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Songs From an American Movie 1: Learning to Smile
Everclear
Songs From an American Movie 1: Learning to Smile
Genres: Alternative Rock, Pop, Rock, Metal
 
  •  Track Listings (12) - Disc #1

Reminiscences permeate the dozen diverse tracks that populate Everclear's fourth outing. The trio, spearheaded by writer/guitarist/producer Art Alexakis, looks back in myriad ways on Songs from an American Movie. Alexakis ...  more »

     
   

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CD Details

All Artists: Everclear
Title: Songs From an American Movie 1: Learning to Smile
Members Wishing: 0
Total Copies: 9
Label: Capitol
Original Release Date: 7/11/2000
Release Date: 7/11/2000
Genres: Alternative Rock, Pop, Rock, Metal
Style: American Alternative
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPCs: 724349706125, 724352786428, 766486300224

Synopsis

Amazon.com
Reminiscences permeate the dozen diverse tracks that populate Everclear's fourth outing. The trio, spearheaded by writer/guitarist/producer Art Alexakis, looks back in myriad ways on Songs from an American Movie. Alexakis skillfully and sweetly addresses his recent divorce ("The Honeymoon Song," "Now That's It's Over"), musical heroes ("Otis Redding"), and childhood ("AM Radio"), frequently matching his words with suitably retro music. Although the only cover is a new-wave take on Van Morrison's "Brown Eyed Girl," familiar musical references abound. On "AM Radio," a brief sample of "Mr. Big Shot" sets the tone for funky flashback fun, while "The Honeymoon Song" is full of Brian Wilson inflections. Alexakis references his own "Everything to Everyone" in the title track, while "Otis Redding," "Unemployed Boyfriend," and "Wonderful" are more commercial alt-rock Everclear than homage Everclear. Alexakis set out to make a pop album, and while millennial teenagers have their own definition of "pop," for '70s-kid Alexakis, Songs from an American Movie serves as a summertime soundtrack to his thirtysomething life. --Katherine Turman

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Member CD Reviews

Pam M. (pookatawny)
Reviewed on 1/13/2008...
This disc comes in a paper jewel case if you want all inserts, etc.
0 of 3 member(s) found this review helpful.
Cassandra T. from SAN JOSE, CA
Reviewed on 3/26/2007...
This is good summer driving music...no need to listen too closely, but fun enough to rock out to.
0 of 1 member(s) found this review helpful.

CD Reviews

*WONDERFUL!*
Kori Frazier | Kent, OH United States | 07/12/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)

"The artwork on the compact disc of Everclear's latest album depicts the classic sad smiley face. Although this is a creative, and yes, fun design, I have to say that it completely disagrees with my thoughts about this album. Even though I am not a big fan of alternative music, Everclear's musical abilities greatly impress me. When I bought "So Much For the Afterglow" last year, I thought that it was a superb album. Yesterday, upon listening to this latest release, I was forced to reassess my opinion. "Songs From An American Movie" puts "Afterglow" to shame. I think that this is the first alternative album I have ever bought where I seriously like the majority of the CD. Also, as a fan of the culture of the late 1960s, I enjoyed the concept theme on this album that is prevalent in songs like "AM Radio" and "Otis Redding." Everclear's cover of Van Morrison's "Brown Eyed Girl" is even better than the original. And of course, we can't overlook "Wonderful", which is probably the best Everclear song I have heard to date. The situation and message in this song has brought tears to my eyes every time I have listened to it; it is just too close to reality for many people that I know. Conclusively, this is an excellent CD. It is not exclusively for alternative fans, but can be enjoyed by anyone who just likes to listen to good music. I, a country and folk music fan, am walking proof of that! :-)"
Sgt Boutique
Jon Simon | Fairfax, VA USA | 07/12/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)

"Most alternative bands today seem to be one amorphous band with hundreds of musicians all producing the same songs. Everclear has set apart themselves from this generic monster with their latest album, Songs From an American Movie, by using a rich variety of styles. For example, "Here We Go Again" and "AM Radio" use simple but effective sampling in the songs, similar to Beastie Boy's "Pauls' Boutique". "Learning How to Smile", "Otis Redding", and "Annabella's Song" use orchestral accompaniment similar to the Beatles "Sgt Pepper". And, there are songs such as "Wonderful" which is simply pure Everclear. This album isn't perfect though: there is a cover of "Brown Eyed Girl" which I thought was not necessary, and "Unemployed Boyfriend" uses an annoying voice over of a women talking about how she meets this guy at the unemployment office. However, there are many gems. "Wonderful" displays Everclear's great song writing ability; the hard-biting lyrics will remind you "Father of Mine". "Here We Go Again" and "AM Radio" have a funky back beat and are very catchy. This album is definitely the "Sgt Boutique" for Everclear. I hope they continue to produce songs with meaningful lyrics, depth, and variety."