Third Eye Blind Respond To Bitchy Stereogum Post
Late last week we set off a firestorm by sharing a reader e-mail about Third Eye Blind's "Non-Dairy Creamer," a new song we agreed was "pretty much golden in all the worst ways" and wanted you to hear if only because it quoted M.I.A.'s "Paper Planes." We had never blogged about Third Eye Blind on this site previously, but are always happy to indulge in alt-rock nostalgia. So far the post has over 200 comments for and against the song! (Many of them written by two people, but still.) We got word the other day that lead singer/songwriter Stephan Jenkins even chimed in, though no one acknowledged him. So we invited Mr. Jenkins to set the record straight and clarify his intentions with regard to "Non-Dairy Creamer"...
The great thing about music is that it brings all types of people together, and I remain astonished at the capacity of lyrics to move things. Don't know why 3eb's lyrics have been so controversial in the past -- they are about as racy as your current novel. Most importantly, I continue to be inspired by our audience, which is mostly college kids. While we as a band try to move past politics, I personally had been on the campaign trail in a grass roots fashion for many months supporting Obama, which leads me to this song.
In regards to "Non-Dairy Creamer," indeed humor is the intent, both musically and lyrically. I've felt provoked and poisoned by our politics and culture in the last few years. I wanted to amplify that provocation with some irony and take a knock at some of these fear-based phrases like "threat level orange." All kinds of hypocrisy in current headlines then popped into my head and I rhymed em. I meant for it to be a hoot (though I know it has some teeth). Bombastic humor being the balm to move past a pretty nasty period.
Something like that. I'm not very good at talking about my own stuff. Wish I tossed some jokes in here as well, but my humor always tends towards too dry and dark. There's no topping the KFC hat -- they could have their own line!
Stephan
Thanks Stephan. Does that change anyone's opinion of the song? What if we told you Third Eye Blind pals around with terrorists?
The Red Star EP is out now and you can stream the whole thing at MySpace.
Posted at 2:21 PM by Scott
Tags: Barack Obama | Third Eye Blind
It doesn't change my opinion of the song -- but it's a sane and rational explanation. At least he didn't respond in a Kevin-Barnes-type rant: "Selling out is impossible. I LOVE CAPITALISM. Now let me show you my penis. I'm so depressed."
Score = 41
LOL. This is a position I can live with.
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And I'd like to take a moment to acknowledge the phenomenal work of drummer Brad (also of Year Long Disaster), guitarist Tony, and Arion, as well as Leo, and, of another era, Kevin. Snowboarding in Aspen over Christmas last year, and seeing you guys at the Belly Up Aspen, was sick. Great memories.
Score = 0
:-D
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this doesnt change my personal view of the song...i actually really love it, the political humor in it is something i've never seen them do before, & whats so wrong with stephan saying his personal view? stephan doesnt hang out with terrorists, he has a point of view!! deal with it!!
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THIS SAWNG MAKE ME TALK RETAWRDED.
Score = -5
this song is so much deeper than you think,
its deeper than "KFC" and "young gay republicans."
you all epitomize the ignorant and hippocritical society this song is about.
you make me sick.
Score = -3
Totally on-board with you Marissa...I am an independent and conservative on some issues, but clearly saw that Jenkins was making a satirical comment on the state of every side of politics and culture in the United States...some good, some bad, and something that needs to be poked fun at in order not to go insane with the hypocrisy and lack of accountability of people, but politicians and people from every generation (although people younger than me-I am 26-tend to be the least educated sounding bunch I have ever heard...open a philosophy book, history book ect ect and educate yourselves because if you don't you will always sound like idiots...)
I have followed 3eb since self-titled and Jenkins has always had song themes that have been controversial- Semi-Charmed Life their first big hit is a song people sing along to without realizing the dark and dirty meaning...not just to be dark and dirty...but to make a point...Adam Duritz is the same, just in a milder way...so yeah...love 3EB because they make an effort to make music that means something...
Score = -1
i think the song is fuckin awesome
Score = 3
If the response had been, "Whatever, I wrote a song, what of it?" that would be worth something.
That would have been worth something.
Score = -1
I'm still gonna go with "horrible."
Sadly, my first show as a dumb, youthful high school kid was a Third Eye Blind show. I had nothing to compare it to but still knew it blew. Eve 6 sucks, but they still opened and stole the show.
I've been to hundreds of shows now, and I still recall it as one of the worst. Ever.
Score = -23
You are joking right?
Score = 0
Isn't Barack Obama like 6'2"? Stephan Jenkins is a tall motherfucker. I certainly wouldn't tell him that his song sucks to his face lest he'd crush me into a fine non-dairy creamer like powder.
Score = 21
yay for the commenter with the mcnulty pic!
i loved me some 3eb in high school.
all i'm taking from this post is that barack obama wears wifebeaters.
Score = 8
read it with the lisp, it's 3 doors down times funnier.
Score = 4
THERE DOORS DOWN IS TEH SUXXORR! LULZ
Score = 0
lol. some people are so funny (see: chris S).
third eye blind are/were a pretty good band who knew how to write an intelligent and catchy powerpop song (see: self-titled). contrary to the suppositions of mr. Chris S, they are also an excellent live band. the minor problem i had with their later work was a tendency to take themselves a bit too seriously. yeah, on its own, "NDC" is a pretty ridiculous song, but I'm glad that the guy's retained an (for me, at least) endearing sense of humor.
Score = 2
Hey Stereogum, I don't know what you mean when you write that "nobody acknowledged him." If you read the comment directly below his, I ask kindly asked him to elaborate on the song and even appreciated the fact that he had a sense of humor about the entire situation.
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I missed that because you didn't use the Reply link!
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No worries, just wanted to point that out. I am surprised other people didn't know it was really him. I could tell by the way he was a good sport about it and poked fun at the photo of him in the KFC hat (which had been removed for days at that point and replaced with the Col. Sanders picture.)
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Yeah I wasn't satisfied w/ my Photoshop, but I put the original pic back or his comment would make no sense.
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Nice of him to drop by and explain. He's a smart guy, perhaps he should work on his humor. Read some of his other lyrics - songs like "darkness", "god of wine" "motorcycle drive by" are genius. God of Wine: http://www.elyrics.net/read/t/third-eye-blind-lyrics/god-of-wine-lyrics.html
Score = 10
Oh, it's an anti-bush/pro obama song?
well hell yes, I like it now.
What a great song.
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so everybody was taking it too seriously.. imagine that. nice of him to respond, and it was a pretty good explanation.
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"Wish I tossed some jokes in here as well, but my humor always tends towards too dry and dark."
No wonder I still can't figure out what's so funny or great about the song's punchline.
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Anyone ever read that interview Stephan Jenkins did with Jim DeRogatis where he tried to claim his band was the most DIY group since Fugazi?
It's pretty much impossible to take anything this dude says seriously.
Score = 3
Hey,
Isn't a band a singular entity? Shouldn't the title of this post be "Third Eye Blind Responds ..." instead?
Score = 3
lol, some people are so funny (looking at you, Chris)
third eye blind are/were a pretty good band who write some great, catchy powerpop songs. also, contrary to mr. Chris S.'s suppositions, they are an excellent live band. the problems I had with their later work was a tendency to take themselves a bit too seriously. taken on its own, "NDC" is pretty ridiculous, but i'm pleased to see that Jenkins has retained an (for me, at least) endearing sense of humor.
also, in the other thread, that dude k2 is just a total clown. it's not the fact that you dislike the band that's bothersome, but rather your insistence on adherence to a certain ridiculous ethos; being on a major label and being on the radio is not equivalent to "selling out." not everything you hear on the radio is garbage (quite the opposite, in fact - there's plenty of good stuff there), just like not all black people steal televisions for a living. you sound less like someone who loves and knows music than a fourteen year old girl who's a big blink-182 fan, upset that certain people "sell out" and violate some imaginary punk-rawk ethos. grow up, dude.
Score = 0
My favorite band of all-time is This Heat. My favorite band still functioning is the Boredoms. My favorite relatively new/young bands are, in no particular order, Ecstatic Sunshine, Abe Vigoda, and Telepathe. Few to none of my favorite bands get played on the radio, which, because of its need to attract a generally broad series of listening demographics, is very focus-grouped music ... music that isn't "too" long or "too" unusual doesn't get on the radio often unless it has entered the fickle annals of "classic" status, and even then, those songs usually have hooks and choruses. I'm thinking of Stairway and Freebird, two songs I'm not nuts about either, because they're still pretty normal. Hard rock and metal stations show a little more freedom, but radio metal [as opposed to the underground] is continuously less innovative, thirty years after the invention. Point being, you're not hearing Sister Ray or Soft Machine's Moon in June on the radio.
How we define "good" is based on how much we've heard and thought about. If someone thinks of music as just something that passes in the background or is to be hummed along with, they're not likely to really dig beneath the surface and will be happy with a couple nice melodies. There currently is an odd mix of "hip" aesthetic with Beatles-esque pop [come oddly to life in the late output of Modest Mouse, MGMT, Feist, Of Montreal, other "indie" pop] and I can stomach it, but definitely don't like it. The most interesting sounds on the radio to me are hiphop music, but a lot of it seems accidental and goes away too quickly. I do listen to the radio occasionally, mostly for sounds to sample from hiphop tracks and to see just how overblown rock and top 40 have become.
If there are some other specific artists on the radio you think are particularly interesting, I'd be into knowing their names. If I haven't heard them, I'll listen.
I also have no idea why or how you tied race into my comments about first-album major label artists inherently accepting some degree of compromise in their art. Artists who do not have a following yet simply don't have the clout to control their own careers, by and large. 3eb were on of those bands [they immediately courted major label attention with their early demos, before being signed to a major in the mid-90s, a very traditional approach, but certainly not the most artistically sincere one] and like many of those bands, the art quickly fell apart. That has nothing to do with race. Frankly, not knowing my race, I'm a little offended by your own assumptions.
Score = -11
you should go outside...
Score = 2
I wrote that at like 3 a.m. and I live where it's cold right now. Can't do much outside. Gotta make due yo.
Score = -1
And I guess because you know so much more about music than everyone else, there is nothing good enough for you. What a pathetic view of music. What a troubling way to go through life. I don't know, but I think there's a medical procedure out now to help a guy pull a two-by-four out of his ass. It might provide enormous relief to you and help you begin to enjoy again one of the most joyous aspects of life.
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I don't think I know more about music than everyone else. I don't know much about pre-modern classical music or pop music before WWII. But I do think I know an okay amount about rock music, especially the past 50 years.
Most people have some speciality they spend a lot of time learning about. I bet you know ton more about economics than me [I think that's what you said you teach]. I don't know much about advanced mathematics or astrology or performing surgery or a ton of other stuff. But I've spent a lot of time on music, literature and art history. That's the stuff I spend most of the time thinking about and have since high school.
Score = 1
post #1. you can't make fun of of montreal on a blog like this. didn't you get the memo?
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you're right, but it's mostly due to the fact they've made two of the decade's best albums of the past couple years.
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Stephen seems like a stand-up guy, which I respect. Third Eye Blind has had some good songs in the past (for what the band is trying to go for--Pop/Rock, and you should judge a band on what they are trying to do), but lyrics have never been his strongsuit. He's got a flair for the catchy melody, and those particular phrases that stand out even if they don't make sense with anything around it (like a Palin speech): . Whether you like his lyrics or not, I think everyone will readily admit that their songs get stuck in your head. Even 'Non-Dairy Creamer.'
However, 'Non-Dairy Creamer' is probably the worst and funniest thing I've ever heard at the same time in my life. It's like getting really high and then pounding 6 shots of whiskey. I think Takeru Kobayashi feels like this song after he eats all those hot dogs. I'll admit I'm completely obsessed with the song. My friends are starting to worry. That part where they are call and answering non-dairy creamer....and then the gay republicans chant comes in...it's something I would expect a teenager writing his third song to write, and every time I hear it I laugh hysterically. I can't imagine him explaining to his guitar player: "And right here I'll sing non-dairy, and you go non-dairy and I'll go creamer and you go creamer."
I know how it is to sit down and come up with some lyrics and think you're writing a great song, but hopefully you take a step back realize it's not inherintly good. You can't all have winners for sure. Sometimes you hope the melody and instrumentation can take over and make it great. It sure as hell worked for Nirvana to rhyme stuff and make it seem like it means something--but you'll see Kobain never said anything that was direct (he was about energy anyway if you read his journals but that's getting off the subject). The more direct you are the more careful you have to be with what you are saying, and this song is completely direct in a childish way. And it's not KFC because it's not chicken--Yum Brands changed it because of the bad connotations of the word "fried" just like how "prunes" are "dried plums." The opening line of the song really tests your intelligence to let you know what's coming next.
Maybe it's funny because I haven't heard a winner from Third Eye Blind in a long time. You'll let an artist get away with some bad shit--uhm, the first thing that comes to mind is Lennon and some of that Yoko stuff, that was bad--but if Lennon's gonna turn around and write 'Instant Karma' then that's fine. Where's Third Eye Blind's Instant Karma? And do we even mention how the song sounds so similar to How's it Gonna Be? Is that particular melody part of some grander scheme--like how you could hear some of Ziggy Stardust in early albums, or parts of Tommy earlier--that he keeps revamping it time and again? Is all this building up to something?
It's like this guy in art school I new named Phil. He had this photo project where he took poop out of the toilet and spelled P O O P on the wall. This song kind of reminds me of Phil's project-because he had a lot of intent there (in Phil's case the intent to SHOCK)--but the execution of that intent is laughable. This song doesn't know whether to be 'We Didn't Start the Fire' or 'American Pie' or 'Like a Rolling Stone' and it ends up being a piece of P O O P.
And I speak to you like the chorus to the verse
Chop another line like a coda with a curse
It seems like one of those songs where they finished the music for it and then he put the vocals on top. Sometimes that can work. But the risk is if you can't come up with a melody or any good lyrics, you've got a great recording of a song with shitty vocals/lyrics. And you would never have recorded it because the song itself isn't good--but since all you've got to do is put vocals on it you do it and release it. I've been there. It's kind of a backwards way of working--most of the time you want the song to work on a basic level with guitar/piano/whatever and vocals before you spend the time recording it. Sometimes it does work though. I'd like to know the whole process of where this song went, and ask Third Eye Blind to switch up that process so that they can get out of the "writer's block" that Stephen seems to be in (his words). I'd rather not make fun of him personally, because he seems like a cool guy, but let's break down this song like a Music Workshop. I want to help Third Eye Blind or at least have Third Eye Blind help itself.
If they're gonna market something--The Real Contest they should throw is if someone can come up with better lyrics for this song. Have it mean the same thing--kind of an American Pie/Like a Rolling Stone/We Didn't Start the Fire/type critique of our current seemingly perilous situation. That's a good song theme. It seems like these lyrics were the first ones he jotted down on a sheet of paper--without any edits (or maybe one or two scratchouts here or there)--and this one definitely needed more work. I hope I see that lyric sheet in liner notes somewhere someday. I'm thinking I'm gonna see a coffee cup ring and a little discoloration from some.........NON-DAIRY CREAMER!
Score = -1
calm down sugartits
Score = 11
I can't believe you wrote so much about this terrible song and burnt out band.
Score = 1
Not it and I wash my hands of this.
Score = 4
Nice manifesto there Theodore Kaczynski.
Score = 7
Buddy, cut me some slack. It's not me, and I'll swear that on whatever holy object or my life if that gets the point across. The debate is over, and even me and DeadRussianAuthor came to an agreement at the end of it.
Score = 0
wooo streetlight!
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"Lyrics have never been his strongsuit." *rollseyes*
'The village churchyard is filled with bones weeping in the grave
The silver lining of clouds shines on people Jesus couldn't save
You wanna know how deeply my sould goes
Deeper than bones, deeper than bones...'
'Icarus is not a tee shirt or a swan song, no
He is born again and, it's not easy being me
but I can't promise I will mend
Or bend when you believe that
we are fixed now from our birth
And I've just fallen back to earth
Still you know I'll try again
Cause I believe that we are lucky, we are golden
We have stolen manners in the days when we were one'
'Visions of you on a motorcycle drive by
The cigarette ash flies in your eyes
And you don't mind, you smile.
And say the world, it doesn't fit with you
I don't believe you, you're so serene
Careening through the universe
Your axis on a tilt, you're guiltless and free
I hope you take a piece of me with you'
'I can't forget the smell
Of summer trees at midnight
Bending backwards to please the wind
You touch the tattoo of the sun
On a warm belly that once carried a baby for a while
Then let that crackled leather jacket round you fold
Red faced saints monogrammed in gold
And in this beauty I would not go any further
Cause I suddenly remember
We can't live this way forever'
'Back down the bully to the back of the bus
Cause it's time for them to be scared of us'
Shall I go on? Speak for yourself man. Myself and every Third Eye Blind fan listens to them overwhelmingly FOR the lyrics, which are amazing. Non-Dairy Creamer is ridiculous and I'd rather it was never released, but, it's whatev.
Score = 3
"Lyrics have never been his strongsuit." *rollseyes*
'The village churchyard is filled with bones weeping in the grave
The silver lining of clouds shines on people Jesus couldn't save
You wanna know how deeply my soul goes
Deeper than bones, deeper than bones...'
'Icarus is not a t-shirt, or a swan song no
He is born again
And it's not easy being me
But I can't promise I will mend
Or bend when you believe that
we are fixed now from our birth
And I just fallen back to earth
Still you know I'll try again
Cause I believe that we are lucky, we are golden
We have stolen manners in the days when we were one'
'Visions of you on a motorcycle drive-by
The cigarette ash flies in your eyes
and you don't mind, you smile
And say the world it doesn't fit with you
I don't believe you, you're so serene
Careening through the universe, your axis on a tilt
You're guiltless and free
I hope you take a piece of me with you'
'I can't forget the smell
of summer tress at midnight
Bending backwards to please the wind
You touch the tattoo of the sun on a warm belly
that once carried a baby for a while
And let that crackled leather jacket round you fold
Red faced saints monogrammed in gold
And in this beauty I would not go any further
Cause I suddenly remember
We can't live this way forever'
'Back down the bully to the back of the bus
Cause it's time for them to be scared of us'
Shall I go on? Speak for yourself man. Myself and every Third Eye Blind fan I know listen to them overwhelmingly FOR the lyrics, which are amazing. I wish Non-Dairy Creamer had never seen the light of day but what can you do?
Score = -2
DEADRUSSIANMICHAEL_AUTHORK2 WANTS YOU TO CONTINUE BITCHING ABOUT CRITICAL MATTERS SUCH AS WHETHER OR NOT 3EB WILL COOK YOU BREAKFAST IN BED WHEN YOU'RE HUNGOVER
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Travis: "lyrics have never been his strongsuit." are you kidding me? have you ever read some of his lyrics? You should really look at 3eb's self titled album - actually just look at any of their albums.
From Good man:
And how do you do it when I'm overwhelmed by a violet sky
And we fly in decayed orbit 66 thousand miles an hour goes by
When we kissed, and only now do I feel your mouth
Like an ache you never knew
And it was right in front of you
How do you do it, roots in the soil untangled
Releasing in sweet summer oil still I recoil like mace
In all the little moments I pushed you away that I can't erase
Cause every moment overflows with power, 66 thousand miles an hour
Score = 1
I had the same reaction to his comment, but I think quoting a set of lyrics is detrimental to the point you're tying to make. They're not as good out of context (no lyrics are!) but Jenkins is a very good songwriter.
By the way, the post we're referring to was very well-written, wtg on that one. Obviously most of the people here are gonn respond with "lol wtf tldr!", but it kinda gets my goat that people are so blindly dismissive of any band with more than twelve myspace views. Is 3eb as good as deerhunter? No - they didn't make the best record this year like they did. But do they deserve the Nickelback treatment? No, absolutely not.
Score = 6
With the lyrics comment, I was going along the lines that, generally speaking, and I mean really generally speaking, that for the most part you're not going to listen to Third Eye Blind because of their lyrics. To bring up one of the best (because it's the easiest) Dylan--you WOULD listen to him because of his lyrics. Would Dylan have gotten to where he is on his voice and harmonica playing if he were to have written poor songs? Third Eye Blind--the vocal strengths are in the energy and delivery of the voice, it has a slight percussive nature in the verses usually more elongated during the choruses. Basically--what made Third Eye Blind rise above all the other bands that are out there? Something (we could start a different post). In my opinion, it's not the lyrics (for the most part). The vocals apart from the lyrics are unique. Jenkins could probably replace some of his song's lyrics, sing the same melodies, and the songs would be just as listenable. What happened in Non-Dairy Creamer is that the lyrics and concept were so far out there and off the mark, even the strong suits of the song couldn't overcome it.
I feel that with Non-Dairy Creamer and Third Eye Blind, they're not a band in the making. This song isn't experimental and taken them to a new place or sound, which could give them more room for failure. This song firmly fits in their catalog, it's where they've been before, and it's a poor rendition of what makes them unique as a band. It's a watered down poor tasting version of what they've done before. It is one song however--but that's what this post is about--Non-Dairy Creamer--rather than their dedicated career or their hit songs.
Score = 2
Well said, and you're OTM about it being a poor example of their craft because well, it's a classic Jenkins melody (and to tell you the truth, the lyrics IN THEORY aren't that far off from his usual way of going about things). It just doesn't work that well, and it means nothing more to me than that. It's an admirable failure, though, because in the end it's just plain funny and silly and fun.
That said, I don't have a problem with Stereogum running the original post about the song being bad, because that's their job as a music blog. A little snarky, but that's cool, and it was funny. At least they took an actual opinion on the matter; my problem lay with the 100+ people whose comments more or less boiled down to "lol radio band CREED." It's a little depressing that so few people were capable of 1) thinking for themselves or 2) any kind of analysis or perspective. It's cool though, and I realize these threads aren't meant for actual discourse 90% of the time.
Score = 2
are you kidding those are terrible lyrics
Score = -2
I always have ..."mad props"... for anyone who gives their side of the argument in response to a stupid mass internet rant. In all seriousness, I would recommend their debut album to anyone who has already damned them based on the new song. It's surprisingly good.
Score = 10
WTF WIGGINS? ROFL
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WTF WIGGINS? ROFL
Score = -1
I can't wait for when we start debating over the new Matchbox 20, Smash Mouth and Verve Pipe songs!
Score = -3
Matchbox Twenty > Radiohead
most of you probably think I'm joking.
Score = -1
matchbox 20, smash mouth, and verve pipe aren't even in the same league as third eye blind. People who make these comments/comparisons have no idea about third eye blind (unfortunately non dairy creamer is a horrible example). If people would just dive into the lyrics and give the song more than one listen, they'd see a lot more. Ok, i'm done.
Score = 4
What particular traits make 3eb "of more value" than
A.) Smash Mouth
B.) The Verve Pipe
and C.) Matchbox Twenty
I don't even necessarily disagree with you [those other bands are pretty terrible]. I just want to see your logic.
Score = 2
As far as comparing Third Eye Blind to Matchbox 20, smash mouth, and the verve pipe, the biggest difference is in the lyrics. As people have pointed out with snippets of 3eb lyrics they are dynamic and deep where as MB20 and smash mouth (can't say too much about verve pipe because i'm not too familiar with their work) are shallow and in my opinion especially with smash mouth just awful. Songs like "allstar" are just shameful. Also the vocal delivery and overall sound from smashmouth's lead singer (who's name escapes me at the moment) are some of the worst I've heard. His writing abilities are seriously lacking (albeit catchy at times). MB20 to me are just blah. A lot of the same content in song after song and a lot of their stuff just runs together. I don't exactly dislike MB20, but i also don't think they hold a candle musically and lyrically to 3eb (non-dairy creamer being the exception). No offense if you are a fan, we all have our tastes.
Score = 2
Nah, definitely not a fan of any of those bands.
I'll give you the voice, but to me, the lyrical content might as well be the same. It's simply commercial window dressing to me. At the core, they seem to be three groups that write songs with normal voicings/note patterns and traditional rock setups, with traditional structures and traditional ways of playing instruments. Actually, as sad as it is to say this, Smash Mouth seem to be the least "traditional" of the three, in that they liberally borrow and sample riffs to create songs. However, in my opinion, it's almost depressing to have a discussion about these bands as remotely serious.
I guess my point was: none of them do much to defy convention and their hits fit neatly into their place in pop-rock history, as opposed to truly unusual pop hitmakers like say, Devo or King Missile.
Score = 1
Jenkins lyrical prowess or lack thereof aside. Kevin Cadogan's guitar work on the debut far outshine anything put forth by any member, or output in general of Smashmouth or Snatchbox 20
Score = 0
oh hey wow can't wait until everyone stops talking about this
i mean what an incendiary issue! a shitty new song by has-been 90s pop group third eye blind!
this site continues to be so cutting edge!
Score = -2
Verve Pipe? How do you people even recall such inconsequential ephemera? If not for this comment thread I don't think I would have ever thought of that band again. Or 3EB, for that matter. The mid/late 90s were terrible on so many levels...
Anyway, this whole 3EB nonsense has been extremely hilarious. Definitely one for the Wayback machine.
Score = -5
nothing to do with the post, really, but what the hell is wrong with Obama's upper shirtfront in this pic?
Score = 0
he's wearing a wife beater underneath. squares do it that way. not hip kids with their nipples showing.
Score = 0
Personally, I think the song is great. I purchased the new EP and would rate it 6 stars out of 5. I don't see why so many people are crying over the lyrics... Music is art, and art is self expression. Every artist is going to receive criticism on their work, no matter how "great" they are. Regardless of their lyrics, they are extremely talented.
Score = 3
Politician. On newspaper seemingly asked his press office to which they said "roughly 6ft 1".
Singer from Third Eye Blind, said in TeenJa "I'm six-foot-two and 185 pounds"
(Cited from celebheights.com)
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Well there you have it. It is amazing how just giving a man a chance to speak on behalf of his own work can disarm people -- literally. In a forum of open-minded, musically inclined people, and as a professor at a liberal arts college, I was quite shocked at how quickly and viciously people drew their weapons -- and, without thinking, fired. I am quite pleased by this outcome. Mr. Jenkins has inspired and entertained me for 10 years; I hope there are at least 10 more to come.
Score = -2
most of you are talking about things you don't know a clue about:
lyrics was never stephan's strong point?!?? what the effff
most 3eb fans listen to them for the lyrics.
go check out motorcycle driveby, god of wine, the background, deep inside of you
then you can talk.
goodbye
Score = 1
Oh dear God.
Score = 2
Maybe he clarified his intentions, but it still doesn't justify the godawful execution.
3eb pretty much always sucked, but were at least catchy.
i never expected that the rock stars of the 90s' work in the 00s would be worse than the rock stars of the 70s' work in the 80s.
but it's happened.
Score = -3
Hi everyone,
This is Rizzo from Rizzo Music, the music blog who posted to the lyrics to "Non Dairy Creamer" and is linked to in the original 3eb article here on stereogum.
Some of you may have read my post, some maybe just looked at the lyrics but I got a fairly heavy wave of visitors from this site over the past week.
I just wanted to thank stereogum and scott for not only linking to my site but for posting Mr. Jenkins' response. They could have easily dismissed his response similarly to the way the dismissed the song but they didn't and that tells me a lot about their character.
This post provides a more factual, unbiased view of the song, and readers can make up their own mind regarding it's value.
I think its pretty clear that the lyrics are "polarizing" as I first mentioned in my original post and was why I posted them in the first place.
It was very interesting for me to see his Mr. Jenkins' response and him to actually say that they, as a band, were trying to move past politics.
Anyway, it seems like most people have already made up their mind on 3eb and I doubt that his response will change most people's minds, but I encourage you all to listen to "Red Star" on their myspace page. The song is solid.
Thanks for listening,
Rizzo
Score = 2
I absolutely love the song, amazing lyrics! 3eb is definitely the most under-rated band...they deserve more credit for how great they are!
you can buy yourself some implants....but you can't buy your soul.
Score = 2
God of Wine's lyrics are phenomenal and I could care less about some Dairy Creamer song. 3eB is fine in my book. Their debut album is great like most bands of that era. One meaningful album and 3 to 4 others that can't measure up. Example: Counting Crows, Hootie and the Blowfish, Goo Goo Dolls. I saw Hootie this summer. Still great.
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Scott, your avatar kicks ass!
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Scott, your AC image kicks ass!
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This entire discussion is hilarious. Has anyone complaining about the lyrics of this song listened to the new EP or Third Eye Blind in general? How seriously do you think we're supposed to take a band with lines like, "Why can't you be/like a waterpik shower massager/a sweet reliable machine"?
Lyrically, what's remarkable about Third Eye Blind is how utterly ridiculous and fun some moments and songs are juxtaposed with moments that are profoundly serious.
The song is simple, it's catchy, it's unashamed, unabashed pop-rock construction. It's tongue-in-cheek both in sound and content. It's fully self-aware, satirizing bubblegum pop.
This is like watching Army of Darkness and thinking it's just stupid. Of course it's stupid, it's supposed to be stupid, it's reveling in it's stupidity. When this moment of profound energy and five-part harmony comes out as "Young Gay Republicans!" Third Eye Blind is taking full stock of how friendly this song sound, how light and digestible every moment in the song is, and is, with full awareness, pushing the realms of the absurd.
What makes moments like this even more fun is that the way Jenkins decides to mark his awareness of the absurdity of his own music is to talk about absurdity in our own culture from his perspective.
I don't understand why people are looking at something that is meant to be light, fun, airy, overly digestible, corny, etc., and not realizing it doesn't take itself seriously, never was meant to be taken seriously, and does so by discussing the very things that Jenkins views as the societal equivalent.
Score = 3
When did Johnny Knoxville meet Obama?
Score = 0
Well, Stephan thanks for setting the record straight that this was indeed a joke, although I liked your "Easy Rider" joke better, you get what I'm saying?
Either way, can someone post a link to an "internet argument" parody so we, stereogum readers, can move on with out lives?
Score = 1
The lead picture is awesome, in between
Score = 0
How can you not see what this song is saying?
-Kentucky Fried Chicken was renamed "KFC" because of the connotations of the name and because it's not chicken, it's fried shit.
-Hot Cheetos for breakfast=Kids are eating shit these days
-Did you ever think someone's trickin' you? Obvious.
-Guy in the pulpit is a bigot and a liar=Religion is corrupt
-Some kid walks into my school and opens fire. Explaining more about how things are in the world.
-Heard any good jokes lately? You can't even say jokes any more because it might offend someone. Everyone is sensitive to things just to have something to say.
-My punk band's called Operation Iraqi Freedom=Poking fun at how punk bands protest war in the wrong way when they themselves are so uneducated about politics.
-Are you real to me? Obvious.
-Or are you non-dair creamer? Non-dairy creamer is a substitute for one of the staples in every culture; milk, yet people have accepted it as normal to use despite the fact it is fake.
The theme here is about being fake and how the world got the be that way. Think a little more before you go and publish an article on your website about a song you find humorous for the sheer fact that brand names and unusual phrases are used.
Score = 4
On top of all that, along with the reference to fake tits, the M.I.A. line is used to poke fun at a dumb song that became so extremely popular recently. Most of the kids who listened to Paper Planes over and over didn't even fully understand what it meant, they just liked the fact that it had gun sounds in it and it mentions getting high. This helps tie together the whole theme of falseness once again and also adds in a little something for us all to smile about in 10 years when we completely forget about Paper Planes, M.I.A., and Pineapple Express. I'm not saying there's anything wrong with that, it's just something that adds to the song even more. Stephen Jenkins graduated as valedictorian at UC Berkley with a degree in Literature. The guy knows how to write and knows what he's writing about. He's not just some crack head from off the street.
Score = 4
I was under the impression that this song was a more polite way of asking "dude, are you seriously just a load your mom should've swallowed?"
And therefore, analysis (and freaking arguing with people about it?) was as futile as whacking off.
Score = 1
it doesn't change my opinions at all. third eye blind still have their own unique style of creating such lyrics! go 3eb!!!
Score = -1
I would like to point out that two of the top four most commented posts involve Third Eye Blind.
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I love the fact that people are in such denial about what is happening in our world. For those who do not understand this song, stop living in denial and open your eyes! Think about why this song bothers you sooooo much that you have to take the time out of your day to comment about it. Maybe because you don't understand it??!!!! It is human nature when you are backed into a corner and are faced with the truth that you begin to get defensive. It is a political song for the new generation; there have been many many political songs in the past that still touch us today. I think 3eb did a wonderful job an amazing job at that with the deliverance of this song.... I am relieved to feel like someone is finally on the same page as me! Props to you 3eb for using your pull to provoke change!!!!
On a side note to this website – who in the HELL are you referring to when you say “What if we told you Third Eye Blind pals around with terrorists?” because honestly who ever the hell you are it wouldn’t surprise me if you were a young gay republican….. Poser who lives such a sad sad life…….. Can't even fight for what is right because you're too scared of being outcasted.... just go witth the trends and jump on the bandwagon!!!!
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The only thing sad here is spamm-- er, posting the same comment 10 times in a row, and without saying anything positive or negative about Third Eye Blind, I would just like to point out where exactly you are (Maybe even do a search of "Obama" on the site's news archives, before you make such a ridiculous accusation about Scott, who was fair and kind to post Stephan's reply?) So when it comes to berating the website, please look up the definition of "sarcasm" and then apply it when reading the line about palling around with terrorists.
Score = 2
Oh good, they got rid of 9 of them.
Whatever the case, let's take a broad perspective on this story whether you hate or love the track: This thing is working out in everyone's favor. Just think of all the traffic revenue the site is getting from 3eb's fan base, alongside potential new readers who had never heard of Stereogum up until this story. Likewise, Third Eye Blind is just getting free publicity in general.
Score = 1
See, the fact that people don't understand this song only gives clout to an already omipotent testament that Third Eye Blind fans are a unique faction. I am glad the worst songs this band has released are the ones which make radio, and the best, most intricate ones are somewhat of a well-kept secret for those who "get it." As long as this band continues to make enough money to keep making records I embrace not being able to bond about it with every Shmo at the company water cooler.
Score = 1
Third Eye Blind has been my favorite band since 1997, since I knew what a band was pretty much. SJ's lyrics are some of the best I've ever heard, especially considering how Stephen uses his voice to sing them, I don't think anyone out there could possibly do a better job. That said, I actually like Non-Dairy Creamer. While I acknowledge the fact that it's not the best song I've ever heard... it did make me laugh when I heard it. I immediately did not take it seriously and still like it. Maybe it was written for the people who have listened to the band extensively, like I have, to appreciate. I dig NDC, it's no Wounded, but I dig it!
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I personally love this song. There's no super complex musicianship going on in it, but the simplicity is the point. I've been a 3EB fan for years and consider them one of the greatest bands of our era. This song which is stirring up such ridiculous levels of controversy is surprising to me. Nobody complains about Semi-Charmed life when I would say those lyrics dip into the taboo more-so than Non-Dairy Creamer. Stephan Jenkins stands up for what he does and I really like that about him. 3EB is going to be around for a long time, and I'm glad to hear they still got it.
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The Beatles released 12 studio albums from 1963 to 1970. Coldplay, currently the world's biggest band (which I've seen 4 times), released its 4th studio album in June 2008, with its first release, Parachutes, coming in 2000. Third Eye Blind is about to release its 4th studio album, with its first album coming in 1997. I'm curious about the people who think the band is washed up or no longer relevant. What is the natural life cycle of a band? How do you know when time has passed it by? What happens to Coldplay, for example, from here?
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It shouldn't bother any Americans what people decide to say, in theory, considering the 1st amendment. I'm right up there as far as fans go, esp back in the days of Cadogan, and when I still had a chance of sneaking into private college shows. Which leads me to once again voice my discontent for the Creightonites. Half those kids that went wouldn't know a motorcycle drive by if it left skid marks on their face!
I think this is a prime example of someone's random, humorous, everyday thoughts thrown into a witty song. What's wrong with that? Even though I am still disappointed I never received a reply to my awesome street team submission, I'll still give my kudos to the boys for this song.
Score = 0
I've loved third eye blind since I was a kid, and their lyrics still do what they did then.. move me sometimes, make me laugh sometimes, make me sad sometimes. And isn't that, REALLY, what music is supposed to do? Maybe it's my undying love for the band, but I think they're blow-your-socks-off powerpop good in concert, and I've never seen a crowd respond as hugely as they did to them in their 10-year anniversary concert tour.
So naysayers can suck it. Just don't listen. Isn't that amazing? You can turn off a song, or if you didn't like them in high school.. why are you still listening to them? It argues that something about them is still fresh, and you still want to hear. And Non-Dairy Creamer, although not one of my new favorites they're releasing (I really dig "Campfire") is still good.
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Whomever wrote this whole thing about how third eye blinds new song was terrible totally discredited themselves by making a remark about how he "hangs out with terrorists". Third eye blind has been around for atleast a decade and deserves to expirement and change things up..they are musicans and there isnt a set "formula" of what they have to follow when they construct an album. They too are human. Its OKAY to joke around and have a little humor in life. But your comment about a so called "terrorist" is strongly out of line.
Score = 0
I agree that they deserve to expire. ment.
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Erin, I totally agree with you. In addition to Campfire, which they performed live this past year as "Bonfire", I'm most looking forward to Summer Town and A Sharp Knife. Can't wait 'til they start touring on this album. Absolutely can't wait.
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I think its pretty clear that Non-Dairy Creamer is a pretty goofy song. However, it has a certain appeal in the same way chotchkies from previous eras are appealing (i.e. "I like Ike" buttons and such.) Its a catchy and somewhat inane song that perfectly reflects the semantic inanity of our popular political and social cultures. As this seems to be the point of the song anyway (it seems to be made up almost entirely of Bush II-era catch phrases) I can see no problem with it and no cause for any controversy, as such. Also, I'm a big 3eb fan...always have been, always will be. I'm apt to forgive Stephen Jenkins for his sometimes ill-considered and cheesy lyrics because, for every song where that lyrics are too silly to be listenable, he makes up for it with three that are emotionally profound and salient in all the best ways. There are none of us perfect.
In closing, leave 3eb alone. They're too likeable to slam. Go after John
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Listen to Deerhunter
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We have a new president, a new way of looking at life and this is a new beginning for music of our generation. I look to the stars for guidance and direction. This is a new chapter in my life and a new album to go along with it. Third Eye Blind's Ursa Major and Ursa Minor. The most profound and edgiest rock bands ever to hit the music scene. Non dairy Creamer, not only a song for the ages, but an anthem for our constitution.
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Ha, I just read the lyrics. Oh, that is priceless.
I think this fast-talkin whipper snapper is just what the world of main stream music needs. Dark it up, Mr. Jenkins, with your jaunty hat.
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stephan jenkins is a lyrical genius. anyone who says otherwise doesnt possess the depth to understand what is really being said
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Nah, we get what he's saying. We just realize it sucks. The lyrics aren't difficult. This isnt an Ezra Pound poem or anything. It's just terrible. Sometimes meaningless lyrics are better than "meaningful" ones when the meaning is stupid and the words are idiotically simple.
High school girls' poems using the metaphor of a flower to describe discovering the beauty of masturbation are meaningful and have metaphor, too. And all of those totally suck balls just like this song.
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Why don't you tell us all, doublew, how you are such a songwriting phenom. Is there brilliance out there somewhere that has your name on it? Certainly there must be. A great song or two? Great literature? If not, you might want to come down off your high horse and spend a little time with us mere common musical cretins.
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Dude, I wouldn't tell you if there were. I've got nada to prove, but I know my band is better than 3eb and I can "barely play."
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Why? Why wouldn't you tell us? You must somehow establish your credibility to speak with such authority on such matters -- otherwise you'll just look like a lame cocksucker, which is exactly what I'm left to conclude. You so remind me of nuts out there who absolutely insist there is no such thing as global warming, then you find out they have a degree in religion or something. Please tell me you are something more than a garage player with a big mouth.
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Man, I def. don't care. You're free to think I'm a cocksucker. Thats fine with me. Besides, a lame garage band at least has spontaneity on its side.
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virtually every alt rock band that has come out in the last decade has ripped a page out of third eye blind's book.
i have yet to see them listed in anyone's "influences"..... but we know.
we know.
their self titled album remains as rock's dirty little secret. as a music producer myself, it couldn't be more obvious how emulated third eye blind is.
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Yo um ... guy, Drew ... how is 3eb's influence apparent in electro-alt band Cut Copy? Or um ... how about an alt hardcore band like Converge? Or any indie pop band, let's go with ummmmm ... Oxford Collapse, they're pretty normal.
You may've made the craziest statement I've ever heard. Alt is a biiiiiig term. Actually, I think the opposite of your post is true. I don't think 3eb have influenced very many alt bands, unless alt means "alt because theyre bad" as opposed to "alt because theyre different." Maybe you meant soft rock? Even then, man, that's bold as shit.
Where is your studio so I can tell all my friends to avoid it?
Score = 2
With all the chatter this song/band are receiving in in this post, why isn't Non Dairy Creamer featured in the "Popular MP3s" tab here on stereogum? Better question, how does a song make that list anyway?
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On second thought, let's go one step further. I am advising everyone to download a P2P client and search for the new Third Eye Blind album, "Ursa Major." If you are lucky enough, you can grab the entire album before it's released and we can all talk about the tracks instead of just this one. Until then, visit http://www.myspace.com/thirdeyeblind for more 3eb tunes and http://www.hotchickswithdouchebags.com to join the official Third Eye Blind fan club.
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Wow that last statment was ludicrus
the Republican moron who wrote this
needs to get a life.
Go Dems!!!
Score = -5
whatever happened to respect in the world?
Did Aretha franklin's song kill it for people?
Score = -2
98% of the crap on the radio is absolutely horrible. Same boring Nickleback sounding band or wanna be Fall Out Boy whine. The tracks laced for some of the rap artists have voice-altering effects, which in reality means, that person can't sing. Top of the charts! Wow. You have no talent.
Third Eye Blind is a breath of fresh air and "Red Star" the EP shows that. I bleed for this band through and through and they have helped mold and shape who I am today. So, you can write your banter, you have the right, but I'm going to stand by them until I'm 6ft under.
Score = -1
In 2006, I was diagnosed with the HSV-2 form of herpes. I got the disease because my long-term boyfriend at the time who was only the 2nd guy I had ever been with was cheating on many and having unprotected sex with more than one other girl. I find it insulting that the lead singer of this band is using lyrics to callously condemn and humiliate women who have contracted an STD. I have done research on the topic, and in many many cases, women in their late teens to early 20's who contract a disease do so unknowingly from someone who they trusted in an assumed monogymous relationship. This song infers that 1 in 4 girls who has an STD is a slut and brought the problem onto herself. How someone can write a song and direct the blame in the rise in sexuallly transmitted diseases to women is purely shovanistic and careless. I have somewhat been a fan of Third Eye Blind, listening to them mostly when I was in highschool and liking most of their songs. After hearing this, I lost a lot of respect for the band and their lead singer who sounds to me like a conceited political know it all who has no reservations about using abused woman and issues he isn't familiar with to get his song on the radio.
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what's shovanistic?
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wow, well that's horrible and i'm sorry 3eb has affected you in that way. if it is possible to redeem them at all listen to Wounded and The Background which are connected in a similar way.
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So, Stephan Jenkins has definitely clenched my personal hero status (alongside J.K Rowling of course) after this non dairy creamer epidemic on stereogum especially.
I've read comments about people not liking the chord progressions.
I've read comments about people saying the lyrics are horrid and could never be considered art.
I've read comments about how this song is only there for commercial brownie points cause it's catchy.
a.) chord progressions-really? is there a set way a song has to be structured in order for it to exist? If there IS a set way then how creative is music? Stick with the 1-4-5 progression and it's a good song i guess. I'll keep that in mind. Radio sounds the same, what? stay in oblivion...
b.) Lyrics. 1st off, what makes any lyric good to any song? When did our culture say, saying what's on your mind is retarded. And saying what you want to say in the manner you want to say it is far too controversial for citizens of a democratic country. I thought art WAS doing just that. expression. regardless of what people think of it. You guys probably get off to late night Hannah Montana episodes. ugh...
c.) NDC is only an attempt to be commercial due to the labels, remaining an inept disaster. ummm...Third Eye Blind does everything on their ownnn for a while now. No label. I mean their gonna have sony distribution come Ursa Major, but that's only cause they don't own trucks to travel to walmarts and best buys across america as i understand it. I could be wrong about this! Sadly Walmart is the second biggest music retailer next to iTunes. But back on topic... there's no label pushing them to write to make quarterly profits. They make art, and want others to hear it - what's so wrong with that? Of course the catchy-ness of 3eb has always been omnipresent. Making it hard to "judge" or "categorize" them. Are they mainstream? are they indie underground? who gives a flying f*cK! take it for what it is. art. When walking into an art gallery, do you really start throwing up when you see a painting you personal don't like? You walk to the next painting and see what you feel connected to...
And i think whether you like them or not, 3eb art has connected to many people. Not because the fans are dumb and only fall head1st for catchy melodies. Not because fans are peer pressured by fellow frat brothers in college. The songs for fans are much like a poem. Some people don't even bother reading. Some people never understand it. Some people thinks the creator should be lynched. However, for the select few that feel the emotion. The few that catch the beauty of the moment. Those who connect to someone's true expression. That's what i think art is. and 3eb does make that connection. Stephan, if you're reading this. Keep making art! People are connected. People feel ya. Mainstream or Underground, There's always critics and judges. Sad but true. I'm still lookin at your paintings in the art gallery though. I'm still reading the poems... i feel them. I like them.
-fan of art and expression
Score = -2
I just masturbated to your post while listening to Non-Dairy Creamer only because I love hearing myself sing and people tell me how great I am.
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Man, all I can say is at this point, if you're writing songs on a guitar with a bunch of plucked standard major and minor chords, having a bassist just follow your lead and have a drummer banging away with the most obvious thing possible, and are not rethinking the arrangement, then yes, that is lame at this point. There are enough songs like that to last for eternity.
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"do you really start throwing up when you see a painting you personal don't like?"
Personally, I read the author's name, try to find some information on them and come to understand why I "don't like it." I then try to think about what I know about art history. If the artist seemed to be commenting on something within the tradition, if his materials or brushstrokes themselves are particularly interesting in a given context, then I can appreciate it beyond my personal aesthetic tastes. Music for me is the same way. Eventually, aesthetic taste almost fades away and you come to exclusively appreciate things that are kind of unique.
I suggest Danto's "Transfiguration of the Commonplace." I think that book tells it best.
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So what we have here are a couple of self-proclaimed technical experts on music -- doublew and k2 -- sharing their "thoughts" with a bunch of obviously primitive-thinking neanderthals -- like me. Since you two are on such a higher plane of development and sophistication, with such truly refined and highly evolved musical antennae, isn't this conversation just a complete waste of your time? We understand you must believe crappy music is the opiate of the masses. Great. Now go make that point to someone who cares.
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Just bored and talking, that's all. I'm not brainy guy,but I think some music is really boring. That's all.
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This website is pure garbage and is what is wrong with media. Who gives a fuck what they think. Creativity is something they obviously lack and feel they need to shoot down when they see something they cant create.
P.S. Obama Rocks! And Stephan is a genius!
Score = -6
Anyone here who only knows the songs Semi-charmed Life and Never let you go by Third Eye blind... And are basing their negative opinions on the band based on those songs (and Non-dairy creamer). You really do not know why this band has such a cult fanbase. Maybe if you listened to songs like 'the background', 'motorcycle drive by and 'god of wine' you would understand what makes Third Eye Blind so special to us.
Im sick of feeling guilty for liking this band. Comments like "what the doot doot doot band?" really put us fans down because I/we believe they should be acknowledged as a great band lyrically and musically. People never say to me "ohh, that band that wrote 'the background'.
Anyways. I hope people will give those songs a listen.
Thank you stereogum
Score = -1
3eb is the shit and anyone who thinks "Non-Dairy Creamer" is a bad song can suck it. Golden in all the worst ways...what kinda retarded shit is that? Whoever wrote that is gay.
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I have to comment because this thread is so entertaining. Stephan,your last comment just made me think, "Yeah, that is the Stephan I know and love!" You are too funny but sadly, not everyone gets your humor. I guess all through time artists have been misunderstood and only appreciated long after there work was viewed by the masses. I like the song, it is entertaining (isn't that what you are, an entertainer?) but I have to admit it won't get the play that God of Wine or Darkness has in my music player but it still has a place in my collection. Glad to see you are back in the saddle and having fun. Keep the music coming, they will listen. Thanks to stereogum for letting this conversation go on, it is a good read if you have the time.
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Isn't music someone's expression? Don't we have freedom of speech in this counry? I have been a fan and supporter of 3eb for over a decade. I am not a 100% supporter of Obama, but that is my opinion. I love the song.. regardless. I am pretty sure this is not the most controversial song out there.
If you have a problem with the song, don't listen to it. you have that right too you know?
3eb.. keep kickin' ass.
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I personally love the song. 3EB went politcal without the cliche shit lyrics that Green Day used. You know "I Don't wanna be an American Idiot" - total nonsense. Jenkins is a lyrical genius
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I also wanted to add, the person who says that Stephan Jenkin's lyrics are better than Rob Thomas's is correct.
But then again, Jenkins is one in a million with his words. Rob Thomas is just an average lyricist. Not bad, but not the best.
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NDC is amazing in all sorts of ways. I feel like the people who don't understand that really need to get out more and gain a sense of humor and depth. For real, it's genius. I'm sorry that people can't understand that.
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Maybe we all need to get over ourselves. With this many people saying it's so bad, it must be good. Isn't that true in popular culture? I know that when something is a huge national hit, well, it usually blows. It just takes Vh1 10 years later to tell us. Anyway, the sad thing is we are taking time out of our own pathetic lives to debate it, failing to realize that it's just a fucking song!!! It's certainly better than 9 out of 10 songs you hear on the radio. I was going to say 90 out of 100, but you'd hear the same 10 songs over and over and over and over...
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This blog's audience isnt exactly a sample of mainstream hit fans or typical music listeners. I bet a good bunch of mainstream listeners would be into it. Seems theyre the ones defending it hardest.
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Curious, are you under age 21? And if not mainstream listeners, exactly what is this blog's audience a sample of?
Does it mean anything to you that Third Eye Blind's debut album (1997) was a smashing commercial success, but its two subsequent albums -- Blue (1999) and Out of the Vein (2003) -- were not? Whether you think they suck or not, objectively what changed in your view?
If you could wave your magic wand, what would the recording industry look like? When I was a kid, access to music was far more tightly strangle-held...there wasn't the plethora of independent labels that exist today. Many of the bands you hear today couldn't have been heard as recently as just 20 years ago.
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Im in my 20s. Ive heard Blue. I kinda liked it in early college but it just seemed increasingly sentimental when I listened more, kinda like a Spielberg movie. I agree that access to the market has changed a lot in ten years, but there were plenty of indie artists in the 80s, too. Like Big Black and Swans and plenty else. All the hardcore punk stuff. And lots of indie labels sprung up then, which I think has culminated in what we have today.
If I could wave a wand, there would be no "industry." Radio ownership would be broken up so there could be real diversity on the dial. The major mags that cover what theyre told to [because their staffs are out-of-touch] would cease to strangle music publishing [which they do now not b/c of popularity, but b/c they already cornered the market ... until now with the 'net, still tooons of people learn everything about rock music from rolling stone and spin when theyre badly biased, one-sided mags]. People would have to think and choose music for themselves, not based on what they hear in the background or cant escape on the radio. Thats about it.
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Well, though we disagree strongly about 3eb, I can put that aside and say that it sounds like you have a good mind for this. Has Stereogum accomplished anything to shake up the status quo? Why not put together a business plan, find some "angels" for seed money, fuel your passion -- and change the competitive landscape for the better?
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You make a good point. Id like to do that, even though "selling" cool music is kinda tough, since there is so much overwhelmingly suppressing it. So many outlets start with good intentions but see its easier to make cash by dropping for the big boys. In terms of indie sites, that means overhyping stuff like Radiohead [a band I personally love but def. think they get waaaay too much coverage in both alternative and mainstream press]. Um, but yeah, honestly I have no real defense. Its something I should try to do.
I think Stereogum does an ok drop of drawing attention to both sides of the coin. Obvs. they've got their label insider fans to make happy, in addition to their snobby music fans and alt fans. Thats a tough demo all around.
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Whatever!
Self-titled and "Deep Inside of You" make up for any (admittedly ill-conceived) joke track 11 years later. I can't believe "NDC" is actually challenging the validity of 3EB for some people.
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Actually most 3eb fans who consider them their favorite band do so especially because they consider him, like Tony does, to be the greatest genius lyricist of our time. It's hard not to respect the mans' incredible intelligence, either, being Valedictorian at Berkeley is pretty...uh...impressive.
Doesn't mean the message in Non-Dairy Creamer didn't aggravate me. Great, catchy song like he's talented at writing, but c'mon. I can't stand when artists bring politics into their music. Talk about alienating their fans. 3eb has been my favorite band (and, BTW, the best live show I've ever been to) for a decade now, and for the first time his lyrics have genuinely made me irritated.
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fans keep saying they feel alienated due to politics. I guess you didn't feel alienated when he sang about drug use? or abortion? or the million other philosophical things he brings to his songs. I'm confused. Ya followed him this far! Why is politics the cut off line? Is that like, the definition of personal identity? I'm republican. I'm democrat. blow me. literally. I could use it.
Oh, and just to clarify how much my voice weighs on this blog; my fav lyricist himself responded to my previous post saying that he masturbated to it..... And i pretty much had a euphoric orgasm after reading that reply. It's good to know my clever words don't leave people with blue balls, particularly Mr. Jenkins. Undele Undele mama E-I E-I, uh ohhhhhhhhhh whats poppin tonighhtt?
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I wish I was a young gay Republican.
The song definitely grew on me. The lyrics threw me off at first, mostly because I was anticipating lyrics like "Persephone" or maybe something a little more brooding like "Carnival Barker". I'm a fan of the EP, but sometimes I wish the vocals behind "Red Star" were as ominous and ambient as I feel the music can be at times. To me, there is just a definite contrast in styles there, and I'm not sure how I feel about it yet, whether or not it was intentional. If it's on the next album, I hope it gets some work done on it. It's almost there, but, SJ said it himself: Sometimes a blow job's not enough.
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In conclusion, yes it does my change opinion of the song. I may not run out, buy the EP and listen to Third Eye Blind non-stop, but knowing that humor was the intent puts the track in a different light for me. If Stephan had said he was being stone cold serious about the subjects he addresses, I might have thought otherwise, but I understand now that hyperbole and overstatement were his vehicles in writing these lyrics. They are not the best, but they are what they are. Above all -- "Jumper", "Never Let You Go", "How's It Going to Be", etc. -- They are mainstream pop rock songs, but I probably would not change the dial on my radio if they came on. There are a billion other bands worth arguing over doing terrible things to music as we speak, and Third Eye Blind really is not one of them. So yes, my mind has been somewhat changed and I am glad to see everyone inundatingly commented about how Jenkins used MIA's "Paper Planes" in the last minute of the song.
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dead russian author needs a job. Voluntarily policing third eye blind boards is not boding well for his sanity.
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Haha, LOL. I appreciate the concern, but I am gainfully employed. How else would I travel the country to see Third Eye Blind. I'll hope to see all of you at the University of San Diego on Thursday, December 11! How 'bout a beer in the Gaslamp District or Pacific Beach? I'm buying. Cheers.
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I'll be there. GO TOREROS
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I love third eye blinds self titled. Wasn't crazy about the other(s) and havn't heard the newest release but Travis you've just inspired me to comment on your style of writing. I like your style whether I agree or disagree with what your saying I was compelled to keep reading. I think I'll listen to some 3eb now.
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Stephan what the fuck. I used to like 3EB!
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Putting aside political comments, the song is just not good. I've been a longtime 3eb huge fan--i've had so many special moments with many of their songs and I've loved each and every one of them specifically because of Jenkin's musical and lyrical genius--each song to me is crafted in such a special and gifted way that makes me feel like he is personally reaching out and talking to me, which is what a good songwriter is capable of. And that's not to say I don't enjoy his more casual songs as well, I like songs like 10 Days Late as well as the more serious Wounded.
However, Non-Dairy Creamer is just bad, to be blunt. I feel like it's a hodgepodge of guitar riffs and lyrics just thrown together to make it slightly rhyme and try to be cute. Yeah, some things provoked some chuckles, despite my political differences compared to Jenkins, however, I don't not like the song because of the blatant 'controversial' subjects at hand politically speaking. It's just does not sound at all like what I've know and loved and expected from 3eb for the past 8 years. To me, the song sounds cheap, not carefully thought out or planned in comparison to the others. However, I'm absolutely in loveee with Red Star from the same EP, and yes there are some subtle political messages in that but musiccally it is beautiful and the lyrics are crafted with no skill. To me, this is a song that tried to be funny and maybe a cheap hit, but I view it as not successful and I would rather stick with the old lyrically and musically mature 3eb that I've known and loved.
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they just put this video on youtube:
its pretty good, check it out
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4W19ddO7mEo
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"The great thing about music is that it brings all types of people together, and I remain astonished at the capacity of lyrics to move things."
Wow, you're so smart, relevant, and nuanced, Stephan Jenkins. You even worked on the Obama campaign! Way to call out the bland evils of "fast food", "organized religion", and "conservative politics", etc. I'm so glad that you made this gem of a song because I don't think anyone has ever picked up on these awful people/organizations! Now everyone can admire you for the positive change that comes from such startling, insightful lyrics! Remember, music really is the best catalyst for change! Douchebag...
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These lyrics remind me of my Grandad when he was 'on the way out'.
NONE of them make sense and they stink of piss.
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I've always liked this band, i think 9/10 times lyrics are spot on. (I also realize my opinion doesn't matter, BTW neither do any of yours, and at the bottom of the page very few people will ever even read this) This however did not fall in that 9/10(again my opinion) But I appreciate the scathing political value to it, highlighting hypocrisy, showing American values in an honest lite, etc. My main complaint is the flow of the song, it felt more like they wanted it out there for the message than for the actual value as a song, compared to most any of their other work it seems choppy, but more broadly relevant. No offense meant to Crystal Meth addicted sex fiends.
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Love it or hate it, I have been singing the lines "young gay republicans" for the past several days, which is pretty embarrassing when others hear. Its annoying but i can't stop!
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OK...my two cents. I loved the first album, I was 16 or 17 when it came out. So I can speak as an old fan. In the indie/rock/punk crowd that I fall into people who are quick to relegate a band like 3eb into space reserved for bands that have no soul. I also listen to mainly shit that will never be on any radio station except perhaps college PRS stations. But, you have to take music for what it is. 3eb is a pop-rock band, and they make pop-rock songs. That doesn't mean that they aren't genuine about their music or that they should be dismissed as corporate douche-bags. I know there's a lot of butt-rock bands that sell music like it was popcorn to the morons that buy it. However, I have never felt that 3eb was one of those bands. If I feel the music in my soul then I can relate to the people who created it as having come from a genuine source. I'm stoked that they are still around and I think "Red-Star" is a great song. As for this non-sense about "Non-Dairy Creamer".......I interpret it as a sort of tongue-in-cheek joke about some serious shit. Obviously Stephan knows what's up in his soul and it was a way for his band to express it without getting too serious. So what. It is what is.
Cheers,
Dan
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Stephan, love the new song man. Much respect, bro!!
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The MAJOR problem is here that Stephen TRIES to come across as self-richeous but he is WAY off the mark with his views. He is a TOTAL berk who CLEARLY doesn't understand democracy, capitalism and the credit crunch.
Let me put this into SOME perspective. I am 33, I live in the UK (where the economic problems are TEN times worse than ANYWHERE else (NONE of my mates - apart from Spencer - have jobs for example) and BUT for my Nan's financial help I would BARELY be able to afford alcohol, let ALONE a roof over my head. So, when IDIOTS like Stehpen try to RAM their political BULLSH*T down my throat, I do NOT appreciate it.
In fact, if it were NOT for owls, HE would be my MOST disliked thing on this planet right now.
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We have to be honest at some point and admit that 3eb has made bad songs. Everyone does. Hell 3eb is my favorite band of all time but that doesn't change the fact that NDC was a disappointment for me. Sure the other two songs on the EP are great...but so far they don't touch on Background, Slow Motion, or Good Man...all from different albums. Yes...a ton of songs on Blue stunk...and I don't even want to talk about Self Righteous and Company on Out of the Vein. And London and Good For You on the first album...not the best. They point is that both sides need to concede at some point. I'd rather not argue NDC to death because really it's always going to be about how much you can appreciate political satire in a song when it comes to that song. However, that does not authorize you to call 3eb a sell out or terrible lyricists or anything of that sort. Until you have a wide enough breadth of a band, it would be unwise to make such comments. Kind of like how I can't say much about Devo because I don't remember even hearing a Devo song in my life. I'm 21 so that may have to do with that. Also, you can't blindly say 3eb is genius all the time and that everyone who thinks otherwise is retarded. It would be better to get an understanding of how much that person actually knows about 3eb so you can measure the credibility of their comments. And to K2, i'm glad you have favorite bands that aren't on the radio, that's cool. But it pays to be more open minded about stuff like that. If it weren't for the radio bands like Smashing Pumpkins, Snow Patrol, Coldplay, THE BEATLES, Radiohead, Silversun Pickups, and so many more great bands wouldn't get as strong a fan base and get heard. Having long more complex songs doesn't quite work out for radio play because of the environments that radio is played in. You should know that for being such an expert. I'm sure explosions in the sky or the appleseed cast would get played all the time if it weren't for that fact...same with a lot of radiohead songs. In summary, be more open minded and try to see what the person you are arguing with is seeing when they are writing and you might discover you can learn something.
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sorry didn't mean to post twice...the site loads weird.
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I love the song so much I switched to N,D,C in my coffee.Mr Jenkins is a great song writer he sold 10 million records give or take.I am 44 and have seen this band live 50 times they are unreal live.TEB is the best.I want to thank them for saving me life yes thats right.The music this band makes inspired me to get sober and I took this music to promises and I have 9yrs sober thanks you guys I mean that from my sole. Kurt Scheffenacker Baltimore Md
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The level of controversy in this song is about the same found in "I kissed a girl" by Katy Perry. As in, there is none.
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I don't find this song to be that "political." Breast implants? Come on. KFC? These are non-issues in my opinion. Closeted gay Republicans? Wow. I'm not sure I can take this much enlightenment in one song.
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not nec. this song, but really good lyrics on this EP. these guys out did themselves.
cant stop listening to it.
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i think its a great song..just because it asnt the deepest song theyve made doesnt make it horrible there are plenty other bands to make fun of for making stupid songs...indulge
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here's the thing.
i think we all get that its a joke.
the lyrics are joking and trying to be witty and biting.
thats just it. its not. its nothing like dry british humor people are trying to relate it to.
its clumsy high school humor trying to provide a social commentary through unthought-out means. the shock value fails.
i heard it took them 3 years to work on this EP.
really? three years?
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funny story about stephan jenkins.
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you can hate the lyrics if you dont feel like having kfc and gay republicans in a song, but that tune is really something else.
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