The Eels - Meet the Eels: Essential Eels Vol 1 Format: Album Release Date: 21st Jan 2008 Label: Polydor Rating: Almost 12 years since the release of debut album ‘Beautiful Freak’, Eels release a 10 year retrospective “ Meet The Eels: Essential Eels Vol.1”. Taking in tracks from the afore mentioned debut, 98’s ‘Electro-shock Blues’, ‘Daises of the Galaxy’, ‘Shootenanny!’ and most recent release ‘Blinking Lights And Other Revelations’.   An ‘Essential’ collection from the Eels is a slight misnomer, as all of Mark Oliver Everett (Mr E) and his ever changing cast of musicians’ output is essential listening. Exploring a uniquely varied and eclectic musical world, the multi-instrumentalist finds throughout this collection many beautiful musical homes for his sensitive and thoughtful lyrics. His tender and honest introspection on occasion evokes the transparent honesty of Daniel Johnston, yet keeps a deep world weariness within that makes his vocal expression fiercly individual.   Ultimately there is very little need for any further review of this collection. The Eels are a fantastic musical entity, if you have yet t delve there depths then head out and buy this release. It you’re well acquainted with the albums from which this collection is drawn then save your money for the forthcoming 2 disc rarities collection. A live cover of ‘I put A Spell On You’ anyone?

Written by: Keith