February Son is the second studio album and major label debut from post-grunge band Oleander, released on February 23, 1999 through Universal Records. It was produced by Steven Haigler, and was certifiedgold on May 5, 2000. February Son contains some of Oleander‘s most successful singles. It included new drummer Scott Devours who was hired to replace the band’s original drummer, Fred Nelson Jr. Most of the songs on the album had been previously released on the band’s independent debut. The album has been certified gold in sales by the RIAA.
The album features Oleander‘s breakout lead single, “Why I’m Here,” and “I Walk Alone.” The latter had a music video while the lead single was featured on the popular TV series Dawson’s Creek, as well as in the films American Pie and Scary Movie 2. A cover of The Cure‘s “Boys Don’t Cry” would serve as a UK single supported by a video in the summer of 2000.
February Son received some criticism for allegedly imitating the influential grunge flagship Nirvana, particularly on “Why I’m Here” which begins with a similar note pattern as “Heart-Shaped Box.” However, despite the accusation, other songs were cited as having unique and enjoyable melodies, and the album managed to sell over a half-million copies.
Tracklist:
- You’ll Find Out
- Stupid
- Down When I’m Loaded
- Why I’m Here
- I Walk Alone
- Lost Cause
- Where Were You Then? Flowers, Ivanisevich
- Shrinking The Blob
- How Could I?
- Boys Don’t Cry (The Cure cover)
- Never Again
Credits:
Oleander
Thomas Flowers: Lead vocals, rhythm guitar
Doug Eldridge: Bass guitar
Ric Ivanisevich: Lead guitar
Fred Nelson, Jr.: Drums
Production
Steven Haigler: Producer, engineering, mixing
Ted Jensen: Mastering
Mike Crenshaw: Assistant engineering
P.R. Brown: Art Direction
Additional personnel
Jonathan Mover: drums
Rich Mouser: guitar
Kristina Kopriva: backing vocals
Steven “Tambourine Man” Haigler: percussion
