Out Of The Vein [PA] - Third Eye Blind > Reviews > Out of this world.

Author's product rating:   

Originality	Definitely a cut above the rest
Lyrics	Sublime
Quality and consistency of tracks	A couple of weak links
How does it compare to the artist's other releases	Good
Value for Money	Good

Advantages:	A great Indie/rock album
Disadvantages:	Sung by Americans? ! ? ! ?

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

Why could Oasis never crack the states? Part of the reason could be that US indie/rock bands like Francisco-based "third eye blind" are so damn good. "Out of the vein" is the third and, for my money, best album by this largely ignored (in the UK) band. If you haven't heard the music before, it is excellent in a similar way to Oasis or The Chilli Peppers. Great tunes based around guitars and drums provide the platform for the band's clever lyrics. The distinctive voice of the lead singer and smooth production make for great songs that are easy to listen to, catchy, and just plain good.

Track Listing:
I have stuck a track listing on here with the intention of summarising the songs, but after writing "another great indie song" four times I have given up and just picked out my favourites.
1. Faster Sets the pace for the first half of the album. Solid track which tempts you in
2. Blinded - one of the stand out songs - great indie music.
3. Forget Myself
4. Danger
5. Crystal Baller - this is a great song. Good chorus and a nice rythm.
6. My Hit and Run
7. Misfits - One of my all-time favourites. Great lyrics, classic melody.
8. Can't Get Away
9. Wake for Young Souls - Slower paced again - and that's a good thing.
10. Palm Reader
11. Self Righteous
12. Company
13. Good Man

Comparison to their other work:
The band has released two other albums, "Blue" and "Third Eye Blind" but while the earlier ones contained a sprinkling of good songs (the biggest being semi charmed life), this album has got consistency as well. Think Chillii Peppers "One Hot Minute" against "Californication."

Negatives.
Some of the lyrics are a bit fresh, and you could have trouble explaining the link between the album title and band name to your mum. The album is also tough to get hold of and expensive in the UK, when you consider it isn't exactly new. Also, several of the tracks are pretty similar, so if you don't like one, you wont like any, although this doesn't seem to have done Coldplay any harm.

Three to check:
Blinded, Misfits, Crystal Baller.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000093U1N/qid=1121418380/sr=1-3/ref=sr_1_11_3/026-3391335-6466018

Summary: One of the first albums in my travel wallet. Listen if you like the Killers "Hot Fuss", The Red Hot Chilli Peppers "By the Way", or earlier Oasis albums.