Search - Jimmy Eat World :: Static Prevails

My favorite Jimmy Eat World album

R. Gorham | 11/05/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"THE BAND: Tom Linton (vocals, guitars), Jim Adkins (vocals, guitars), Rick Burch (bass), Zach Lind (drums & percussion). Origin - Mesa, AZ.



THE DISC: (1996) Originally 12 tracks clocking in at approximately 52 minutes. The remastered 2007 version adds 2 bonus tracks bringing the total listen to approximately 57 minutes. Included with the disc is a 6-page booklet containing song titles/credits (no song lyrics), band photos, and thank you's. This is Burch's first album on bass (he replaces Mitch Porter). Recorded at Sound City (Los Angeles) and Big Fish (Encinitas, CA). This is the band's 2nd release. Label - Capital Records.



COMMENTS: Back before Jimmy Eat World's commercial breakthrough (check out 2001's "Bleed American" for that), was and perhaps still is, my favorite album of theirs... "Static Prevails". The album is tucked somewhere nicely between rock, alternative, and a newer softer punk. Heavy on fast guitar licks and emotion, this albums flat out rocks. It also features pretty close to a 50/50 split on singing duties between Linton and Adkins (future albums would showcase Adkins much more so). This was a nice trade off vocally - between Linton's deeper voice and Adkins poppy higher tone. Highlights for me have always been the fast and slow, soft and heavy "Rockstar" with the highlight being Lind's drumming; the fast paced "Call It In The Air" with layers upon layers of guitars and vocals; the melodic "Seventeen"; the dreamy and calming "Episode IV"; "Digits" with it's soothing intro and powerful ending; and finally the original album closer "Anderson Mesa" - another up and down song with gentle moments side by side with heavier emotional ones - complete with violin strings. The bonus tracks are decent... both upbeat faster tracks that fit nicely on the disc. Years later "Static Prevails" is still my favorite album cover of theirs. I always though it look like knobs on a piece of stereo or recording equipment. However, if you turn the cover on it's side it looks like snow capped bar stools. For me, "Static Prevails" was always about a talented young band that hadn't truly made it yet. The sound was fresh and original... JEW had something to prove. Great tunes here - no filler - a complete album that I can listen to anytime (5 stars)."

My Favorite Album of All Time

Antone H. Hammers | 05/27/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you've noticed, there's plenty of reviewers saying this is their favorite album ever. I've got tingles down my spine writing this right now, that's a good album.



I have yet to find another album that sounds anything close to this. With tons of RAW, EMOTIONAL, screamy vocals, and plenty of beautiful little indie-style riffs with breathy vocals to complement how the intense emotion leaves these guys drained and helpless, this album can take you from screaming along to tears in a matter of minutes. Example "Digits" starts of with some unique guitar and drums, setting up the theatrical 2 and half minute burst of energy followed by Jim crying "i really want to care when you say 'I'll change that.'/Just don't feel a thing when you say 'We'll get there someday.'"



While most people might have a hard time listening to the vocals, if you're into raw and energetic stuff (i.e. GUK's - Four Minute Mile, Fugazi, and other raw emo-ey stuff) you will LOVE this album.



This is the most honest and heart-felt piece of work in my huge music collection of indie-punk-emo kinda rock. If you don't love it immediately, you will in a year. I promise.



www.antonehenry.com"

Greatest Band Of ALL TIME!

06/28/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If your reading this review, most likely you've already heard of Jimmy Eat World, and already know that they wont let you down with anything less than amazing music. So you are reading this reviews because you love JEW and you like to see when other people agree. JEW RULES!!!



This Cd is amazing, if you have not heard it, then i suggest you buy it without a second thought, because you know you wont regret it. In my oppinion the greatest song on this album is the emotion filled "Anderson Mesa" In this phenominal track you feel the Emotion Jim Adkins portrays the extrem happiness Like your in a dream, in which your floating and wind is carrying you out into a field of sweet sweet rock. This is a great cd go buy it and love it as much as i do!"