Description
Everybody Makes Mistakes is the fifth full-length album by the American indie rock band Starflyer 59, released on Tooth & Nail Records in November 1999. The album was recorded between June and August 1999 with Gene Eugene of Adam Again fame producing. (Everybody Makes Mistakes is the sole Starflyer album with Gene Eugene listed as an official member of the band, and it is as well the band’s most keyboard-heavy effort.)
For this album, the band continued to develop its sound in the same direction that they had taken for their previous full-length effort, The Fashion Focus. The album track “Play the C Chord” would become the most common song to appear on their live releases.
About as close to perfection as pop songwriting can get…unnerving beauty…Each song containing its share of subtleties and nuances..continuing to reveal themselves with each listen…magnificent music. [Magnet]
This is what you would call a masterpiece; a way to remove all remaining doubt in your mind of the pure pop genius of Jason Martin’s song-crafting. With their seventh CD release to date, Jason and Co. once again deliver the goods without disappointment. Soft, dreamy vocals, 70’s style drums and an overall relaxing, atmospheric vibe all have their place here, taking Starflyer’s signature sound to the next level. The only fans that will be disappointed are those who are still lamenting the loss of the massive distortion and endless feedback characterizing Starflyer’s earlier releases. Instead of drowning a mediocre song in overwhelming guitars layered on top of each other, Jason allows the much stronger dynamics of his new songs to stand on their own on this one. The results are nothing less than amazing. While sounding much more stripped down, there are still some subtle hints of electronic instrumentation. But, before all of you gung-ho guitar-only enthusiasts write Starflyer off as another wayward rock band caught in the tide of the new electronica, listen for yourself and try appreciating the songs for the beautiful works of art that they are. The wispy electronics and programmed drum loops will pull you helplessly into the music before you realize what’s hit you. Once you’re sucked in, your only hope will be to bask in the melodies that envelope you. After you’re nice and relaxed from all nine songs the CD has to offer, sit back and wait for the hidden track at the end to finish off the job and put you in a complete state of euphoria. The most relaxing instrumental piece you’ll ever hear will fill the room like a sweet perfume as the smooth saxophone sounds pour over the guitar and piano. Amazing. With this latest album, Starflyer 59 have quite possibly surpassed all of their previous material while adding an irreplaceable gem to their treasure chest of releases. [David M Pogge, HM Magazine, January 2000]
Listening to Starflyer 59’s most recent effort, it’s easy to hastily discount the disc as doleful, droning British pop. But actually experiencing ‘Everybody Makes Mistakes’ instead of just listening, it’s hard to deny the fine craft Starflyer brings to the table.
The California band definitely emits a British pop feel. Frontman Jason Martin’s subtle vocals are not unlike Thom York of Radiohead, while the guitar filters used are reminiscent of The Cure and Love and Rockets.
Intriguing textures decorate the disc: the haughty riff of «Dethroned King» lives in close quarters with a more unassuming harpsichord. «20 Dollar Bills» fuses harp with fuzz distortion and comes out clean on the other side.
As instrumentally resourceful as the album is, the songs never get so crowded they’re a headache. But the absence of song lyrics in the CD sleeve is a frustration, compounded by the fact that the album suffers lyrically from a plague of lines that are unintelligible.
It may take several listens to appreciate ‘Everybody Makes Mistakes’ for what it is, an entrancing alternative musical creation. [David Mackle, CCM, April 2000]
> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/everybody-makes-mistakes/724762553)
CD tracklist:
01. Play the C Chord – 4:16
02. No New Kinda Story – 3:49
03. 20 Dollar Bills – 2:13
04. No More Shows – 2:38
05. Just Try – 3:06
06. My Name – 3:14
07. A Dethroned King – 4:48
08. Going Places – 4:25
09. The Party – 12:08
Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and CD by Tooth & Nail Records. (The last track of the CD, “The Party”, includes a hidden track after 9:50.) Also released on 12-inch vinyl LP in co-operation between Tooth & Nail Records, Burnt Toast Vinyl, and Velvet Blue Music.
“No New Kinda Story” (MUSIC VIDEO)
Starflyer 59, Live at Indiana Wesleyan University, February 2003. (SF59 lineup: J. Martin, R. Swift, J. Cloud, F. Lenz)
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