Lots of bits and pieces

For those who aren't well-acquainted with Eels, here's your introduction. Eels is the band name and musical engine for one man -- Mark Everett, also known as Mr. E or just E. Over his 12-year career, E has made quite a name for himself with the ever-changing style and size of his band, along with his cool yet deeply personal catalogue. So alongside his first best-of collection Meet the Eels, Eels has simultaneously released the 3-disc rarities collection Useless Trinkets, including 50 tracks on two discs and most of the "band's" 2006 Lollapalooza performance on DVD. Although many of the tracks are worthless remixes, there is a great deal of meat in the package making it a great $20 deal for those most fond of E.\nUseless Trinkets includes some of the most cherished Eels rarities, from "Living Life" off a Daniel Johnston tribute to the unreleased live cover of Screamin' Jay Hawkins' "I Put A Spell On You." Other highlights include the Jon Brion-produced "Dog's Life," which is private and serene, and a version of Elvis' "Can't Help Falling In Love," which brings a new lonely-and-vulnerable dimension to the oldies classic. \nE's music has always been prominent in the movies, but people rarely buy a soundtrack for a single song. So Trinkets presents a nice format to include soundtrack favorites, such as the two tracks created for the movie "Holes" ("Mighty Fine Blues" and "Eyes Down"), as well as "Bad News" off the soundtrack for "The End Of Violence".\nThe collection also has plenty of one-time novelty songs that are meant only for the most extreme Eels fan. Whether it's the Moog Cookbook version of "Novocaine for the Soul" or the unbearably silly "Jelly Dancers," the collection has several gimmicks that demonstrate Mr. E's humorous side. Also the alternate live version of "Hospital Food" and the Michael Simpson remix of "Lucky Day In Hell" are reminders of why Eels draws so many Beck comparisons.\nThe DVD includes the stripped-down punk-rock set Eels put on at Lollapalooza 2006, although it lacks the mesmerizing version of "I Put a Spell On You" that was one of the set's highlights. The package also includes behind-the-scenes photos and commentary from Mr. E himself. This is a great package for only the truest of Eels followers.