90s Alt-Rock Icon On How He Created Everclear's BIGGEST Hit | Professor of Rock

Art Alexakis of Everclear tells the story of their biggest hit, Wonderful and get extremely personal on being a Father and his experiences with his own Father.
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​#90s #Rock #Story
Hey music junkies and vinyl junkies Professor of Rock always here to celebrate the greatest artists and the greatest 90s vinyl songs of all time for the music community and vinyl community.
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So today is an interesting deep dive into a song that we weren’t sure whether to do as a video under our series Revelations or Bottled Lightening. The moniker is probably not that important but it’s kind of a hybrid, because on Bottled Lightning we break down the history of a beloved one hit wonder that has resonated with our culture and this one fits that in a way. One hit wonder talk is always a little tricky because as I’ve said in the past, nobody would call Bob Marley a one hit wonder or Grateful Dead or Hendrix because they only had one hit that charted on the top 40.
Having said that a one hit wonder is defined as a band or artist who had one top 40 hit on the billboard hot 100 so by that term technically Iconic 90s band Everclear fits that definition. That’s why the term is one of utter confusion because, Everclear has a bunch of well know songs and have had several #1 hits on other charts like Santa Monica which was #1 on the mainstream rock charts back in 1995 and then everything to everyone on the Alternative charts in 1997.
Neither of those songs charted on the billboard hot 100, One of their most well known song is Father of Mine from their classic 90s album so much for the afterglow and it only went to #70 on hot 100 though it went top five on the alternative charts. In the end does it even matter? A good song is a good song regardless if it charted but it makes for fun conversation, well Everclear had a huge hit on the billboard hot 100. Their biggest song there was the #11 hit Wonderful. It was the first single from their fourth studio album Songs from an American Movie volume 1 learning how to smile. Lead singer Art Alexakis leaves nothing to change on this one..
The song gives us as listeners the perspective of divorce as perceived by a child, In fact every verse of the song relates to a different stage of the divorce. In the first verse we witness the child hearing their parents fight as the child does the best he or she can to block it out, remembering what it was like before the parents started to fight.
Then going into The second verse it describes the child going to school and putting up a facade to friends that everything is all right at home, even though from the first verse we know that it’s not. Going into the bridge we hear the child lashing out at their parents, not able to accept that their parents have begun to grow apart and are now dating other people.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Poll: Name a song from the last 40 years that was deeply personal to you, where you felt like the artist or band wrote it just for you...

[@rockincherubtv]

Acoustic No. 3 by Googoo dolls

[@DaveCosley]

Kix's song Don't Close Your Eyes. It came out about the same time as a good friend of mine died.

[@BillGraper]

Mine is a little older than 40 years ago. The song "I Go Crazy" by Paul Davis is super special to me. I was 6 when it was out, and it was my favorite song. It's my favorite song right now, as posted on my all-time favorite songs list. I think that song is the main reason I love sad songs so much. That's what I listen to & write the most. It's also my personality. It was written to mold who I am today!

[@zachelmquist4932]

Down The Road Wherever by Mark Knopfler.

[@DaveCosley]

Also Counting Crows' song A Long December. It came out the same time as a friend of mine's dad died. She really took it hard 😪

[@SpecialBooksbySpecialKids]

Title: 90's Alt Icon Me: Cool a story about a band from 10 years ago! Me after thinking for a few seconds: Dammit!

[@ronpotts6385]

L lol all llllllllllllllk9

[@weebunny]

Yeah, I hear you, Chris and/or Alyssa. I was in college then... Absolutely love your channel btw! So many awesome and interesting people to get to know!

[@robertcronin6603]

"You can't be a good father without being a good husband" Wow... heavy...great interview 🔥

[@martischreiber5206]

Everclear played our LakeFest and my husband was a huge part of the event, so I was up front. I am a huge 90s alternative fan, so I was super-excited! They were fantastic! I get mesmerized by great guitar and I was not disappointed!! The best thing was, though, for some reason this mom brought her - about- 8 or 9 year old up right next to me - by the speakers (my favorite spot) but this cute little girl could not stand the loudness and put her hands over her ears. She looked so uncomfortable. Everclear was jamming and Art was beginning the song, but stopped the show and said he couldn’t play seeing this little sweetheart uncomfortable and got her some earplugs. He is just so thoughtful and caring, no matter what! I have a video clip, but it was hard to enjoy the show and take video. The clip is there though, and it is impressive! The show was so awesome!! Much respect and love for Art and Everclear!!

[@b5maddog]

Love all your interviews Professor but this one is so special. I am a huge fan of Everclear and truly admire Art. He is a perfect example of a survivor. I love this man. I had all their CD's. No other song writer has ever touched my life more than Art. Through his lyrics I felt a huge connection with him because his honesty and heartfelt openess. I can't help but feel his pain, yet see how remains a compassionate, caring, loving man. Thanks for sharing this interview and look forward to anymore with Art.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Much more to come!

[@creamydistortion]

He's a great guy. He gave me some great advice back in the day...

[@bjmcmahon722]

​@@creamydistortion ...can you share with us the "advice" story? Sounds interesting

[@matt910077]

Art's one of the realest most genuine rock artists i've ever met. You see him interact with his fans and he has genuine conversations with them on his own time and at his own emotional cost.

[@Caldaborg38]

Wonderful was the first song I ever heard by Everclear. I remember my mom buying me Now 5 and that song was on it. I still go back and listen to that song and understand the pain he talks about. Forever my favorite song by the band.

[@RFXLR]

I was never really an Everclear fan but much respect to a man who has made mistakes, owned up to them and learned from them.

[@ProfessorofRock]

I agree 100%

[@jaytrace1006]

One of my bucket list items is to see Everclear live. Thanks for devoting some time to this incredible, underrated band, Professor!

[@davidllamas1570]

Agreed!

[@ProfessorofRock]

You're welcome. Great guy and good band.

[@flaviuscountry]

They tour(ed) a lot of smaller town festivals. They came to Kalamazoo, but I didn’t go. 🙁

[@creamydistortion]

I saw them live 3 times... The band members hang out with fans after the show - just stay late and have something interesting to ask them!

[@chas1981]

The best concert of my life, and I have seen many artist.

[@billlambert3832]

Don’t know who your Writer is or if you do it. but whoever it is does a fantastic job and should get a raise. Another great job my friend

[@NASkeywest]

I wanted a 90’s episode and here we are! Professor always comes through 🙏

[@ProfessorofRock]

More to come!

[@nobodynobody1574]

This band gets me some really dark times. I feel like they saved my life more than a few times. This interview was awesome.

[@chas1981]

Art is such an incredible artist. He is one of the nicest people I have ever met. Their music saved my life growing up. ❤

[@jaynesixx2185]

I was a teen when I was listening to Everclear, Wonderful, Santa Monica Everything to everyone, I Will buy you a new life? I was going through depression and had a bad home life, my dad was abusive to me and my mum. My parents divorced when I was 21. I'm 35 and still love and relate to these songs. I'm glad that Art gave a better life to his family, your dad didn't respect your mum so you did what you were brain washed to do, I'm still undo alot of the brain washing my dad put onto me, I'm glad you broke it.

[@DaveCosley]

Great interview. I'm so happy you interviewed Art, and yet so sad...to hear that he has MS. He sings 2 of the deepest songs ever in Rock, with Father of Mine and Wonderful. I would have never considered Everclear as a one hit wonder with all of their great songs. Thanks for the great interview. I sure hope that the MS moves slowly for Art. He is a great singer.

[@ProfessorofRock]

For sure! That's why the term one hit wonder is so confusing.

[@adamclark9004]

Some MS isn't bad I got diagnosed with MS 4 years ago and don't even take medication

[@aaronwhite3298]

Thank you Professor... As many other American kids I came from a broken home too and I do love this song. As it's said Time heals all wounds but the scars remind us that the past is real. I've been married almost 12 years and I vow my kids will never know what I had to go through. Rock on!

[@ProfessorofRock]

You are awesome. I've vowed the same thing. I have some demons from my past as well. Haven't shared them, but someday. Thank you for commenting

[@creamydistortion]

The key word is "American". In more responsible adult cultures, family sticks together and kids don't have broken homes. This is why America and Americans are obsolete...

[@larryshepherd5380]

Art is a great musician & just a great guy. Everclear's sparkle and fade will always be in my 90's favorite.

[@gabe_s_videos]

I was ten when I first heard this song, I couldn’t listen to it again until I was much older. My parents never even argued in front of me, let alone got divorced, they have what can only be called a perfect marriage, so I don’t know what it’s like to experience what’s being described in these lyrics, but I guess the thought of it even being possible awakened some kind of primal fear in me that I couldn’t deal with until I was older. Now, this song still makes me cry, but at least it’s a cathartic cry, not a fearful one, and I can appreciate how evocative it is.

[@BillGraper]

My story with "Wonderful": I have a various artist's CD, and I never really gave this song a chance...... until one day I let the CD play as I left to get fast food one night. I had it on 'randomize'. When I got back & was putting the key into the lock, I heard him screaming, "Some days I hate everything........" It was in the final chorus. I don't know, it sounded so amazing on the other side of the door. I couldn't believe I never even played it before. I've loved the song ever since. It was like a "Professor Of Rock" moment, where I absolutely had to know what it was... and it was coming from a CD I already owned. ☝️😄

[@brandywine4000]

One of my favorite 90s bands! I played them relentlessly and STILL love them. So many songs were relatable and relevant. You just knew there was so much more going on!

[@bjmcmahon722]

A survivor (we are everywhere) who made it really big..hope he stays grateful.

[@davidllamas1570]

Another winner Adam! How about a deep story on Oingo Boingo and Danny Elfman for the 80s sometime soon? So many hits!

[@JPMJPM]

I second that!

[@RBS_]

....goooood MORNING, on the Oingo! ...ha-HAAA!!

[@ProfessorofRock]

You know it! I love Oingo Boingo. Was just listening to "Out of Control" yesterday!

[@austintrousdale2397]

Danny’s new collab track, “True,”with Trent Reznor is 🔥. And no, it’s not a cover of the Spandau Ballet song. 😁

[@txkos]

This is one of my favorite songs, unfortunately I can almost never listen to it straight through. I have to turn it off because it's so emotional to me. I've never had to deal with the subject matter myself, but his emotional delivery just puts a knife into my heart every time. Thanks for another great interview.

[@amedin77]

Great interview Professor. Art really opened up with you. Never knew the background of the song with his life. Good to hear he is fighting his addictions and is more content now.

[@ProfessorofRock]

I love this story and interview. It's the real thing.

[@Rossturnerphoto]

I remember when wonderful was blowing up the charts and I always thought it was a sad song despite how catchy it is. One thing about ever clears music, their songs are blunt and honest in a refreshing way. I can see that he brings that same honesty to his interviews when he speaks and it was very interesting. I'm glad he learned from what he went through as well as the mistakes he made. Good interview.

[@bunda713]

Admittedly I wasn’t the biggest Everclear fan in the 90’s but Father of mine really holds up well today. Thanks Professor!

[@ProfessorofRock]

YOu're welcome!

[@lucid685]

Check out their harder to find world of noise. Fantastic much more caustic record but just brimming with energy

[@jajuja]

Thanks, Professor. So much respect for Art, both as an artist and as a person.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Same. Thanks for watching!

[@tonytheHAT]

That lyric, "I wish I could count to 10 and make everything be wonderful again". Still chokes me up. I was that little boy when my parents were bad to each other. Art is amazing.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Same here. I love that lyric. Thank you for sharing. Parents don't realize the impact good and bad on their behaviors. Peace my friend.

[@user-cv8ix5dg6o]

I’ve met Art 3 separate times and he’s very magnetic- Live his music.

[@lgalan40]

Everclear was that band that I was always annoyed people weren't into like I was. It was such fun and honest music.

[@erickrupa1748]

To me Everclear represents the best of 90s rock that is real and emotional. No more sugar coating life. Just telling it like it is. This song represents everything I love about this band. Wish this interview could have gone longer. It was so good

[@GekanS]

Wow! Wonderful interview. Honestly, I was bummed when it ended. That could've been twice as long, and it still would've felt too short. You struck gold with this interview. Candid and as real as it gets.

[@davidmatheny1993]

I think bands like Everclear and Matchbox Twenty hit the jackpot in the late 90s because they captured a moment where people still wanted the sometimes serious and introspective lyrics of earlier alternative and "grunge" acts, but the instrumental sound was more upbeat and catchy. Maybe it could be too catchy, because I can remember hearing my slightly older siblings singing along to songs like this and "Semi-Charmed Life"(radio version of course) as a young kid and then eventually dig into the more complicated nature of the lyrics at an older age.

[@Canady117]

Everclear is really a sleeper band. Art has such a fantastic and real way of singing, and they have so many great songs that really hit you deep. I'll always hold a place in my heart for Everclear despite most people really forgetting about them or not even knowing who they are.

[@melissahirst3078]

Amazing interview. Thank you so much for this work❤

[@jamesflanagan7693]

I absolutely LOVE Art and Everclear is my all-time favorite band!!!! Thank you for this and your episode on Father Of Mine as well!

[@Mike-ij1xb]

It's beautiful how the perfect mend of melodies & words can capture the honest expression of perception & emotion. This interview is an amazing one because you could see that he's recognized a lot of the painful mistakes & moments, and transformed them into ways to touch & inspire his audience & himself.

[@michaelinglis567]

Riding bikes on the dirt jumps in the woods next to my house as a kid with my friends listening to Everclears So Much For The Afterglow in 98' at 8 years old (my friends were older and had all the good music, Pixies, Nirvana, Korn, NIN, Incubus etc) is one of my favorite memorys ever period. I bought that album for myself in 98' and still love it just as much today. I loved watching the Everything To Everyone video that I downloaded on Grokster or Kazaa lol. Great times, great band. I'll be 33 this month, Everclear is coming to my city soon but my girl and i just bought our house then i got laid off lol...luckily she makes more than me. But if i wasnt between jobs I'd be going. I'm also clean 10 years next month from heroin. I got off heroin April 22 or 24th of 2013. I didnt know about Arts life until about 6 years ago and it makes me feel even more connected to his music. But with songs like Heroin girl I'd always suspected it, which I'll add is actually one of my favorite Everclear songs since it perfectly encapsulates the feeling of being a heroin addict and feeling like you live in an entirely different world than everyone else. You've got your girl who likely uses also and as a team you fight through life together. It's not a happy thing but its something you can still be strangely nostalgic for on occasion but to stay clean you have to see that feeling through. For example, I call my old using girlfriend, we have passionate make up sex, try to stay clean a few months, relapse, go a year or more loosing everything and end up not caring if we live or die. The trick is to always remember where it leads. Jails (in my case Texas prison TDCJ at 19), Institutions and Death. And I have OD'd and died way more than I should have before I got out of that cycle. A few OD's were really scary too. You can feel all the life leave your body and you feel like there are weights weighting your whole body down. In some cases you can hear bits and pieces of what your friends and girlfriend are saying around you. Overdosing doesn't feel like a strong heroin high it's completely different than youd expect and sometimes you have just enough awareness to fight back of someone keeps you awake by slapping and yelling at you but without anyone around you easily give in and nod out and not wake up. It's never fun waking up surrounded by 2 or 3 EMT'S either. I also had 3 grand mal (called tonic clonic now) seizures coming of an INSANE xanax habit. I was eating xanax like candy (50 every 3 days, i probably lost about 20 each 50 though so it was likely more like 30 every 3 days. Just so stupid and a long story how I could afford them). Anyways I got off on a tangent, great video. Art is a perfect example that we can recover, even the worst of us. Even the ones that every person, even other addicts in your town expect to die the youngest. I lost SO SO SO many friends. I shot up heroin a week after shooting up coke for the first time at 14 years old. So I always expected to die first but I lost friend after friend and every funeral I went to I felt like everyone was saying "why wasnt it him (me)" behind my back. But again im rambling. I love Everclear and it would be awful if Art didnt get clean and write these songs. Theres a whole generation of artists that died or got lost in their addiction rather than making music. I truly feel that's a big reason why music got so bad and fake. So many real artists and music lovers with something honest to say died or are lost in their addictions still. Ok I'm done for real now. Thanks for doing this interview btw!

[@davecarroll4163]

Everclear and Art's songs were a big part of mid 90's radio. Infectious and catchy while still having a edge. You have to appreciate his openness and honesty. Having a fatherless home is tough. It obviously shaped his life. While I had my father until I was 23, he was sick from the time I was 9 onward. My father had a very progressive form of M.S. and he passed way too young at the age of 50. I guess in someways, Art, you Adam and myself have a connection with losing our fathers. Thanks again for another great video.

[@scm021374]

That was an excellent interview as usual. I am recently divorced as of this year after 21 years of marriage. She cheated on me after 7 years, I stayed together for the kids. I didn't want them to go through that. Lost myself in the process and will probably be alone for a very long time. Hopefully it was worth it for my kids.

[@lisamorrison2149]

Very interesting interview. So relatable. Art was able to be honest and transparent. I gotta give him credit. He gained his own self worth, and it comes through to us as compassion and empathy. He was able to move past his addictions, and strive to be a better person. That's a difficult thing to do. Our past doesn't have to define us. That's what I get out of this interview. Thanks, POR.💛

[@heyjarrod]

I don’t know, man. Not relatable at all to me. And my folks divorced when I was 10. I always liked Everclear, seen them live. But I didn’t know anything about the guys, wish I never saw this interview. His past did define him. Compassion, empathy? Great that he has it now, at 55. But being a terrible person into your 30s and 40s, there really is no excuse. And he mentioned it wasn’t drugs, he didn’t have any addictions. Although he probably did have some substance abuse issues. Just like any guy, especially in a rock band, he wanted (and could get) hot girls. And that gets old fast too, didn’t sound like an addiction to me. Just got to an age where he met a girl he could deal with, and slept around enough. But I’m never impressed by these stories. I’d rather people keep it to themselves. Let us just enjoy their art, and not have to hear what an idiot someone was/is. 🤘🏻🎸🇺🇸

[@DWINC]

It’s funny that I didn’t know Everclear but in 1995 they were my first ever live concert because they played first on a double bill with Silverchair. They played Heroin Girl for all those 15 year olds hahaha. Really like their music and I hope they will tour Europe again.

[@sunsetkindoflife]

Really enjoyed this interview and hearing how this song was created and inspired. I was in my early 20's when Everclear hit big and I had the pleasure of seeing them live. I liked them back then and still enjoy their music to this day. I always thought Art was an amazing song writer and intellectual.

[@wendy5116]

Great video and interview! It’s such a moving song,

[@mariawesley7583]

Wow, he really opened up to you. Great interview, Professor!

[@davidllamas1570]

Question: Adam you are so established now since your channel started. Do you find more open doors and easier interview engagements from better recognition? You are the perfect interviewer, as well as content presenter. Your team always seems to find something far out new about my favorite songs and bands that I never knew! Keep it up Boss! As Leslie Neilson said in Airplane!, "We're all counting on you."

[@ProfessorofRock]

Ha ha! Thank you!. Yes, we actually have a lot of people reaching out to us now. Thanks for watching.

[@golvellius6855]

Thank you for this interview Amazing stay blessed

[@AmaxMr]

Thank you for this one. Very special and meaningful interview.

[@gsmith207]

Wow. Now that’s an interview… You never cease to amaze me with these Prof. Cheers 🍻

[@davidhinkson8856]

I enjoyed this interview. Very touching story!

[@MrPhilm00r]

Everclear's music, well, a lot of it, practically tells the story of the first 18 years of my life. My dad left before I turned 6. I can still remember how much I looked up to him back then. I would copy everything that he did. I have no relationship with him today. I endured 2 more divorces after that. You get knumb to it eventually.

[@SaneAsylum]

Hope you were able to come out of it better. That's shit no kid should ever have to deal with. Kids have enough challenges in life without trying to carry their parents burdens too.

[@ProfessorofRock]

I'm so sorry to hear this. Hang in there. After decades on this earth the thing i've learned (and I learned it very late in life) is that it's all about forgiveness. All I can control is how I react to it. I wish you peace my friend.

[@ProfessorofRock]

@@SaneAsylum Amen to that.

[@MrPhilm00r]

@@SaneAsylum Most definitely, I did, and thanks for the kind words. It's interesting ... as you get older and learn how hard adult life can be -- you find yourself understanding and even sympathizing with your parents in ways. You learn a lot from their mistakes as well.

[@ellenstewart3720]

What a great guy. Love to see more interviews with him.

[@michaelrochester48]

Loved Father of Mine…The group had a very distinct sound….They had crunchy guitars and very memorable choruses: usually a very exuberant “yeah!”

[@dezyote]

Great interview !! I've known Art since 1988 , and I was the drummer for his band Colorfinger . We toured the country about 4 times when I was in the band (1989-1992) then because of his personnel affairs with some of the things about him and women he was talking about , sadly the band had to break up . Nobody ever asked about What happened to Colorfinger ? This was Art's first band that he had total control over , this was the band that set the stage for Everclear .It's to bad nobody gets to say their part about what happened . This is the first time I have ever heard Art talk about his addiction . Pretty brave to talk about some of that stuff . Hey I'm available to talk Professor of Rock if you ever want to hear the other side of the story . You could do a show " The other side of rock " by the Professor of Rock , I don't know just an idea . Anyway Great interview .

[@santoshsharma483]

I love that band and I love that song. Art seems to me like a very decent human being and that's rare nowadays. Thanks.

[@carlosalvarez1515]

Arts music is such a big part of my life, Ive seen Everclear play so many times since 1997 and had the chance to meet him. Ive seen him do an acoustic solo show a few years ago and it was amazing. But Santa Cruz Boardwalk was the best show ever! First time I heard Fire maple song live. It was free. they played 2 back to back show's. it was literally on the beach in the sand with the ocean behind them. It was perfect!

[@thisdaym]

Excellent interview

[@davidpretorius7285]

Love Everclear, and great to hear the story behind the song. What got me through my divorce was the Matchbox 20 album Mad Season. That entire album is like a document of the stages of a divorce/breakup and at the time I practically listened to it on repeat.

[@AI-mg3hy]

Fantastic interview. He has some wisdom to share and I hope I can learn from it. I saw Art do a solo show in the early 2000s with my girlfriend at the time. Since then we married, had a son, and divorced. I believe strongly in the idea he talks about where we pass pain on from one generation to the next, and I struggle with my choices and how they've changed my son's life. I didn't really know my dad until I was almost a teenager, and we haven't reconciled that rift so we hardly ever talk. If there's any cycle I'm capable of breaking still it's this strained father-son dynamic where nobody knows how to communicate. My boy and I have talked about this very topic, about my dad's relationship with his dad, about my relationship with mine, and how he and I have the ability to heal the wounds that keep getting passed on. Music has been one of the best ways we connect with each other, and so many of your videos remind me of how powerful it can be to pass music on to the next generation. Thank you for making them and I'll keep watching.

[@scott9050]

This vid confirms why I keep coming back.

[@creamydistortion]

They have A SONG CALLED 'ONE HIT WONDER '!!! But yes nearly everything on their first 5 albums is an example of great songwriting.

[@stephenmccollum1391]

Such great content

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thank you. We try.

[@aspalovin]

This greatest songs are always created from instant inspiration. They flow out in a night at a hotel, on the bus or while recording another song etc. I find when an artist pines over perfection they end up with a "Chinese Democracy''

[@ProfessorofRock]

Very true. Sound like an episode to me.

[@Elwaves2925]

I wouldn't go that far, there are many great songs that took a long time and a lot of effort to get right, this channel has highlighted a number of them. However, there is a lot of truth that lightning inspiration should be allowed to reach it's fruition and can produce some really wondrous things. :-)

[@yellow_subs]

great interview

[@robertlalexander4083]

The music of my high school days. Santa Monica, I Will Buy You a Life, Wonderful. Timeless music.

[@ProfessorofRock]

I agree. Takes you right back!

[@williambenner5550]

Everclear is one of those completely underrated bands for sure. The song Wonderful reminds me of Family Portrait by Pink. Another powerful song about divorce. Fantastic interview.

[@Geolaw1]

All I have to say about Everclear is this: if you can listen to "Queen of the Air" off of Sparkle and Fade and still have dry eyes by the end, you're not human!

[@robertmyers6859]

FANTASTIC

[@sandybarnes887]

AM Radio is my favorite Everclear song, liked seeing all the old stuff in the video

[@davebanfield6251]

"With my big black boots and an old suite case, I do believe I'll find a new place". Holy god what an amazing set of lyrics from Art on Santa Monica. I really got into thier music because was drawn to Art's lyrics. I felt his angst from father of mine and his readiness to bail from a shitty relationship on Santa Monica. I connected with a lot his lyrics. A very underrated band. Good shit homie 💯

[@kevinb9050]

Great artist

[@theglenlivet3372]

Favorite Everclear album is Songs from an American Movie Vol. 1. Every song is good.

[@MedalionDS9]

The Charts may say that Wonderful was their biggest hit in the mainstream...but ultimately the song is long forgotten with that audience... the audience that grew up with them before that.. everybody still remembers Santa Monica... it was their one hit wonder for the longest time

[@timeverett7828]

I've heard the song a number of times. To be honest just thought the music was catchy. Never put any thought into the lyrics. Didn't know anything about everclear or who the artist was that performed it. Thank you for the insight and thought provoking interview.

[@bethshadid2087]

Was a young adult with small child when Everclear hit the scene....loved the vibe of the music. Tbh however I never really paid much attention to this particular song. Wished I had of but great hearing the story behind it.

[@musclecarmitch908]

Great episode Professor! Everclear was one of the last great bands that I got into. For some reason after the late 90"s I never got into any new music anymore, must be part of getting old! Great episode and interview! Thanks for sharing!

[@rickdavisdavis9190]

fantastic guy, song and interview.....just with it was longer (interview) thanks !

[@bat__bat]

Amazing video. I grew up in the 90s listening to alternative. It's crazy how lucky and unlucky Art is at the same time. How history repeated itself despite knowing and preparing to fight that fate, it's the infuriating disease of our genetics that we fail repeatedly to fully comprehend and give proper respect to. Ive heard ppl tell me my whole life that my decisions will lead me down a certain reality, and that I have control over those decisions and therefore paths. Absolutely nothing could be further from the truth is what I've experienced. Obviously to a degree I've got some say on how my life plays out, but at 37 yrs old I now fully realize that I have much less control than I thought. It's an illusion. I blame my parents for raising me in such an idyllic way that I was not prepared for the world when I needed to be. I trusted people too much, I didn't judge people enough, I was loyal to people, I gave people the benefit of the doubt. Why didn't my parents tell me the truth? That the world is a dangerous place filled with scammers, thieves, sadists, and killers, even my best friend is capable of causing me unimaginable pain and trauma. That people only think about themselves and will sell me out in a second if it gets them ahead. I wasn't prepared for the coming onslaught. One smear after another, one arrest after another, one rehab after another, one relationship after another. When you leave a loud concert, the next day your ears might still ring a little as they settle back to regular volume. I'm still waiting for the ringing to stop from the first traumatic experience I had as a young adult, but then another happened. And I'm like wait, life, hang on I'm not done processing the first trauma, I have no available RAM space for another trauma yet. Then a third trauma comes. I'm like, hey life, I'm already backed up I told you. I have no vacancy for more trauma right now. And another one comes. Every human has a limit to the trauma they can process, some more than others. The hits kept coming for me. I stare back at this music from 25 years ago and think, how the fuck did I go from being that kid on the school bus who never did drugs, never got into fights, did what his teachers asked, did what his parents asked, but now I'm a disaster. I wasn't raised to become a disaster! Where did I go wrong? I wish I could pinpoint the one fork in the road where I turned the wrong way. But going back in time, I would probably repeat that wrong turn again and again and again because those wrong decisions, just as much as the right decisions, allegedly make me... me. All this time has passed in the blink of an eye. I am still that kid on the bus yet to experience the pain and suffering of life. Just gotta put on the music and drift away.

[@MyName-pl7zn]

Fantastic song and fantastic band, that song is kinda painful to listen to still because I went through the same experience in my life and to hear from the kids perspective brings to light how our behavior affects them. Saw them play and it was a great show, love many of their songs. Great interview with a very open guy but by his music you know they are afraid to take on tough questions

[@ProfessorofRock]

Great points all. Thanks for always watching and commenting. I enjoy reading your comments.

[@MyName-pl7zn]

@@ProfessorofRock love your channel!!

[@MyName-pl7zn]

@Anna Trail I don't believe in divorce either she chose to destroy the relationship with me and the kids, felt more sorry for the kids than myself, but you pick up the pieces and make the best of our situations. Thank you for asking, take care

[@theglenlivet3372]

Man I love Everclear.

[@kalamitykimmy8814]

Thank you for being honest 🥰😂 you have fans in Martinez California and we love you so much

[@wrapper2]

Absolutely shocked that Everclear is a "one hit wonder". I thought for sure Santa Monica and Everything to Everyone would have hit the top 40. Love both those songs. Thanks for the insightful interview!

[@davewebbtheauthor]

They had a dozen songs hit the Top 40 on the U.S. alt. chart but yeah, pretty shocking that Father of Mine and a couple others didn't go Top 40 on the main chart.

[@nozztheking8138]

The 90s rock still.

[@joeymorvant161]

My Everclear fave is "A.M. Radio".

[@bishdizzle67]

There is one song I remember playing as I was going through a divorce after 25 years of marriage. It was like an anthem even though I don't necessarily condone all the lyrics. Carry On by Fun. "If you're lost and alone and you're sinking like a stone, carry on...may your path be the sound of your feet upon the ground...carry on! The most painful part of my life was the divorce from my wife with whom I expected eternity. Thank goodness for music, family, friends, and God. I don't know if anyone is ever the same or ever heals from this kind of trauma but I hope it will happen.

[@Slammy555]

I saw Everclear with Collective Soul headlining and a couple other era appropriate bands that escape me. I was mostly excited for Everclear but I liked the other bands and had followed CS since '93 and it was my first time seeing them, it's weird to think that was like 15+ years ago. The thing I remember was their asking the audience if anyone could sing Whole Lotta Love. Someone towards the front volunteered and they only sang a couple of lines before it was declared a failure. I assumed they were then going to do Whole Lotta Love but they just dropped it and moved on. The lead singer from CS had some throat problem, didn't do good on his first couple of songs but they gave him some lemon juice concoction and he finished strong.

[@catherine6653]

I like Everybody Hurts by REM, You've Got A Friend written by Carol King: When You're down and troubled And you need some loving care And nothin, nothin is going right Close your eyes and think of me And soon I will be there To brighten up even your darkest night. James Taylor, Fire and Rain:. Won't you look down upon me Jeses? You've got to help me make a stand You got to see me through another day My body's aching and my time is at hand And I make it any other way. ❤

[@Krullmatic]

I've never cared about charts. If sounds good, I'm gonna like it no matter what. The song that's deeply personal to me, is Somebody That I used To Know by Gotye. I was in a serious relationship for about a year, before she broke my heart. This song fits perfectly.

[@CentralPALocos]

Can you see about having Roland orzabal or curt smith on? That would be a legendary interview!!

[@KoZsWastingMoney]

I'm a child of divorce and like Art was saying we have to strive beyond that. I know how hard it can be. I was raised in a Baptist home. But I'm Atheist, and that doesn't make me a bad person. I still hold many similar believes, just in a different way.

[@jaya7780]

Santa Monica is still played on Australian radio today

[@trooperjoe73]

This was never my group or taste, but I usually watch these interviews anyways. Good stuff.

[@tonytone5856]

Wow he had 6 girlfriends while he was married. That was so interesting. Thanks for posting professer. I love their song "heroin girl"

[@markross9624]

Cool interview...great content...touched me cause ive been there on bothh sides of divorce...the child and the father...just could never get behind that band...not my cup of tea...but thanks for the vid...as usual i slways take something out of them...i dont like Everclear but i love the Prof...ill keep watchin...and im gonna call my daughter today!...keep your head to the stars and keep the vids em comin!!!!...you rock!!!...

[@coolnegative]

Adam.....nice. You're on a Portland band run....first Nu Shooz, today Everclear, tomorrow you should do Quarter Flash.....

[@FatherAndTeacherTV]

One thing: "Santa Monica" is one of the best songs ever!

[@FatherAndTeacherTV]

@limelight81 It just sounds good. But I actually think they are some great lyrics to the song too.

[@rd400d]

funny its the one simgle I really dont know that well. heard it once or twice. I bought my wife a garden with a new home way up in the west hills. I also bought her a new car perfect shiny and new. Yes, she's volvo driving soccer mom. Everclear is one our bands and we felt these songs were written just for us. We lived them out. Father of mine hit me so hard, not for me but my 2 brothers.

[@creamydistortion]

In more responsible adult cultures family sticks together (no excuses). The music tends to be less emotional in more responsible countries, but the kids are very happy... Think hard about that, American people.

[@mikemcgown6362]

It's funny in the strange way how I grew up in a lie. I know Mom and Dad were in love at one time, but when Dad walked out of our house after being there for us all our lives, it made me look at the situation. Was it really a good childhood? Was it all a lie? When I sat there with my crying mother on what was supposed to be her 40th wedding anniversary, I was devastated. Brought back some Floyd feelings: "Daddy, what'd you leave behind for me?" I was also going through a breakup with my son's mother at the time. She left when I asked her to marry me. Her first son that I helped raise and my son were torn up because Mom said Dad wouldn't be together. So there's so many things about this song that I can identify with. Protective lies and broken hearts. So much deeper than I care to get into here.

[@jefff2223]

Wow, just f’ing wow…