Prior to fronting the experimental indie rock band
Eels, a man called E (born
Mark Everett) was making heavenly pop music on his own. This debut solo release contains typical quirky melodies and mind-boggling lyrics, but E hits upon lush harmonies similar to the likes of
Elton John,
the Beach Boys, and
Paul McCartney. He is a perfectionist, playing most instruments (accompanied by multi-instrumentalist
Parthenon Huxley and bassist
Jennifer Condos) and orchestrating all the material found on
A Man Called E.
He's a love-sick puppy, a hopeless romantic, and a daydreamer. Such drama is captured in album highlights "Hello Cruel World," "Are You and Me Gonna Happen?," and "E's Tune." His lyrical poetry is his therapy, a common talent found in later
Eels material. But you have to appreciate E's effort. He's thoughtful and almost touching. He's real. Now that's pretty refreshing. ~ MacKenzie Wilson