Eels - Beautiful Freak

Eels - Beautiful Freak

Label: PIAS - PIASC1119LPX - 5400863182922
Format: 2 X Vinyl, LP, Album, Black & Blue Splatter on Clear
Country: UK
Released: 13th Nov 2026
Genre: Alternative

Description

Debut studio album from Eels from 1996. E, the guitarist, vocalist and songwriter with LA band Eels, had already recorded two solo albums before teaming up with drummer Butch and bassist Tommy to produce Beautiful Freak. Opener and single 'Novocaine for the Soul' set the tone: melodic, articulate pop that, like fellow LA musician Beck, makes startling and inventive use of samples, beats and odd arrangements. The Eels' music takes in post-Nirvana grunge, soul, country, hip-hop, and even jazz, all without sounding derivative; E's intensely personal lyrics are similarly multi-faceted, blending wit, angst, disaffection, and surreal urban detail - as in the mournfully soundtracked cross-city trek of 'Susan's house'. Throughout the eclectic swirl of musical influence and misanthropic irony the band never lose the ability to craft affecting laid-back pop songs and subtle, naggingly catchy hooks. an inspired album, and that rare thing, an art-house rock record full of memorable tunes.


Tracklist
Side A
1. Novocaine For The Soul
2. Susan's House
3. Rags To Rags
4. Beautiful Freak
5. Not Ready Yet
6. My Beloved Monster

Side B
1. Flower
2. Guest List
3. Mental
4. Spunky
5. Your Lucky Day In Hell
6. Manchild

Side C
1. Fucker
2. Susan's Apartment (Mike Simpson Remix)
3. Dog's Life
4. Stepmother
5. Everything’s Gonna Be Cool This Christmas

Side D
1. If I Was Your Girlfriend (Live)
2. Altar Boy
3. Novocaine For the Soul (Moog Cookbook Remix)
4. Animal
5. Your Lucky Day in Hell (Mike Simpson Remix)