By Susie Salva
Portland, Oregon the multi-platinum alt. rock band Everclear have just released their 2008 collection entitled, "The Vegas Years," on Capitol/EMI records which has the band performing a dynamic and eclectic array of cover tunes. This is definitely by far not a collection of lounge tunes but rather a fine gathering of 14 tracks encompassing killer versions of Hall & Oats, "Rich Girl," which at first glance may seem kinda lame, but they really give their version of this classic tune a very cool effort with a punk vibe and crunchy guitars.
Other interesting choices of songs to record would have to be the folk tune, "This Land is Your Land," by Woody Gutherie. Everclear dares to take on The GoGo’s stellar hit, "Our Lips are Sealed," and do a very fine job on it. Another highlight on the disc is their version of Thin Lizzy’s "The Boys are Back in Town," which keeps all their enthusiasm alive on the track and their integrity in check. Also, forging new frontiers,
the guys take on two classic TV theme songs, "Land of the Lost," and who will ever forget, "Speed Racer," "Go, Speed Racer, Go."
"I have wanted to do this record since 1997, as soon as I realized that this was the closest I was ever going to get to being Frank Sinatra!" writes Art Alexakis singer, songwriter and producer of "The Vegas Years," in the liner notes. "The songs on this record range from ’80s pop and ’60s rave-ups to blue-eyed soul, R&B and old time country with a healthy does of classic rock, for sure."
The collection includes live performances from Everclear’s 2007 national tour: Tommy Tutone’s "867-5309 (Jenny)," adopted by the band as a high-energy show closer, and Van Morrison’s "Brown Eyed Girl," which can also be heard on 2001’s platinum selling "Songs From An American Movie: Learning How to Smile" album. The rest of the tracks are culled from various studio sessions and include rare and never-before-heard recordings, from "American Girl," recorded in 1994 for a Tom Petty tribute album -two newly recorded covers: as the Hall & Oats, "Rich Girl," and Paul Revere & the Raiders, "Kicks." Also included are Everclear’s takes on Yaz’s "Bad Connection," Cheap Trick’s, "Southern Girls," Neil Young’s, "Pocahontas," and Little Jimmy Dickens, "Night Train To Memphis."
Alexakis has built a solid career and devoted fanbase on heartfelt songs culled from real-life experiences that he’s always been open about. His father abandoned the family when Art was a child, leaving his mom to raise five kids in a tough Los Angeles neighborhood. His older brother died from an overdose and Alexakis had his own early battles with drugs before cleaning up. He would later chronicle his experiences in his songs. He’s also been politically active: testifying before Congress in 2000 to speak in behalf of a "Deadbeat Dad," bill: and serving as a delegate from the city of Portland in his adopted home state of Oregon at the 2004 Democratic National Convention.
Everclear make a gutsy choice recording this so called standards, but it really pays off. They put a new spin on classic tracks and deliver an honest and sincere CD. Their fans will be pleased with the new disc being sure to download it on their iPods.
On the touring front, the group, Art Alexakis, drummer Bret Snyder, guitarist Dave French, bassist Sam Hudson and keyboardist Josh Crawley will be back on the road this spring and summer performing songs from this collection alongside Everclear favorites. For Tour announcements and other updates, please visit the band’s official website and MySpace page: www.everclearonline.com and www.myspace.com/everclear.
