Everclear "Invisible Stars"

         Everclear has not been one of my favorite bands, but I have respect for them, and am always curious to hear what they do next. Is it offensive to say that they take a similiar approach to music that Barenaked Ladies do? Except they can be rougher around the edges, and maybe that is why they have not reached the same success as they have. Maybe they have, but I don’t realize it; it’s not like they don’t deserve the success or attention. After the admittance into the drama club, it looked like the band was over. Not because of the record, but the fact that they released several compilations of re-recorded songs. Not a good sign, for most bands, but what band does that? Everclear, and I’m sure they aren’t the only one. Maybe the re-recording of some of their Greatest Hits brought back that virile creativity Alexakis is known to have, and who could forget the Invisible Stars? The new version of the band adds a different energy; I know they recorded the last album, and I am not disrespecting their discography before this new reincarnation.  The core of the band is still there though.                                                                                                                “Tiger in a Burning Tree” sounds like it recalls early Beck, but is a song that is distinctly Everclear; maybe this line describes alexakis best: “I never learned how to draw inside the line and probably never will.” The next song is like “Falling in a Good Way.” Like falling in love, oooh, that can hurt; unless it is a song. It’s misleading, because you would swear the band was at least ten years younger with the energy that oozes with this song; I would say a cross between Motion City Soundtrack and Wiz Khalifa, without cheesy rapping. You would like a single that is full of honesty, and humor, at the expense of the writer? “Be Careful What You Ask For.” On a Monday, I am waiting, and by Tuesday...ok that was probably offensive; whether you have felt the “Santa Ana Wind” or not. The accompaniment with the last verse before the final chorus is intriguing, and the final verse in the song captures the sentiment best.                                                                  You couldn’t hope for a better sequencing with the next two songs: from the torture and mind games Art dealt with, causing him to feel like a lost puppy, “Wishing” she came back; to the tongue-in cheek realization that “I Am Better Without You.” This song is “Aces,” and not because of this head on collision that takes me back for some reason. There is such significance in “Jackie Robinson” that I would rather not say anything about it. I thought “The Golden Rule” was “treat others the way you want to be treated,” but it seems like it’s money, and I’m not sure if it is a 180 when it comes to context of the last song. What do I know though? “Promenade” uses its last ten seconds wisely, and lyrical aspect is even better; Songs from an American Movie Volume 3: Never Say Never?