Mark Everett, the Eels mastermind commonly known simply as E, has been around the block enough to know how to distill his craft to its essence. That's just what he does on SHOOTENANNY, having previously released six Eels albums and two as A Man Called E. He's as unapologetically misery-laden as ever, of course, but we wouldn't have him any other way. Even when he makes a romantic entreaty, all he can ultimately offer to the object of his affection is the "Love of the Loveless." What's most remarkable is the way he's pared things down production-wise. For an artist known as a wizard of popcraft in terms of both writing and arrangements, E keeps things surprisingly spare and simple throughout the album. The bulk of the songs, while retaining an undeniable pop sensibility, are musically straightforward pop-rock romps with little ornamentation and few quirky sonic touches. Uncomplicated guitar riffs and keyboard patterns power these directly emotive compositions. Did we mention that he was still miserable? E revels ironically in that emotion on the aptly titled "Agony," where he muses "maybe I need some psychiatric help" over a torturous 6/8 groove. SHOOTENANNY offers music and emotions pared to the bone, but it'll fill you up in due course.

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