Shrinking The Blob
Encyclopedia
Shrinking the Blob is the first full-length album
by American post-grunge
band Oleander
. It was released independently on Fine Records. Several tracks would be re-released on the band's major label debut, February Son
, including the hit single "Why I'm Here
." The song "Jimmy Shaker Day" was also included the 2001 follow-up, Unwind
.
, Shrinking the Blob, the following year. This included songs from their EP release as well as some future hit singles
.
Oleander gave the album to a friend who worked at 98-Rock KRXQ
and had it passed on to program director Curtiss Johnson. Their efforts gained radio exposure for two songs from Shrinking the Blob, "Down When I'm Loaded" and "Stupid." The former gradually became a regional hit, and after opening for Sugar Ray
, Oleander was approached by a representative of Republic Records
. This paved way for a deal with Universal
and the re-recording of their 1997 studio album.
Album
An album is a collection of recordings, released as a single package on gramophone record, cassette, compact disc, or via digital distribution. The word derives from the Latin word for list .Vinyl LP records have two sides, each comprising one half of the album...
by American post-grunge
Post-grunge
Post-grunge is a subgenre of alternative rock that emerged in the mid-1990s as a derivative of grunge, using the sounds and aesthetic of grunge, but with a more commercially acceptable tone...
band Oleander
Oleander (band)
Oleander is a post-grunge band from Sacramento, California, USA. Its name is derived from the poisonous wildflower oleander, which line the highways of Northern California. In their nine years of activity, the band released four studio albums under various record labels...
. It was released independently on Fine Records. Several tracks would be re-released on the band's major label debut, February Son
February Son
February Son is the major label debut album from post-grunge band Oleander. It was released on Universal Records in 1999 and eventually went gold. As such, February Son boasts some of Oleander's most successful singles. It also includes new drummer Scott Devours who was hired to replace the band's...
, including the hit single "Why I'm Here
Why I'm Here
"Why I'm Here" is a song by American hard rock band Oleander. It was the lead single from their major label debut album, February Son. The track was previously included on Oleander's eponymous EP in 1996 and their independent LP, Shrinking the Blob, in 1997...
." The song "Jimmy Shaker Day" was also included the 2001 follow-up, Unwind
Unwind
Unwind is the second major label album from post-grunge band Oleander. The band's second album released on Universal Records, Unwind sold approximately 250,000 copies. The album is noted for displaying both a wider range and softer music than its predecessor...
.
Overview
After releasing an eponymous EP 1996, Oleander developed a full-length albumAlbum
An album is a collection of recordings, released as a single package on gramophone record, cassette, compact disc, or via digital distribution. The word derives from the Latin word for list .Vinyl LP records have two sides, each comprising one half of the album...
, Shrinking the Blob, the following year. This included songs from their EP release as well as some future hit singles
Single (music)
In music, a single or record single is a type of release, typically a recording of fewer tracks than an LP or a CD. This can be released for sale to the public in a variety of different formats. In most cases, the single is a song that is released separately from an album, but it can still appear...
.
Oleander gave the album to a friend who worked at 98-Rock KRXQ
KRXQ
KRXQ is a commercial radio station in Sacramento, California, broadcasting on 98.5 FM. The station airs an active rock music format branded as "98 Rock"...
and had it passed on to program director Curtiss Johnson. Their efforts gained radio exposure for two songs from Shrinking the Blob, "Down When I'm Loaded" and "Stupid." The former gradually became a regional hit, and after opening for Sugar Ray
Sugar Ray
Sugar Ray is a band from Orange County, California. The band, starting off more as an alternative metal band, first gained fame in 1997 with their release of the song "Fly". This song's success, coupled with its pop rock sound that was quite different from the rest of their material at the time,...
, Oleander was approached by a representative of Republic Records
Republic Records
Republic Records was a record label and subsidiary of Universal Motown Republic Group. They originally went by the name Cheese Factory Records...
. This paved way for a deal with Universal
Universal Records
Universal Records was a record label owned by Universal Music Group, and it is now owned by Manny Patino and Michael Jackson, and operated as part of the Universal Motown Republic Group.-History:...
and the re-recording of their 1997 studio album.
Track listing
(All songs written by Thomas Flowers, Doug Eldridge, Ric Ivanisevich and Fred Nelson Jr.)- "Where Were You Then?" – 3:56
- "Stupid" – 3:59
- "Down When I'm Loaded" – 4:32
- "Why I'm HereWhy I'm Here"Why I'm Here" is a song by American hard rock band Oleander. It was the lead single from their major label debut album, February Son. The track was previously included on Oleander's eponymous EP in 1996 and their independent LP, Shrinking the Blob, in 1997...
" – 3:57 - "You'll Find Out" – 22:42
- "Jimmy Shaker Day" – 3:21
- "Candy Store" – 4:25
- "Silver Lined" – 2:49
- "Half an Ass" – 2:59
- "Shrinking the Blob" – 4:25
Song background
The song "Jimmy Shaker Day" is a reference to a quote from the film Ransom where a corrupt cop called Jimmy Shaker threatens the main character's son. It has become a term to indicate a day "when your enemies let their guard down".Personnel
- Thomas Flowers - vocals, guitar
- Doug Eldridge - bass guitar
- Ric Ivanisevich - guitar
- Fred Nelson Jr. - drums