Songs From An American Movie, Vol. 2: Good Time For A Bad Attitude

'Vol. One' might have opened the band up to a wider audience but 'Vol. Two' is a far better reflection of what Everclear are all about.

Everclear's real secret is their wry humor... [11/24/2000, p.82]

Rockers and ballads are both delivered with pure '80s polish and shine. It doesn't make for as interesting a listen as the folk and funk of this year's Vol. 1, but that's not the point. If that was the thinking man's Everclear, this is the purely visceral edition. At the very least an exhilarating, fist-pumping ride, Vol. 2 is proof that a little energy can go a long way.

While there are blips in all areas of life - the possible existence of Bigfoot, the rich and strange wildlife of Madagascar - few things cast more suspicion upon the whole survival-of-fittest concept than the continuing career of Everclear.

Vol. Two will please Everclear's long-term fans with a return to their harder roots.

Everclear's Art Alexakis might have stretched himself way too thin by dividing his concept album into two different records, but his songwriting gifts remain as sharp as ever.... "When It All Goes Wrong Again," "Slide" and "Misery Whip" are the standouts here, venting everyday domestic frustrations with enough melodic and lyrical grace to turn these frustrations into good, painful jokes.

It is clear that these two albums need to be heard and absorbed side by side?

Apparently, this American movie is the story of the predatory woman who comes to your house, whaps the crap out of you, and makes you play the same song over and over again. [2/2001, p.107]

Bad Attitude is aided immeasurably by its oil-slick choruses and Alexakis' suitably bombastic production. It may lack the vivid, slice-of-life evocativeness of 1995's outstanding Sparkle And Fade, but the album's catchiness is a decent consolation prize.