Beautiful Freak

Last updated
Beautiful Freak
Beautifulfreak.jpg
Studio album by
Eels
ReleasedAugust 13, 1996
RecordedJune 1993 – December 1995 [1]
StudioConway studios Hollywood, Onehitsville
Genre Alternative rock
Length43:53
Label DreamWorks
Producer
Eels chronology
Beautiful Freak
(1996)		 Electro-Shock Blues
(1998)
Singles from Beautiful Freak
  1. "Novocaine for the Soul"
    Released: 1996
  2. "Susan's House"
    Released: May 5, 1996
  3. "Rags to Rags"
    Released: 1996
  4. "Your Lucky Day in Hell"
    Released: September 1, 1996
  5. "Beautiful Freak"
    Released: 1997

Beautiful Freak is the debut album by American rock band Eels. It was released on 13 August 1996 and is the second album released by record label DreamWorks.

Contents

Background

Beautiful Freak is the first album using the full band name Eels, in an attempt to get the records in the same general location in the stores as frontman Mark Oliver Everett's previous works under the name "E". [2]

Recording

Beautiful Freak was produced by E, Jon Brion, Mark Goldenberg and Michael Simpson. The majority of the album was recorded from 1993 to 1995, with first single "Novocaine for the Soul" (which contains a sample of "Let the Four Winds Blow" by Fats Domino) having been recorded and mixed as early as 1993. [1] "Susan's House" contains a sample of "Love Finds Its Own Way" by Gladys Knight & the Pips; "Guest List" contains a sample of "I Like It" by The Emotions; and "Flower" contains sample of "I'm Glad You're Mine" by Al Green.[ citation needed ]

Artwork

Everett had suggested having a little girl with big eyes on the cover. The girl that came in to have her picture taken incidentally looked "like a miniature Susan" to Everett, referring to his ex-girlfriend and the subject of the song "Susan's House". [2]

Release

Beautiful Freak was released on August 13, 1996, by record label DreamWorks, the first album released on the label. The album peaked at number 5 on the UK Albums Chart. [3]

Four singles were released to promote the album: "Novocaine for the Soul" in February 1996, "Susan's House" in May, "Your Lucky Day in Hell" in September, and the title track the following year.

The April 1997 German release of the album included a bonus live EP from a BBC recording session.

Reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [4]
The Boston Phoenix Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [5]
Encyclopedia of Popular Music Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svg [6]
Entertainment Weekly B [7]
The Guardian Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [8]
Los Angeles Times Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svg [9]
NME 5/10 [10]
Q Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [11]
The Rolling Stone Album Guide Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [12]
Select 5/5 [13]

In a contemporary review of Beautiful Freak, Q praised the album as "a complete musical vision, a genre-spanning soundscape that reels you in with its myriad hooks". [11] Robert Hilburn of the Los Angeles Times wrote that "Eels' maverick vision reminds you of all the great Los Angeles bands, from the Flying Burrito Brothers to X, that have chronicled the outsider, underdog attitude in the shadows of a record industry that never embraces them commercially." [9] Ethan Smith of Entertainment Weekly stated that "the Eels' postgrunge pop melodies and quirky, intelligent production make for catchy modern rock that's miles ahead of the competition", but felt that E's "attempts at warts-and-all portrayals of urban life come off as a disingenuous, arty pose" and that "a little less pretension would get these guys a lot further." [7] Chicago Tribune critic Mark Caro was less favorable, writing that E's lyrics paint him as "either naive and self-absorbed or patronizing and calculating". [14] The Village Voice 's Robert Christgau assigned the album a "dud" rating, [15] indicating "a bad record whose details rarely merit further thought." [16]

In his retrospective review, James Chrispell of AllMusic wrote: "Concise pop tunes form the backbone of the album, yet tinges of despair and downright meanness surface just when you've been lulled into thinking this is another pop group". [4] Trouser Press wrote that "E's material works best when he finds the rare balance between his misanthropy and his capacity for warmth." [17]

Legacy

It was voted number 666 in the third edition of Colin Larkin's All Time Top 1000 Albums (2000). [18] The album was included in the book 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die . [19]

Track listing

All tracks written by E, except as noted

  1. "Novocaine for the Soul" (E and Mark Goldenberg) – 3:08
  2. "Susan's House" (E, Jim Jacobsen, and Jim Weatherly) – 3:43
  3. "Rags to Rags" (E) – 3:53
  4. "Beautiful Freak" (E) – 3:34
  5. "Not Ready Yet" (Jon Brion and E) – 4:46
  6. "My Beloved Monster" (E) – 2:13
  7. "Flower" (E and Jacobsen) – 3:38
  8. "Guest List" (E) – 3:13
  9. "Mental" (E) – 4:01
  10. "Spunky" (E) – 3:11
  11. "Your Lucky Day in Hell" (E and Goldenberg) – 4:28
  12. "Manchild" (E and Jill Sobule) – 4:05

German edition bonus disc The April 14, 1997 German release of the album included a bonus live EP from a BBC recording session

  1. "Novocaine for the Soul" (E and Goldenberg) – 3:22
  2. "Manchester Girl" (E) – 3:21
  3. "My Beloved Mad Monster Party" (E) – 2:34
  4. "Flower" (E and Jacbosen) – 3:17

Personnel

Charts

Certifications and sales

Sales certifications for Beautiful Freak
RegionCertification Certified units/sales
Belgium (BEA) [29] Gold25,000*
France (SNEP) [30] Gold100,000*
United Kingdom (BPI) [31] Platinum300,000^
United States—189,000 [32]
Summaries
Worldwide—700,000 [33]

* Sales figures based on certification alone.
^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Eels (band)</span> American indie rock band

Eels is an American 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.

<i>Shootenanny!</i> 2003 studio album by Eels

Shootenanny! is the fifth studio album by American rock band Eels, released on June 3, 2003, and was to the band's last release on record label DreamWorks. The album peaked at number 145 on the Billboard 200, the first album to chart since Beautiful Freak in 1996.

<i>Blinking Lights and Other Revelations</i> 2005 studio album by Eels

Blinking Lights and Other Revelations is the sixth studio album by American band Eels. It was recorded over the space of 1998 to 2004 and released on April 26, 2005 through record label Vagrant, his first album on a new label following Eels' departure from DreamWorks Records.

<i>Souljacker</i> 2001 studio album by Eels

Souljacker is the fourth studio album by American rock band Eels, first released on September 19, 2001, in Japan and later on March 12, 2002, in the United States. The album reached No.12 on the UK Album Charts

<i>Electro-Shock Blues</i> 1998 studio album by Eels

Electro-Shock Blues is the second studio album by American rock band Eels. It was released in the United Kingdom on September 21, 1998, and October 20 in the United States by record label DreamWorks.

<i>Daisies of the Galaxy</i> 2000 studio album by Eels

Daisies of the Galaxy is the third studio album by American rock band Eels. It was released on February 28, 2000, in the United Kingdom, and March 14 in the United States, by record label DreamWorks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Novocaine for the Soul</span> 1996 song by Eels

"Novocaine for the Soul" is a song by American rock band Eels. It was released as the lead single from their 1996 debut album, Beautiful Freak. The song charted in several countries including the United States, Canada, United Kingdom and the Netherlands.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jonathan Norton</span> American musician

Jonathan Hayes "Butch" Norton is an American drummer, percussionist and vocalist, best known for his work with the Los Angeles–based indie rock band Eels between 1996 and 2003. Since his departure from the group, he has gone on to work with notable musicians like Fiona Apple, Tracy Chapman, Lisa Germano, Aimee Mann, Michael Miller, Michael Penn, Rufus Wainwright, and Lucinda Williams.

This is a discography of Eels and other musical projects of Mark Oliver Everett, such as MC Honky.

<i>Meet the Eels: Essential Eels, Vol. 1 (1996–2006)</i> 2008 greatest hits album by Eels

Meet the Eels: Essential Eels, Vol. 1 (1996–2006) is a greatest hits compilation to celebrate the tenth anniversary of rock band Eels, featuring a DVD of music videos, behind-the-scenes photos, and commentary by Mark Oliver Everett. It was released on January 15, 2008 in the United States and January 21, 2008 in the United Kingdom, where it debuted on the UK Album Chart at #26.

<i>Useless Trinkets: B-Sides, Soundtracks, Rarities and Unreleased 1996–2006</i> 2008 compilation album by Eels

Useless Trinkets: B-Sides, Soundtracks, Rarities and Unreleased 1996–2006 is a rarities compilation to celebrate the tenth anniversary of rock band Eels, featuring a live performance DVD from Lollapalooza 2006, behind-the-scenes photos, and commentary by lead singer Mark Oliver Everett. It was released on January 15, 2008 in the United States and on January 21, 2008 in the United Kingdom, where it debuted on the UK Album Chart at #69.

<i>Hombre Lobo</i> 2009 studio album by Eels

Hombre Lobo: 12 Songs of Desire is the seventh studio album by American rock band Eels, released on June 2, 2009. Hombre Lobo is Spanish for "werewolf". On March 31, 2009, the band made the track "Fresh Blood" available on Spinner.com, explaining that the song would be the lead single for the album. A documentary entitled Tremendous Dynamite was filmed to document the recording of the album. The cover art is a tribute to the famous Cuban cigar brand Cohiba.

<i>End Times</i> (album) 2010 studio album by Eels

End Times is the eighth studio album by American rock band Eels released on January 19, 2010. End Times is the second in a trilogy of concept albums starting with 2009's Hombre Lobo and finishing with Tomorrow Morning, released later in 2010.

<i>Tomorrow Morning</i> (album) 2010 studio album by Eels

Tomorrow Morning is the ninth studio album by Eels released on August 17, 2010 and is the third in a trilogy of concept albums including Hombre Lobo (2009) and End Times (2010).

<i>Wonderful, Glorious</i> 2013 studio album by Eels

Wonderful, Glorious is the tenth studio album by American alternative rock band Eels, released in 2013 by record labels Vagrant and E Works. The album was produced by band leader Mark Oliver Everett. A worldwide tour accompanied the album release.

<i>The Cautionary Tales of Mark Oliver Everett</i> 2014 studio album by Eels

The Cautionary Tales of Mark Oliver Everett is the eleventh studio album by American indie rock band Eels, released on April 21, 2014 by record label E Works. The album was produced by frontman Mark Oliver Everett.

<i>The Deconstruction</i> 2018 studio album by Eels

The Deconstruction is the twelfth studio album by American rock band Eels, released on April 6, 2018. The band's twelfth studio release follows a four-year period where front man Mark Oliver "E" Everett took a hiatus from music. The album has garnered favorable reviews.

<i>Earth to Dora</i> 2020 studio album by Eels

Earth to Dora is the thirteenth studio album by American indie rock band Eels, released on E Works/PIAS Recordings on October 30, 2020. It has received favorable reviews from critics.

<i>Extreme Witchcraft</i> 2022 studio album by Eels

Extreme Witchcraft is the fourteenth studio album by American indie rock band Eels, released through E Works/PIAS Recordings on January 28, 2022. It was preceded by the singles "Good Night on Earth", "Steam Engine", "The Magic", and "Amateur Hour". The album was supported by the 2023 Lockdown Hurricane world tour.

<i>The Complete DreamWorks Albums</i> 2015 box set by Eels

The Complete DreamWorks Albums is a 2015 box set of seven albums from American indie rock band Eels, released in the 1990s and 2000s: Beautiful Freak (1996), Electro-Shock Blues (1998), Daisies of the Galaxy (2000), Souljacker (2001), Electro-Shock Blues Show, and Shootenanny! (2003). The collection has received positive reviews by critics.

References

  1. 1 2 "Biography". Eels: Official Band Website. Retrieved January 26, 2022.
  2. 1 2 Everett, Mark Oliver (2008). Things the Grandchildren Should Know . New York City: Little, Brown & Company. p. 110. ISBN   978-0-316-02787-8.
  3. ↑ "Eels – Official Charts Company". Official Charts . Retrieved March 24, 2015.
  4. 1 2 Chrispell, James. "Beautiful Freak – Eels". AllMusic . Retrieved June 4, 2013.
  5. ↑ Steele, Amy (September 12–19, 1996). "Eels: Beautiful Freak (DreamWorks)". The Boston Phoenix .
  6. ↑ Larkin, Colin (2011). "Eels". The Encyclopedia of Popular Music (5th concise ed.). Omnibus Press. ISBN   978-0-85712-595-8.
  7. 1 2 Smith, Ethan (October 11, 1996). "Beautiful Freak". Entertainment Weekly . Archived from the original on November 18, 2016. Retrieved June 4, 2013.
  8. ↑ Sweeney, Kathy (February 14, 1997). "The Eels: Beautiful Freak (DreamWorks)". The Guardian .
  9. 1 2 Hilburn, Robert (December 8, 1996). "Eels, 'Beautiful Freak,' DreamWorks". Los Angeles Times . Retrieved January 16, 2015.
  10. ↑ Mulvey, John (February 22, 1997). "Eels – Beautiful Freak". NME . Archived from the original on October 2, 2000. Retrieved September 10, 2016.
  11. 1 2 "Eels: Beautiful Freak". Q (123): 147. December 1996.
  12. ↑ Kot, Greg (2004). "Eels". In Brackett, Nathan; Hoard, Christian (eds.). The New Rolling Stone Album Guide (4th ed.). Simon & Schuster. p.  273. ISBN   0-7432-0169-8.
  13. ↑ Lawrence, Eddy (March 1997). "Eels: Beautiful Freak". Select (81).
  14. ↑ Caro, Mark (January 3, 1997). "Eels: Beautiful Freak (Dreamworks)". Chicago Tribune . Retrieved January 16, 2015.
  15. ↑ Christgau, Robert (March 11, 1997). "Consumer Guide". The Village Voice . Retrieved January 16, 2015.
  16. ↑ Christgau, Robert. "Key to Icons". RobertChristgau.com. Retrieved January 5, 2016.
  17. ↑ Zwirn, Michael. "TrouserPress.com :: Eels". TrouserPress.com . Retrieved July 7, 2016.
  18. ↑ Larkin, Colin, ed. (2000). All Time Top 1000 Albums (3rd ed.). New York City: Virgin Books. p. 217. ISBN   0-7535-0493-6.
  19. ↑ Dimery, Robert; Lydon, Michael (23 March 2010). 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die: Revised and Updated Edition. New York City: Universe. ISBN   978-0-7893-2074-2.
  20. ↑ Ryan, Gavin (2011). Australia's Music Charts 1988–2010. Mt. Martha, VIC, Australia: Moonlight Publishing. p. 91.
  21. ↑ "Ultratop.be – Eels – Beautiful Freak" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved October 26, 2020.
  22. ↑ "Ultratop.be – Eels – Beautiful Freak" (in French). Hung Medien. Retrieved October 26, 2020.
  23. ↑ "Dutchcharts.nl – Eels – Beautiful Freak" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved October 26, 2020.
  24. ↑ "Lescharts.com – Eels – Beautiful Freak". Hung Medien. Retrieved October 26, 2020.
  25. ↑ "Official Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved October 26, 2020.
  26. ↑ "Eels Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved October 26, 2020.
  27. ↑ "Jaaroverzichten 1997". Ultratop. Retrieved November 21, 2020.
  28. ↑ "End of Year Album Chart Top 100 – 1997". Official Charts Company. Retrieved November 21, 2020.
  29. ↑ "Ultratop − Goud en Platina – albums 2004". Ultratop. Hung Medien. Archived from the original on 2021-03-09.
  30. ↑ "French album certifications – Eels – Beautiful Freak" (in French). Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique.
  31. ↑ "British album certifications – Eels – Beautiful Freak". British Phonographic Industry.
  32. ↑ Taylor, Chuck (6 February 1999). "In the hunt for hits". Billboard. Retrieved 5 June 2018.
  33. ↑ "Tely". Billboard. 4 September 1999. Retrieved 5 June 2018.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.