SONG OF THE WEEK: 6-1-2025

SONG:  "How To Win Friends And Influence People"

ARTIST:  Everclear

ALBUM:  "Slow Motion Daydream"

YEAR:  2003

PLACE OF ORIGIN:  Portland, Oregon

YEARS ACTIVE:  1991 - Present

WHAT I THINK THE SONG IS ABOUT:

"How to Win Friends and Influence People" is a cynical commentary on the human condition, contrasting the beauty of the world with the potential for pain and betrayal in relationships, and rejecting the traditional sources of comfort and hope.

EVERCLEAR DISCOGRAPHY (Full length albums only):

1993 - World Of Noise (Tim/Kerr Records)

* Did not chart on the Billboard 200

1995 - Sparkle And Fade (Capitol Records)

* Peaked at #25 on the Billboard 200

* Certified Platinum

1997 - So Much For The Afterglow (Capitol Records)

* Peaked at #33 on the Billboard 200

* Certified 2X Platinum

2000 - Songs From An American Movie Vol. One:  Learning How To Smile (Capitol Records)

* Peaked at #9 on the Billboard 200

* Certified Platinum

2000 - Songs From An American Movie Vol. Two:  Good Time For A Bad Attitude (Capitol Records)

* Peaked at #66 on the Billboard 200

2003 - Slow Motion Daydream (Capitol Records)

* Peaked at #33 on the Billboard 200

2006 - Welcome To The Drama Club (Eleven Seven Records)

* Peaked at #169 on the Billboard 200

2008 - The Vegas years (Capitol Records)

* Did not chart on the Billboard 200

2009 - In A Different Light (429 Records)

* Did not chart on the Billboard 200

2011 - Return To Santa Monica (Cleopatra Records)

* Did not chart on the Billboard 200

2012 - Invisible Stars (eOne Records)

* Peaked at #119 on the Billboard 200

2015 - Black Is The New Black (The End Records)

* Did not chart on the Billboard 200

2023 - Live At The Whiskey A Go Go (Capitol Records)

* Did not chart on the Billboard 200

MY THOUGHTS ON EVERCLEAR:

Everclear formed as a band back in 1991, hailing from Portland, Oregon. They released their debut album in 1993 called "World Of Noise" but it was their sophomore release, 1995's "Sparkle And Fade" that thrust Everclear on the musical map! The single "Santa Monica" quickly had Everclear all over the radio and MTV. The band continued success with the 1997 release "So Much For The Afterglow". 2000's "Songs From An American Movie Vol. 1" probably marked the peak of Everclear's success. The single "Wonderful" is the band's most successful single to date. Though the band's popularity would begin to wane after this album, the band continued to be active. 2000 would also see the band release "Songs From An American Movie Vol. Two". 2003 saw the band release "Slow Motion Daydream". Following a support tour for this album, long time band members Craig Montoya (bass) and Greg Eklund (drums) both left the band leaving lead vocalist/guitarist and chief songwriter Art Alexakis to ponder the band's future. Alexakis decided to continue Everclear with a new cast of band members and in 2006, the band released "Welcome To The Drama Club". From 2008 to 2011, Everclear released three albums that were basically a covers album, basically an acoustic album and an album of re-worked versions of some of their older songs. In 2012, Everclear released a proper album of all new material called "Invisible Stars". 2015 saw the band release "Black Is The New Black" and the band's most recent release was the 2023 live album, "Live At The Whiskey A Go Go". Everclear was part of the mid 90's alternative wave of bands that flooded the scene soon after the grunge explosion. Though some critics panned them as Nirvana rip offs, I don't really see it. I think Everclear definitely had their own style, mostly because of the vocal delivery of Art Alexakis. I got into Everclear when "Sparkle And Fade" came out in 1995. To this day, "Heroin Girl" is probably my favorite song by the band. "Learning How To Smile" is a great tune too though. I always loved Everclear but I think they lost a little something when Craig Montoya and Greg Eklund left. I know Art Alexakis basically writes all the songs for the band but Montoya and Eklund kinda gave the band a little snarl. Either way, It's great to see this band is still at it and hopefully they're working on some new material. They're way overdue for a new album!

SIMILAR ARTISTS:

Sponge

Bush

Local H

Fuel

Candlebox

TEN EVERCLEAR SONGS YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT:

1. Heroin Girl

2. Learning How To Smile

3. So Much For The Afterglow

4. The Swing

5. Blackjack

6. Be Careful What You Ask For

7. American Monster

8. Nervous And Weird

9. When It All Goes Wrong Again

10. Hater

SONG OF THE WEEK: 5-25-2025

SONG:  "Walk The Walk"

ARTIST:  Face To Face

ALBUM:  "Live"

YEAR:  1998

PLACE OF ORIGIN:  Victorville, California

YEARS ACTIVE:  1998

WHAT I THINK THE SONG IS ABOUT:

The meaning of the Face To Face song "Walk The Walk" is that it's a commentary on the disparity between words and actions, with the speaker calling out individuals who speak negatively about others but fail to back up their claims with actions. The song's message is one of authenticity and accountability, urging listeners to be mindful of the disconnect between their words and deeds.

FACE TO FACE DISCOGRAPHY (Full length albums only):

1992 - Don't Turn Away (Dr. Strange Records)

* Did not chart on the Billboard 200

1995 - Big Choice (Victory Music)

* Did not chart on the Billboard 200

1996 - Face To Face (A&M Records)

* Did not chart on the Billboard 200

1998 - Live (Vagrant Records)

* Did not chart on the Billboard 200

1999 - Ignorance Is Bliss (Beyond Records)

* Did not chart on the Billboard 200

1999 - Standards & Practices (Vagrant Records)

* Did not chart on the Billboard 200

2000 - Reactionary (Vagrant Records)

* Did not chart on the Billboard 200

2002 - How To Ruin Everything (Vagrant Records)

* Did not chart on the Billboard 200

2011 - Laugh Now, Laugh Later (People Like You Records)

* Did not chart on the Billboard 200

2013 - Three Chords And A Half Truth (Rise Records)

* Did not chart on the Billboard 200

2016 - Protection (Fat Wreck Chords)

* Did not chart on the Billboard 200

2018 - Hold Fast:  Acoustic Sessions (Fat Wreck Chords)

* Did not chart on the Billboard 200

2019 - Live In A Dive (Fat Wreck Chords)

* Did not chart on the Billboard 200

2020 - Standards & Practices, Vol. II (Antagonist Records)

* Did not chart on the Billboard 200

2021 - No Way Out But Through (Fat Wreck Chords)

* Did not chart on the Billboard 200

MY THOUGHTS ON FACE TO FACE:

Face To Face got their start back in 1991, hailing from Victorville, California. They dropped their debut album in 1992, titled "Don't Turn Away". In 1995, the band dropped "Big Choice". On this album, they re-recorded the song "Disconnected" which started receiving radio play in Los Angeles creating buzz around the band. With the punk rock revival in full motion in the mid-90's, Face To Face was signed to major label A&M for a one off album, "Face To Face". 1999 saw the band change their style a bit with the release of "Ignorance Is Bliss". 2000 saw the band revert back to it's punk rock roots with the release of "Reactionary". After releasing 2002's "How To Ruin Everything" and touring to support the album, the band decided to call it quits in 2004. Luckily for fans of the band, this hiatus only lasted until 2008 when they reunited to play a show at the Glass House in Pomona, California. They haven't looked back since! 2011 saw the band release "Laugh Now, Laugh Later, a great album indeed! Two years later in 2013, Face To Face dropped "Three Chords And A Half Truth". In 2016, Face To Face signed on with legendary punk label Fat Wreck Chords. That year they dropped "Protection". In 2018, the band released an acoustic album which featured stripped down versions of some of their classic songs. This album was called "Hold Fast:  Acoustic Sessions". The band's most recent release was 2021's  "No Way Out But Through". Face To Face is just a classic Southern California punk band. They have great melodies, great hooks, really just a great songwriting band. Highly influential too! I got into Face To Face kinda late for some reason. I have no idea why it took me so long cuz they are an awesome band. I heard their song "Disappointed" in 2000 and I was totally baffled as to why this band wasn't heavily in my music collection! I f'd up! I'm sorry! I quickly worked my way to their back catalogue and have just been loving all of their albums since. 2011's "Laugh Now, Laugh Later" is just a killer album. Maybe my favorite by Face To Face. A great album for them to announce that they were indeed back!

SIMILAR ARTISTS:

Lagwagon

No Use For A Name

The Bouncing Souls

Strung Out

Pulley

TEN FACE TO FACE SONGS YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT:

1. Disappointed

2. It's Not All About You

3. The New Way

4. The Devil You Know (God Is A Man)

5. Disconnected

6. Bent But Not Broken

7. I Won't Lie Down

8. Right As Rain

9. Bad Reputation (Joan Jett cover)

10. No Way Out But Through

SONG OF THE WEEK: 5-18-2025

SONG:  "When I'm Gone"

ARTIST:  3 Doors Down

ALBUM:  "Away From The Sun"

YEAR:  2002

PLACE OF ORIGIN:  Escatawpa, Mississippi

YEARS ACTIVE:  1996 - Present

WHAT I THINK THE SONG IS ABOUT:

The meaning of the 3 Doors Down song "When I'm Gone" is multifaceted, primarily centered around the concept of unconditional love and being there for someone even when physically absent. According to lead singer Brad Arnold, the song is not necessarily about permanent departure, but rather about being separated from a loved one by distance, time, or other obstacles. He states, "It's asking a question, just please love me when I'm gone," clarifying that this includes when he is away but planning to return. Arnold further explains that the song is about unconditional love and the fulfillment of different needs in various situations, ultimately emphasizing the need for someone to be there for you unconditionally, especially when you are gone.

3 DOORS DOWN DISCOGRAPHY (Full length albums only):

2000 - The Better Life (Universal Records)

* Peaked at #7 on the Billboard 200

* Certified 7X Platinum

2002 - Away From The Sun (Universal/Republic Records)

* Peaked at #8 on the Billboard 200

* Certified 4X Platinum

2005 - Seventeen Days (Universal/Republic Records)

* Peaked at #1 on the Billboard 200

* Certified Platinum

2008 - 3 Doors Down (Universal/Republic Records)

* Peaked at #1 on the Billboard 200

* Certified Platinum

2011 - Time Of My Life (Universal/Republic Records)

* Peaked at #3 on the Billboard 200

2016 - Us And The Night (Republic Records)

* Peaked at #14 on the Billboard 200

MY THOUGHTS ON 3 DOORS DOWN:

3 Doors Down is a Mississippi band that formed back in 1996. Their demo version of the song "Kryptonite" was being picked up on radio stations even before the finished product appeared on the band's debut album "The Better Life". The version of "Kryptonite" that appears on "The Better Life" catapulted 3 Doors Down very quickly to success. It wasn't long before 3 Doors Down were headlining shows. Their debut album remains their most successful record and has been certified 7X Platinum to date! The band followed that album up with the also successful "Away From The Sun" in 2002. Their next two albums, 2005's "Seventeen Days" and 2008's "3 Doors Down", both peaked at #1 on the Billboard 200 charts. In 2011, the band dropped "Time Of My Life". In 2012, 3 Doors Down guitarist Matt Roberts left the band to focus on his health. Unfortunately, tragedy struck the band in 2016 when Roberts passed away due to a prescription drug overdose. 3 Doors Down's most recent full length release would be 2016's "Us And The Night". They also produced a 20th anniversary deluxe edition of "Away From The Sun" which features several unreleased tracks in 2023. 3 Doors Down, to me, is just a straight forward melodic rock band. There was a period in the late 90's, early 2000's that a lot of these types of bands began to surface. It's way more unthreatening type rock music than like the grunge bands. But the songs are there. I always thought 3 Doors Down wrote catchy as hell songs. Their music isn't really my "go to" but every now and then I enjoy listening to their music. I pretty much got into this band right out of the gate. "Kryptonite" was a cool song but I really love "Away From The Sun". To me, that's their best song.

SIMILAR ARTISTS:

Staind

Creed

Seether

Breaking Benjamin

Trapt

TEN 3 DOORS DOWN SONGS YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT:

1. Away From The Sun

2. Here Without You (acoustic version)

3. Kryptonite

4. When I'm Gone

5. Let Me Go

6. Be Like That

7. It's Not My Time

8. When You're Young

9. In The Dark

10. Let Me Be Myself (acoustic version)

SONG OF THE WEEK: 5-11-2025

SONG:  "Better Man"

ARTIST:  Oasis

ALBUM:  "Heathen Chemistry"

YEAR:  2002

PLACE OF ORIGIN:  Manchester, England

YEARS ACTIVE:  1991 - Present

WHAT I THINK THE SONG IS ABOUT:

The meaning of the Oasis song "Better Man" is primarily centered around a desire for personal improvement and a focus on the musical feel or "groove" rather than complex lyrical depth.

OASIS DISCOGRAPHY (Full length albums only):

1994 - Definitely Maybe (Creation Records)

* Peaked at #58 on the Billboard 200

* Certified Platinum

1995 - (What's The Story) Morning Glory? (Creation Records)

* Peaked at #4 on the Billboard 200

* Certified 4X Platinum

1997 - Be Here Now (Creation Records)

* Peaked at #2 on the Billboard 200

* Certified Platinum

1998 - The Masterplan (Creation Records)

* Peaked at #51 on the Billboard 200

2000 - Standing On The Shoulders Of Giants (Big Brother Records)

* Peaked at #24 on the Billboard 200

2000 - Familiar To Millions (Big Brother Records)

* Peaked at #182 on the Billboard 200

2002 - Heathen Chemistry (Big Brother Records)

* Peaked at #23 on the Billboard 200

2005 - Don't Believe The Truth (Big Brother Records)

* Peaked at #12 on the Billboard 200

2008 - Dig Out Your Soul (Big Brother Records)

* Peaked at #5 on the Billboard 200

2021 - Knebworth 1996 (Big Brother Records)

* Did not chart on the Billboard 200

MY THOUGHTS ON OASIS:

Oasis is an English rock band formed in Manchester in 1991, known for being one of the most influential groups in the Britpop genre. The original lineup consisted of Liam Gallagher (lead vocals), Paul "Bonehead" Arthurs (guitar), Paul "Guigsy" McGuigan (bass guitar), and Tony McCarroll (drums). Shortly after their formation, Liam's older brother Noel Gallagher joined as the lead guitarist and primary songwriter, which significantly shaped the band's musical direction. The band's breakthrough came with their debut album, "Definitely Maybe", released in 1994. This album quickly topped the UK Albums Chart and became the fastest-selling debut album in British history at that time. It featured hit singles such as "Supersonic," "Live Forever," and "Cigarettes & Alcohol," establishing Oasis as a major force in British music. In 1995, Oasis released their second album, "(What's the Story) Morning Glory?", which solidified their international fame. This album included iconic tracks like "Wonderwall" and "Don't Look Back in Anger," both of which remain staples of rock music today. The success of this album was marked by a highly publicized rivalry with fellow Britpop band Blur, culminating in what was dubbed the "Battle of Britpop." Following their initial success, Oasis released several more albums, including "Be Here Now" (1997), which became the fastest-selling album in UK history upon its release but received mixed reviews retrospectively. The band's lineup changed over time; founding members Arthurs and McGuigan left during the recording of their fourth studio album, "Standing on the Shoulder of Giants" (2000), replaced by Gem Archer and Andy Bell. Despite continued commercial success with albums like "Heathen Chemistry" (2002) and "Don't Believe the Truth" (2005), internal tensions between the Gallagher brothers often overshadowed their achievements. These tensions culminated in a dramatic breakup in 2009 after a backstage altercation at a festival led Noel to quit the band. After disbanding, both brothers pursued solo careers: Liam formed Beady Eye while Noel created Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds. In 2024, after years of speculation about a reunion, Oasis announced plans for a worldwide tour set for 2025. As of now, Oasis has sold over 70 million records globally and remains one of the best-selling bands in music history. To me, Oasis is just one of the best rock and roll bands of all time. They have often drawn comparisons to the Beatles, and they wear that inspiration on their sleeves. Though I love Liam Gallagher's solo albums a lot, I'm stoked that the Gallagher brothers finally buried the hatchet and decided to come back together and give the music world the reunion that it always wanted! Hopefully there's new music too!

SIMILAR ARTISTS:

Liam Gallagher

Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds

Beady Eye

Hurricane #1

Ash

TEN OASIS SONGS YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT:

1. Live Forever

2. Rock 'n' Roll Star

3. Supersonic

4. Lyla

5. Acquiesce

6. Don't Look Back In Anger

7. Stand By Me

8. Whatever

9. Stop Crying Your Heart Out

10. Go Let It Out