Symphony of Decay

Last updated
Symphony of Decay
EP by
Third Eye Blind
ReleasedUnreleased
Recorded2000–2004
Genre Rock
Label Elektra Records
Producer Stephan Jenkins
Third Eye Blind chronology
Blue
(1999)		Symphony of Decay
(Unreleased)		 Out of the Vein
(2003)

Symphony of Decay is an EP by American alternative rock band Third Eye Blind. The EP started off under the working title Black as a companion to their platinum selling 1999 album Blue . Its creation was a result of a compromise over the release method of the track "Slow Motion"; the band had wanted it on Blue, while their record label, Elektra Records, opposed its inclusion on such a high-profile full-length album release due to its controversial lyrics. The EP would go through years of delays for a multitude of reasons, including extensive touring, prioritizing the completion of their third studio album Out of the Vein , and complications arising from parting ways with Elektra in 2004. The EP itself was never collectively released, though many of the tracks were eventually released elsewhere.

Contents

Background

After the band's six times platinum-selling self-titled Third Eye Blind album, the band reconvened to record a follow-up album, Blue , in early 1999. During the Blue sessions, the band recorded a track called "Slow Motion" which had been used in their 1994 demo tape. [1] However, Elektra, the band's record label, did not approve of the song's lyrical content about a student who shoots a teacher's son, with the Columbine High School massacre having just occurred the same year. [2] The band argued with the label for over four months over the content and its inclusion on the album. [2] The final agreement between the two parties was that the song could only be on the album as an instrumental, but in return, Elektra would finance a separate EP where the song could be placed with its full controversial lyrics. [1]

While the arrangement was made just prior to the release of Blue, work on the EP, tentatively titled Black as a companion release to Blue, [3] wasn't set to begin until late 2000, upon completion of the "Red Summer Sun Tour" in support of Blue. [4] However, in 2000, frontman Stephan Jenkins fell into a state of depression, which led him to recluse himself into a productive period of writing, resulting in over 40 new songs. [5] This activity led the band to focus on releasing another full-length album first - what would become Out of the Vein - with intentions of releasing an EP afterwards. [6] After the Out of the Vein sessions, the band started referring to the EP title as Symphony of Decay. [7] A month after the release of Out of the Vein, in June 2003, Jenkins stated to VH1 that the band planned on releasing the EP as soon as September of the same year. [8] However, the EP was later delayed into 2004, [9] and then again into 2005. [7] Drummer Brad Hargreaves, in late 2004, indicated that the EP had become tied up with difficulties with their record label, with Elektra dropping the band after the low sales of Out of the Vein. [10]

Concept

The terms of the compromise resulting in the EP's conception gave the band considerable freedom in their work; it was financed by Elektra, [1] but ultimately treated as an independent release, allowing the band creative control. [4] The EP was envisioned as a seven [2] to eight [7] song release where the songs would flow together and collectively have a run-time of about 50 minutes, resulting in lengthier run-times for some songs. [4] Jenkins described the band's intent as wanting to "perform like a little symphony" to ultimately "make something really beautiful", while the band's manager at the time, Eric Godtland, stated that they would be "stringing together songs" to create "more of a cohesive vision that flows." [4]

Aftermath

While the EP was never officially released, a number of the tracks eventually found release in various forms. The full-lyrics version of "Slow Motion" finally found a vehicle for its official release in the band's 2006 greatest hits album A Collection . [11] The vocals and piano recording of "My Time in Exile" was also included on A Collection. [11] The track "Carnival Barker", in its entirety, was released as a free download by the band in 2006, [12] while a brief clip of it was included as the closing track of the band's fourth album, Ursa Major . [13] The track "There's No Hurry to Eternity" was eventually released on the charity benefit compilation album Live from Nowhere Near You Vol. II in 2011. [14] The track had previously been titled as "Elliott Smith". [10] "Knife in the Water", "Animal", and the full band version of "My Time in Exile" all unofficially leaked onto the internet between 2005 and 2006. No versions of "Star Wars" or "Swimming" have ever been released or leaked, although the latter was temporarily listed as a potential track for Ursa Major. [15]

In 2008, the band would finally release an EP, the unrelated, politically-themed three track EP Red Star . [16]

Track list

Symphony of Decay

No.TitleLength
1."Animal"2:52
2."My Time in Exile (full band version)"3:40
3."Star Wars"-
4."Carnival Barker"7:11
5."Slow Motion"4:34
6."Swimming"-
7."Elliott Smith/There's No Hurry to Eternity"6:16
8."Knife in the Water"4:27

Personnel

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Third Eye Blind</span> American rock band

Third Eye Blind is an American rock band formed in San Francisco, California, in 1993. After years of lineup changes in the early and mid-1990s, the songwriting duo of Stephan Jenkins and Kevin Cadogan signed the band's first major-label recording contract with Elektra Records in 1996. The band released their self-titled debut album in 1997, with the band largely consisting of Jenkins, Cadogan, Arion Salazar, and Brad Hargreaves (drums). Shortly after the release of the band's second album in 1999, Blue, with the same line-up, Cadogan was released from the band under controversial circumstances.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stephan Jenkins</span> American singer

Stephan Douglas Jenkins is an American singer, guitarist, and the frontman of the alternative rock band Third Eye Blind. He began his musical career in 1992 as part of the short-lived rap duo Puck and Natty, alongside Detroit rapper Herman Anthony Chunn. Following the breakup of the duo, Jenkins and guitarist Kevin Cadogan formed Third Eye Blind in 1993. The band released their eponymous debut studio album in 1997, which went multi-platinum in the United States. Since then, they have released nine more albums: Blue (1999), Out of the Vein (2003), Ursa Major (2009), Dopamine (2015), We Are Drugs (2016), Thanks for Everything(cover album) (2018), Screamer (2019), Our Bande Apart (2021), and Unplugged (2022). As part of Third Eye Blind, Jenkins has received one Billboard Music Award and eight California Music Awards.

<i>Third Eye Blind</i> (album) 1997 studio album by Third Eye Blind

Third Eye Blind is the debut studio album by American rock band Third Eye Blind, released on April 8, 1997, by Elektra Records. The album was collectively written by Stephan Jenkins and Kevin Cadogan, while production was helmed by Jenkins and Eric Valentine. Recorded in and around San Francisco at Toast Studios, Skywalker Ranch, and H.O.S., the album incorporates elements of alternative rock, post-grunge, and power pop. Thematically, the album focuses on topics such as relationships, drug addiction, suicide prevention, and the band's experience of being signed to a major record label. Third Eye Blind was promoted with five singles: "Semi-Charmed Life", "Graduate", "How's It Going to Be", "Losing a Whole Year", and "Jumper".

<i>Blue</i> (Third Eye Blind album) 1999 studio album by Third Eye Blind

Blue is the second studio album by American rock band Third Eye Blind, released on November 23, 1999. The album's creation was difficult, mainly due to power struggles and arguments between frontman Stephan Jenkins and lead guitarist Kevin Cadogan, leading to a quick but isolated recording experience between members. The album was generally well received by critics, and was certified platinum by the RIAA, but performed below the band's prior album, the multi-platinum Third Eye Blind. While managing to stay together for the creation of the album, shortly after its release, the band fired Cadogan, touring in support of the album with replacement guitarist Tony Fredianelli.

<i>Out of the Vein</i> 2003 studio album by Third Eye Blind

Out of the Vein is the third studio album by American rock band Third Eye Blind. Released on May 13, 2003, Out of the Vein is the band's first album with guitarist Tony Fredianelli, who replaced longtime guitarist Kevin Cadogan in 2000. It would also be Third Eye Blind's final album with Elektra Records as well as their final album with bassist Arion Salazar.

Kevin Rene Cadogan is an American musician, singer, songwriter, record producer, and guitarist. A founding member of the band Third Eye Blind, he performed with the band from 1993 to 2000. He co-wrote some of Third Eye Blind's most notable hits, including "How's It Going to Be", "Losing a Whole Year", and "Graduate", 10 of the 14 songs on their debut album Third Eye Blind as well as six of the 13 tracks on his final collaboration with the band in their second album Blue.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Semi-Charmed Life</span> 1997 single by Third Eye Blind

"Semi-Charmed Life" is a song by American rock band Third Eye Blind from their eponymous debut studio album (1997). It was released to modern rock radio as the lead single from the album on February 18, 1997, by Elektra Records. Frontman Stephan Jenkins is credited as the sole writer of the song, although guitarist Kevin Cadogan has disputed the song's authorship through litigation. The song was produced by Jenkins and Eric Valentine. An alternative rock and power pop song with a rap-influenced singing style, the lyrics of "Semi-Charmed Life" concern a crystal meth addiction and transition periods in one's life.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jumper (Third Eye Blind song)</span> 1998 single by Third Eye Blind

"Jumper" is a song by American rock band Third Eye Blind from their eponymous debut studio album (1997). The song was written and produced by frontman Stephan Jenkins, with additional production by Eric Valentine. Elektra Records released it as the fifth and final single from the album on August 4, 1998. An alternative rock and acoustic power pop song, "Jumper"'s lyrics concern an act of suicide, as Jenkins urges for a greater amount of human compassion.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Never Let You Go (Third Eye Blind song)</span> 2000 single by Third Eye Blind

"Never Let You Go" is a song by American rock band Third Eye Blind. It was released on January 4, 2000, as the second single from their second album, Blue. The song peaked at number 14 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and spent three weeks at number one in Canada. It also reached number 26 in Iceland, number 15 in New Zealand, and number six on the UK Rock Chart.

"Anything" is a song by American rock band Third Eye Blind from their second studio album, Blue (1999). It was released to radio as the lead single from the album on November 2, 1999, by Elektra Records.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Graduate (song)</span> 1997 single by Third Eye Blind

"Graduate" is a song by American rock band Third Eye Blind from their eponymous debut studio album (1997). It was released to radio as the second single from the album in July 1997 by Elektra Records. Frontman Stephan Jenkins and guitarist Kevin Cadogan are credited as co-writers on the song. Production on the song was helmed by Jenkins and Eric Valentine. According to Jenkins, the song is about the band's experience after being signed to a major record label.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Deep Inside of You</span> 2000 single by Third Eye Blind

"Deep Inside of You" is a song by American rock band Third Eye Blind from their second studio album, Blue (1999). It was released as the fourth and final single from the album on July 10, 2000, by Elektra Records. According to frontman Stephan Jenkins, the song is about "suicidal tendencies". The song received positive reviews from music critics. The song peaked at number 69 on the US Billboard Hot 100.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Blinded (song)</span> 2003 single by Third Eye Blind

"Blinded" (also known as "Blinded (When I See You)") is a song by American alternative rock band Third Eye Blind. It was released in April 2003 as the lead single from their 2003 album, Out of the Vein. It was written by Stephan Jenkins, Arion Salazar, and Tony Fredianelli. The song received positive reviews from music critics and peaked at number 34 on the Billboard Pop Songs chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Third Eye Blind discography</span>

Third Eye Blind is an American alternative rock band formed in San Francisco, California, in 1993. The group's discography consists of seven studio albums, one live album, two compilation albums, three extended plays, 25 singles, three promotional singles, and 31 music videos. The current line-up consists of Stephan Jenkins, Brad Hargreaves, Kryz Reid, Colin CreeV, and Alex LeCavalier. They have amassed worldwide album sales of over 12 million units.

<i>Ursa Major</i> (Third Eye Blind album) 2009 studio album by Third Eye Blind

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<i>Dopamine</i> (Third Eye Blind album) 2015 studio album by Third Eye Blind

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Ursa Minor is an unreleased studio album by American alternative rock band Third Eye Blind. Initially conceived as the second part of a double album to their 2009 release Ursa Major, the album was delayed, and eventually shelved, due to legal issues between frontman Stephan Jenkins and then-guitarist of the band Tony Fredianelli. The subsequent re-staffing the band with mostly new members in 2011 and 2012 led Jenkins to shy away from releasing the material, stating that it no longer represented the current band lineup - though comments from as recent as 2015 have alluded to releasing some of the music online eventually as well.

<i>We Are Drugs</i> 2016 EP by Third Eye Blind

We Are Drugs is a studio EP by American alternative rock band Third Eye Blind. Preceded by the singles "Cop vs. Phone Girl" and "Company of Strangers", We Are Drugs was released on October 7, 2016.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cop vs. Phone Girl</span> 2016 single by Third Eye Blind

"Cop vs. Phone Girl" is a song by American rock band Third Eye Blind from their second extended play, We Are Drugs (2016). It was released as the lead single from the extended play on July 25, 2016, by MegaForce Records. The song addresses the issues of racism and police brutality, specifically focusing on a 2015 incident at South Carolina's Spring Valley High School.

<i>Thanks for Everything</i> (EP) 2018 EP by Third Eye Blind

Thanks for Everything is an EP by Third Eye Blind. It consists of seven cover songs and was released on August 24, 2018.

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Third Eye Blind Album Details". ABC News. 6 January 2006. Archived from the original on 11 July 2015. Retrieved 21 July 2016.
  2. 1 2 3 "Third Eye Blind Set Sights On EP For Censored Song". Archived from the original on 2 August 2015. Retrieved 21 July 2016.
  3. ↑ "An Unobstructed View of Third Eye Blind". Archived from the original on 5 March 2016. Retrieved 21 July 2016.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Third Eye Blind To Record Concept EP". Archived from the original on 17 March 2016. Retrieved 21 July 2016.
  5. ↑ "Third Eye Blind Head To Studio, May Get Help From Fred Durst". Archived from the original on 25 February 2016. Retrieved 21 July 2016.
  6. ↑ "Third Eye Blind Inspired After Hiatus". Archived from the original on 21 November 2015. Retrieved 21 July 2016.
  7. 1 2 3 "Melodic Net - Third Eye Blind Ep "Symphony Of Decay" Out Early 2005". Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 21 July 2016.
  8. ↑ "Melodic Net - New 3eb Ep In Sept". Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 21 July 2016.
  9. ↑ "Melodic Net - Third Eye Blind News,stephan Producing Vanessa And New Ep On The Way". Melodic.net. 2004-03-14. Archived from the original on 2015-07-11. Retrieved 2018-08-19.
  10. 1 2 3 "Melodic Net - Third Eye Blind Update On The "Lost" Ep And A Sideproject". Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 21 July 2016.
  11. 1 2 "Melodic Net - Third Eye Blind Releases Collection Of Hits And Rarities". Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 21 July 2016.
  12. ↑ "Melodic Net - New Instrumental Track With 3eb Available For Download". Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 21 July 2016.
  13. ↑ "Ursa Major - Third Eye Blind - Songs, Reviews, Credits - AllMusic". Archived from the original on 27 July 2016. Retrieved 21 July 2016.
  14. ↑ "Live From Nowhere Near You, Vol. 2: Pacific Northwest - Various Artists - Songs, Reviews, Credits - AllMusic". Archived from the original on 29 May 2016. Retrieved 21 July 2016.
  15. ↑ "Melodic Net - Third Eye Blind Currently Working On Album #4". Archived from the original on 11 July 2015. Retrieved 21 July 2016.
  16. ↑ "Album Review: Third Eye Blind – Red Star [EP]". 27 November 2008. Archived from the original on 22 August 2016. Retrieved 21 July 2016.
  17. 1 2 "Live From Nowhere Near You, Vol. 2: Pacific Northwest - Various Artists - Credits - AllMusic". Archived from the original on 13 March 2016. Retrieved 21 July 2016.
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