webm|thumb|right|Eels (Crazy Al, The Chet, E, Knuckles, and P-Boo) in Paris in 2013]]

On February 5, 2013, the 10th Eels studio album was released, entitled ''[[Wonderful, Glorious]]''.<ref name="Wonderful, Glorious announced">{{cite web |url=http://eelstheband.com/main.php |title=Wonderful, Glorious announced |publisher=Official Eels Site|date=October 22, 2012 |access-date=October 22, 2012}}</ref> The first single from the album, "Peach Blossom", premiered on [[SoundCloud]] on November 6, 2012.<ref name="Eels – Peach Blossom by Vagrant Records on Soundcloud">{{cite web |url=https://soundcloud.com/vagrantrecords/eels-peach-blossom |title=Eels – Peach Blossom by Vagrant Records on SoundCloud |publisher=Soundcloud.com/vagrantrecords|date=November 6, 2012 |access-date=December 12, 2012}}</ref> A month later, on December 4, 2012, the official video was released on [[Stereogum]].<ref name="peachblossom">{{cite web |url=http://stereogum.com/1212351/eels-peach-blossom-video-stereogum-premiere/video/ |title=Eels – "Peach Blossom" Video (Stereogum Premiere) -- Song Premiere |website=Stereogum.com |date=December 4, 2012 |access-date=December 12, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240129150648/https://www.stereogum.com/1212351/eels-peach-blossom-video-stereogum-premiere/news/ |archive-date=January 29, 2024 |url-status=live}}</ref> The second single, "New Alphabet", was streamed pre-release on December 12, 2012, on [[Spinner (website)|Spinner]]<ref name="Eels, 'New Alphabet' -- Song Premiere">{{cite web |url=http://www.spinner.com/2012/12/12/eels-new-alphabet-song-stream/ |title=Eels, 'New Alphabet' -- Song Premiere |website=Spinner.com |date=December 12, 2012 |access-date=December 12, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121215223741/http://www.spinner.com/2012/12/12/eels-new-alphabet-song-stream |archive-date=December 15, 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

On March 25, 2013, the band released a parody music video called "[[Cold Dead Hand]]" through [[Funny or Die]], with [[Jim Carrey]] replacing E on vocals. The song and video, set as a musical act during the variety program ''[[Hee Haw]]'', lampoons American gun culture, and specifically [[Charlton Heston]], former President of the [[National Rifle Association of America]].<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/videos/jim-carrey-eels-team-for-gun-culture-parody-20130325 |title=Jim Carrey, Eels Team for Gun Culture Parody – Video |magazine=Rolling Stone |date=March 25, 2013 |access-date=April 17, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130325172914/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/videos/jim-carrey-eels-team-for-gun-culture-parody-20130325 |archive-date=March 25, 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

Eels' eleventh studio album, ''[[The Cautionary Tales of Mark Oliver Everett]]'', was released on April 21, 2014, on E Works Records.<ref name=":1">{{Cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/features/mark-oliver-everett-the-eels-frontman-on-lost-loves-parallel-universes-and-staying-positive-9202630.html|title=Mark Oliver Everett: The Eels frontman on lost loves, parallel|last=Richman|first=Darren|date=March 23, 2014|newspaper=The Independent|language=en-GB|access-date=November 22, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140323140809/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/features/mark-oliver-everett-the-eels-frontman-on-lost-loves-parallel-universes-and-staying-positive-9202630.html |archive-date=March 23, 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref> In April 2015, the band released the DVD and double live album ''[[Live at Royal Albert Hall (Eels album)|Live at the Royal Albert Hall]]''.<ref name=":0">{{cite web|title = Album Review: Eels – Royal Albert Hall|url = http://drownedinsound.com/releases/18747/reviews/4148901|access-date = June 23, 2015|date = April 15, 2015|website = drownedinsound.com|first = Joe|last = Goggins|publisher = Drowned In Sound|archive-date = July 11, 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150711184422/http://drownedinsound.com/releases/18747/reviews/4148901|url-status = dead}}</ref>

In 2015, Eels created their own version of [[Melanie De Biasio]]'s track "I Feel You" for the album ''[[Gilles Peterson]] Presents – No Deal Remixed''. The track was later used to promote the 2017 film ''[[Alien: Covenant]]'', directed by [[Ridley Scott]], and appears during the entire in-universe short movie ''Meet Walter'' starring [[Michael Fassbender]].<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.wallonia.be/en/news/melanie-de-biasio-lends-her-voice-alien-covenant |title= Melanie De Biasio lends her voice in Alien – Covenant |publisher= Wallonia|access-date=April 22, 2020}}</ref>

[[File:Eels Greenman 2019 v2.jpg|thumb|Eels performing at the [[Green Man Festival|Green man Festival]] in August 2019]]

=== ''The Deconstruction'' and ''Earth to Dora'' ===

On January 17, 2018, Eels announced their 12th studio album, ''[[The Deconstruction]]'', to be released on April 6, 2018,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.eelstheband.com/|title=EELS : Official Website|website=Eelstheband.com|access-date=January 17, 2018}}</ref> their first in nearly four years. They also announced a supporting tour throughout the United States and Europe, beginning in Pomona, California on May 28, 2018.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://eelstheband.com/tourdates/|title=Eels : 2018 Tour Dates for The World's Number One Entertainers|website=Eelstheband.com|access-date=January 17, 2018}}</ref> The album travels through many styles sonically, but its lyrics primarily deal with rebuilding one's life and looking back on what went wrong.{{citation needed|date=January 2022}} Singles include (in release order) the title track, "Today Is the Day", "Premonition", and "Bone Dry". Styles present on the album include orchestral pop, power pop, psychedelic pop/rock, indie/alternative rock and post-modern pop.{{citation needed|date=January 2022}}

The band's next release was the single "Baby Let's Make It Real"/"Who You Say You Are", announced on September 1, 2020.<ref name="blmir">{{Cite web |url=https://www.stereogum.com/2096789/eels-who-you-say-you-are/music/ |title=Eels – "Who You Say You Are" |last=Helman |first=Peter |date=September 1, 2020 |access-date=September 1, 2020 |language=en-US |publisher=[[Stereogum]]}}</ref> These songs were featured on the subsequent studio album, ''[[Earth to Dora]]'' (2020).

=== ''Extreme Witchcraft'' and ''Eels Time!'' ===

On September 21, 2021, it was announced that the 14th Eels album would be called ''[[Extreme Witchcraft]]'' and would be released on January 28, 2022. The album was produced by E and John Parish in their first collaboration since 2001's ''Souljacker''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.eelstheband.com/|title=EELS : Official Website|website=Eelstheband.com}}</ref> ''[[Eels So Good: Essential Eels, Vol. 2 (2007–2020)]]'' came out in late 2023. On February&nbsp;29, 2024, the band announced ''[[Eels Time!]]'', which was released on June&nbsp;7.<ref name="et">{{Cite web |url=https://www.stereogum.com/2253825/eels-time/music/ |first=James |last=Rettig |department=New Music |title=Eels Announce New Album 'Eels Time!': Hear Lead Single &quot;Time&quot; |date=2024-02-29 |accessdate=2024-02-29}}</ref>

== Members ==

Eels have had a number of lineup changes supporting E since their formation, and in recent years the live band has often differed from the musicians on the albums. Koool G Murder has been credited on bass and production on recent albums, although Big Al has fulfilled the role of bassist during the live shows.

=== Timeline ===

{{#tag:timeline|

ImageSize = width:1100 height:auto barincrement:18

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DateFormat = dd/mm/yyyy

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id:vocals value:red legend:Vocals,_multiple_instruments

id:guitar value:green legend:Guitar

id:bass value:blue legend:Bass

id:drums value:orange legend:Drums

id:Lines value:black legend:Studio_album

id:Lines2 value:gray(0.75) legend:Live_album

id:Lines3 value:gray(0.50) legend:B-side_album

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ScaleMinor = increment:1 start:1995

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bar:Mark text:"Mark Oliver Everett"

bar:john text:"John Parish"

bar:chet text:"The Chet"

bar:P-Boo text:"P-Boo"

bar:Tommy text:"Tommy Walter"

bar:Koool text:"Koool G Murder"

bar:Big-Al text:"Big-Al"

bar:Butch text:"Butch"

bar:Knuckles text:"Knuckles"

bar:Little-Joe text:"Little-Joe"

PlotData=

width:10 textcolor:black align:left anchor:from shift:(10,-4)

bar:Mark from:01/01/1995 till:end color:vocals

bar:Butch from:01/01/1995 till:26/04/2005 color:drums

bar:Tommy from:01/01/1995 till:01/09/1997 color:bass

bar:john from:01/02/2000 till:01/03/2000 color:guitar

bar:Koool from:28/02/2000 till:end color:bass

bar:Knuckles from:02/06/2009 till:31/12/2017 color:drums

bar:chet from:26/04/2005 till:end color:guitar

bar:Big-Al from:26/08/2011 till:end color:bass

bar:Little-Joe from:01/01/2018 till:end color:drums

bar:P-Boo from:17/08/2010 till:end color:guitar

LineData =

at:13/08/1996 color:black layer:back

at:21/09/1998 color:black layer:back

at:28/02/2000 color:black layer:back

at:19/09/2001 color:black layer:back

at:03/06/2003 color:black layer:back

at:26/04/2005 color:black layer:back

at:02/06/2009 color:black layer:back

at:19/01/2010 color:black layer:back

at:17/08/2010 color:black layer:back

at:04/02/2013 color:black layer:back

at:21/04/2014 color:black layer:back

at:06/04/2018 color:black layer:back

at:30/10/2020 color:black layer:back

at:28/01/2022 color:black layer:back

at:07/06/2024 color:black layer:back

at:01/01/2000 color:lines2 layer:back

at:01/01/2002 color:lines2 layer:back

at:01/01/2003 color:lines2 layer:back

at:01/01/2006 color:lines2 layer:back

at:01/01/2013 color:lines2 layer:back

at:24/04/2015 color:lines2 layer:back

at:15/01/2008 color:lines3 layer:back

}}

== Discography ==

{{Main|Eels discography}}

=== As E ===

*''[[A Man Called E]]'' (1992)

*''[[Broken Toy Shop]]'' (1993)

=== As Eels ===

*''[[Beautiful Freak]]'' (1996)

*''[[Electro-Shock Blues]]'' (1998)

*''[[Daisies of the Galaxy]]'' (2000)

*''[[Souljacker]]'' (2001)

*''[[Shootenanny!]]'' (2003)

*''[[Blinking Lights and Other Revelations]]'' (2005)

*''[[Hombre Lobo]]'' (2009)

*''[[End Times (album)|End Times]]'' (2010)

*''[[Tomorrow Morning (album)|Tomorrow Morning]]'' (2010)

*''[[Wonderful, Glorious]]'' (2013)

*''[[The Cautionary Tales of Mark Oliver Everett]]'' (2014)

*''[[The Deconstruction]]'' (2018)

*''[[Earth to Dora]]'' (2020)

*''[[Extreme Witchcraft]]'' (2022)

*''[[Eels Time!]]'' (2024)

== References ==

{{Reflist}}

== Further reading ==

#{{note|BLAOR-news}} {{web reference|url=http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1001699389|title=Eels Get Tangled In Strings On Live CD/DVD|date=2005-12-15}}

*{{Cite book |title=Things the Grandchildren Should Know |last=Everett |first=Mark Oliver |author-link=Mark Oliver Everett |year=2008 |publisher=Little, Brown and Company |isbn=978-0-316-02787-8 |title-link=Things the Grandchildren Should Know }}

== External links ==

{{sister project links|display=Eels|d=Q11904|n=no|b=no|v=no|voy=no|s=no|q=no|m=no|mw=no|species=no|commons=category:Eels (band)|wikt=no}}

*{{Official website}}

*{{AllMusic}}

*{{Discogs artist}}

*{{MusicBrainz artist}}

*[http://soundcloud.com/the_eels Eels on SoundCloud]

{{Eels|state=uncollapsed}}

[[Category:American musical groups]]

{{Peter Buck}}

{{Authority control}}

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[[Category:1995 establishments in California]]

[[fr:Eels]]

[[Category:Brit Award winners]]

[[it:Eels]]

[[Category:DreamWorks Records artists]]

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[[Category:Indie rock musical groups from California]]

[[sv:Eels]]

[[Category:Musical collectives]]

[[Category:Musical groups established in 1995]]

[[Category:Musical groups from Los Angeles]]

[[Category:Vagrant Records artists]]

[[Category:PIAS Recordings artists]]

[[Category:SpinART Records artists]]