Joyride (Oleander album)

Infobox Album
Name = Joyride
Type = Album
Artist = Oleander


Released = March 4, 2003 (US)
March 31, 2003 (UK)
Recorded = 2002 at the Mousehouse & Mousepad in Pasadena, California
Genre = Post-grunge
Length = 41:58
Label = Sanctuary Records
Producer = Rich Mouser
Reviews = *PopMatters (favorable) [http://www.popmatters.com/pm/review/24290/oleander-joyride/ link]
*"Rolling Stone" Rating|3|5 [http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/oleander/albums/album/319451/review/5941332/joyride link]
Last album = "Runaway Train" (2002)
This album = "Joyride"
(2003)

"Joyride" is the third major label album from post-grunge band Oleander. It was released on March 4, 2003 through Sanctuary Records and mark's the bands first studio album with the label. "Joyride" also marks a return to the band's focus on aggressive hard rock that was less apparent on their previous, more experimental effort, "Unwind".

The album was originally planned for a November 2002 release, but since it was not yet completed, Oleander released the "Runaway Train" EP at concerts. [Sotuela, Ana Marie [http://cabands.com/reviews/review.asp?value=20030227Oleander-f&ri=f Telephone Interview with Ric Ivanisevich] CABands.com (February 27, 2003). Retrieved on August 6, 2008.] This includes the regular and demo version of the title track as well as an acoustic version of "Rainy Day."

Lyrical themes of "Joyride" revolve often around danger and risk. "Fountain and Wine" also sympathizes for the homeless while "30-60-90" expresses disdain for drug addiction. The album was heavily toted as reinforcing Oleander's aggressive side, comparable to later Soundgarden and Sponge; however, it does include two ballads in "Runaway Train" and "Rainy Day."

The photo seen on the album's cover came from established photographer Neil Zlozower who had pictures of his wrecked car for his insurance company. This theme is carried throughout the album liner notes.

"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

In promotion of "Joyride", Oleander performed on the Rock and Awe Tour. Frontman Thomas Flowers joked in an interview that "On the occasion when nobody shows up, it's the 'Rock and No Draw Tour.' Previous to that it was the 'Turn That Frown Upside Down Tour'." [Christopher, Michael [http://www.popmatters.com/music/interviews/oleander-030505.shtml PopMatters Music Interview | Thomas Flowers of Oleander] PopMatters.com (May 5, 2003). Retrieved on August 5, 2008.] The group also toured with Nickelback in the early goings of 2003.

"Joyride"'s single, "Hands Off the Wheel," received considerable radio play upon the album's release. The majority of songs also aired on the Power Rock satellite station in 2003.

Reception

While not as commercially successful or widely recognized as their major label debut, "Joyride" generally received critical praise. "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 times 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."

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
# "Joyride" – 3:51
# "Better Luck Next Time" – 3:21
# "King of Good Intentions" – 3:58
# "Leave it All Behind" – 3:31
# "Runaway Train" – 4:27

Charts

Personnel

* Thomas Flowers - vocals, guitar
* Doug Eldridge - bass guitar
* Ric Ivanisevich - guitar
* Scott Devours - drums

References