Joyride (Oleander album)
Joyride | ||||
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Studio album by | ||||
Released | March 4, 2003 (US) March 31, 2003 (UK) | |||
Recorded | 2002 at the Mousehouse & Mousepad in Pasadena, California | |||
Genre | Post-grunge, alternative metal | |||
Length | 41:58 | |||
Label | Sanctuary Records | |||
Producer | Rich Mouser | |||
Oleander chronology | ||||
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Singles from Joyride | ||||
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Joyride is the third
Overview
Joyride was originally planned for a November 2002 release, but since it was not yet completed, Oleander released the
In an interview with
- "We really wanted to stretch our tastes and try to present an album that was a little more diversified as far as instrumentation. . . It didn't necessarily pan out for us, so we kind of stripped that down to doing what we're good at: We're a rock band, and we decided that [Joyride] was going to be more linear, more focused, more in-your-face than either of the other two albums."
Other than "Runaway Train," which was written a few years prior, all songs were written after Oleander's departure from Universal. Lyrical themes of Joyride revolve often around danger and risk. "Fountain and Vine" also sympathizes for the homeless while "30-60-90" expresses disdain for drug addiction. "Runaway Train" also reflects on Flowers' previous marriage while "Better Luck Next Time" regards his guilt over spending time wastefully. The album was heavily toted as reinforcing Oleander's aggressive side, comparable to later Soundgarden and Sponge; however, it does include two ballads in "Rainy Day" and the aforementioned "Runaway Train"
The photo seen on the album's cover came from established photographer Neil Zlozower who had pictures of his wrecked Mustang for his insurance company. Flowers chose the photo himself, and it likely inspired the album's title which had not prior been established. This artistic theme is carried throughout the album liner notes as well.
Joyride marks the last album before Oleander's unofficial hiatus. In November 2003, drummer Scott Devours left the band to work with Ima Robot. Vocalist Thomas Flowers subsequently began collaborating with The Black Summer Crush.
Touring and promotion
The
In March 2003, Oleander traveled to Italy and headlined a special welcome home concert for the
The promotional campaign focused on a retail presence in cities in which "Hands Off the Wheel" was received positively, such as
Joyride's
Reception
Review scores | |
---|---|
Source | Rating |
Melodic.net | [5] |
NY Rock | (favorable)[6] |
PopMatters | (favorable)[7] |
Rolling Stone | [8] |
While not as commercially successful or widely recognized as their major label debut, Joyride generally received critical praise. Sales remained respectable of just under 400,000 copies. Rolling Stone's Karen Bliss described the introductory "Hands Off the Wheel" as "one of those perfect singles, aggressive, penetrating but catchy." Daniel Mitchell of PopMatters declared "While simplicity and copycatting may sound like negative things, often they are not; such is the case with Joyride." He also noted "Off and On" as the album's catchiest track and added that "Oleander is a band at the top of their game."
Bill Ribas of NY Rock showed disgruntlement in the album's similarity to other popular rock groups and its overtly polished sound. However, he commended all four band members and described Joyride as "varied and engaging, and more than enough to get the blood flowing on a cold day." Ribas added, "It's a solid disc that will probably grow on me as time goes by, and might do the same to you."
Track listing
(All songs written by Thomas Flowers, Doug Eldridge, and Ric Ivanisevich)
- "Hands Off the Wheel" – 3:52
- "Don't Break My Fall" – 3:15
- "Fountain & Vine" – 4:12
- "30 60 90" – 3:56
- "Rainy Day" – 3:55
- "Off & On" – 3:40
- "Better Luck Next Time" – 3:51
- "Joyride" – 3:21
- "King of Good Intentions" – 3:58
- "Leave it All Behind" – 3:31
- "Runaway Train" – 4:27
Charts
Song | Chart | Peak position |
Year |
---|---|---|---|
"Hands Off the Wheel" | Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks
|
25 | 2003 |
Personnel
- Thomas Flowers - vocals, rhythm guitar
- Doug Eldridge - bass guitar
- Ric Ivanisevich - lead guitar
- Scott Devours - drums
- Kaylene Peoples - string arrangements
References
- ^ Sotuela, Ana Marie Telephone Interview with Ric Ivanisevich Archived 2008-04-23 at the Wayback Machine CABands.com (February 27, 2003). Retrieved on August 6, 2008.
- ^ Oleander 'Joyride' album MusicRemedy.com (2003). Retrieved on 5-12-09.
- ^ Christopher, Michael PopMatters Music Interview | Thomas Flowers of Oleander PopMatters.com (May 5, 2003). Retrieved on August 5, 2008.
- ^ Titus, Christa Oleander Gets More Aggressive, Focused On Sanctuary Bow 'joyride' Billboard (March 29, 2003). Retrieved 1-09-08.
- ^ Melodic.net review[permanent dead link]
- ^ "NY Rock review". Archived from the original on 2008-05-17. Retrieved 2009-05-12.
- ^ PopMatters review
- ^ Rolling Stone review