Third Eye Blind – Third Eye Blind (Elektra 75th Anniversary Edition) (Rhino)
This year marks the 75thanniversary of Elektra Records and to celebrate, the label alongside Rhino Records, recently released special limited edition vinyl pressings of some of their most beloved and iconic albums from the 60’s through the 90’s. Some of the legendary artists featured include, The Doors, The Cars, Television, The Stooges, Love, Anita Baker, Keith Sweat, Superdrag, Bread, Grover Washington Jr. and many more. Elektra Records was a shining beacon of light in the industry as they never adhered to a certain sound but cast a wide net, showcasing artists across all genres.
Today we will shine the spotlight on one of the highlighted releases, the multi-platinum self-titled debut from 90’s alt-rockers Third Eye Blind. The exclusive 2LP set is pressed onto “God Of Wine” grape vinyl and features a foil-embossed cover.
I graduated high school in the summer of 1997 and Third Eye Blind’s self-titled debut album, released that spring, provided much of my soundtrack that year and beyond. Led by the enigmatic singer-songwriter Stephan Jenkins; Third Eye Blind provided an infectiously catchy power-pop alternative to the post-grunge sound of the time and the album was loaded with one anthemic hit single after another, each one dominating MTV and modern rock radio. To this day, the songs remain inescapable and ingrained in alt-rock lore. The album was led by the infinitely-infectious first single, “Semi-Charmed Life”, followed by the solemn yet striking “How’s It Going to Be”, the inspirational anthem, “Graduate”, the bittersweet “Jumper” and the fist-pumping sing-along “Losing A Whole Year”. The whole album – front-to-back – is extremely solid and holds up magnificently after nearly 30 years.
Be sure to scope your local record store and check for the special edition vinyl releases in tribute to the 75th anniversary of Elektra Records, including this one from Third Eye Blind! —Justin Kreitzer for Icon Fetch