Everclear Album: “So Much for the Afterglow [Japan Bonus Tracks]”

So Much for the Afterglow is a great album anyway, and the two bonus tracks on this Japanese version of the album make it even better! If you like the singles from this album, "Everything to Everyone," "I Will Buy You a New Life," "Father of Mine," and "One Hit Wonder," then you will more than likely like the entire album. Whether or not you've already bought the American version, I encourage you to consider buying this one, so that you can listen to as many Everclear songs as possible.

This offering is the Japanese version of the U.S. release of SMFTAG. The bonus tracks include a cover version of Cheap Trick's "Southern Girls" -- the two bands have forged a friendship and professional respect for each other; and the theme song to the cartoon "Speed Racer". This version of "Speed Racer" was the bumper music for ESPN's NASCAR racing programs and commercials. I had the privelage of seeing Everclear make a suprise appearance as the opening band for a Portland, OR Cheap Trick concert. What a treat! This band is going places -- watch for them and listen to this album!

This CD has been growing on me like a rash for months now. Fans of the band's bitter sweet way with a tune will appreciate the way that certain musical phrases make the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end. My stand out track is "I Will Buy You a New Life"; I get a lump in my throat every time I hear it. I have but one complaint... if extra tracks are included where, oh where, is "Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer" as featured in the Gap ad campaign? Does anybody know where I might obtain this festive gem?

If you hate CD's that you buy for a song and that ends up being the only song you like on the entire CD, then have no fear with this one. There isn't one bad song on there. I listen to it every day. A great buy!