Everyone’s heard Jimmy Eat World’s “The Middle.” When we were back in high school the song received a ton of rotation on the radio, and its video (which revolved around a super-cool underwear party) aired on MTV by the hour.
I remember wondering if there were really parties like that. Eight years later, I have yet to find out.
But in all seriousness, it’s a damn shame people don’t realize the greatness of the band’s early work.
I’m not knocking Jimmy Eat World’s third studio album, “Bleed American,” by any means. It’s been in my car for the past month, sharing time with 1996’s “Static Prevails” and the phenomenal “Clarity,” which came out three years later.
It just saddens me to know there are those out there who say, “Yeah, Jimmy Eat World are pretty cool. I like that one song.” – talking about “The Middle” If only they knew what they were missing out on!
I also realize the band has recently put out two other records, “Futures” and “Chase This Light.” The former was certified gold and the latter reached an all-time high Billboard position for the band at number five.
These albums are not bad at all – there are a handful of sweet tracks on both of them.
However, it’s a long jump away from the sound that keeps Jimmy Eat World’s first three albums forever in my CD changer. Here’s a look at the band’s early work:
“Static Prevails”
Overall Rating: 8.5
After being signed to Capitol Records, Jimmy Eat World’s “Static Prevails” hit shelves in the summer of 1996, a time when most of us were only in elementary school.
Produced by former Drive Like Jehu drummer Mark Trombino, the album remains a true highlight of music in the post-grunge era of the mid 1990s.
One won’t find anything faintly resembling the pop-driven tracks of the band’s later, more popular albums. Songs like “Thinking, That’s All” and “Call It In the Air” prove that the boys in Jimmy Eat World were well ahead of their time.
The band went on to release a spatter of 7-inch vinyl splits with other burgeoning emo bands such as Mineral (perhaps the best band to ever come out of our humble state of Texas), Christie Front Drive, Jejune and Jebediah.
The album is my personal favorite, even though it doesn’t hold up quite as well as the timeless “Clarity.” I think I paid somewhere to the tune of $25 for my copy of “Static Prevails.” I don’t regret it.
“Clarity”
Overall Rating: 10
In 1999, Jimmy Eat World released “Clarity.” The record, which was once again produced by Mark Trombino, is nothing short of one of the greatest rock/indie/emo/whatever records of all time.
The song “Lucky Denver Mint” found itself on the soundtrack of “Never Been Kissed,” but don’t let that fool you.
“Clarity” marked the beginning of the band’s intro into the ears of mainstream listeners, even if the record ended up lost in the shadow of 2001’s “Bleed American.” “Clarity” finds Jimmy Eat World injecting more of a pop-inspired aspect to their music.
However, there are still bits and pieces left from the “Static Prevails” days – evident in songs like “Crush” and “Just Watch the Fireworks.”
From start to finish, the album is ultimately flawless in terms of songwriting and production. The band hit their stride in 1999, and they must know it too.
Jimmy Eat World just wrapped up a countrywide trek entitled “The Clarity Tour,” marking the 10-year anniversary of the album.
The band played “Clarity” in its entirety, a true treat for any music fan, whether or not they’ve even heard the album.
Unfortunately, Jimmy Eat World didn’t come anywhere close to Dallas, but from what I’ve seen and heard both from the Web, and the mouths of friends who traveled far, I missed a life-changing experience.
At least I’ve still got the album.
