Third Eye Blind by Third Eye Blind (CD, Apr-1997, Elektra Entertainment)

Third Eye Blind's self-titled first album released in 1997 is an alt rock gem! Leading the way and breaking new ground that's been followed by other bands like Eve, Blink 182, Train or Bowling for Soup, 3EB is a tight, hard hitting band. The band personnel has changed over a bit in the ensuing 8 years since this release, but Jenkins is the glue.

Several tunes from this debut made top 40 and were on radio play lists across the country including: "Graduate," "How's It Going To Be," "Jumper," and "Losing a whole year." The album has gone multi-platinum selling over 5 million copies. In addition to being somewhat of a San Francisco institution on the small, but vibrant club scene, their popularity has definitely gone national and now global, too.

Stephan Jenkins and Kevin Cadogan's jangly, dueling guitars and duets are full of hooks and subtlety. Underscored with rythmic bass and drums that makes you tap your feet.

If you're new to the band, love their follow-ups Blue or their most recent release, Out of the Vein, or a long-time fan, you need to have this ablum. It's in my top 50 first sure.