Part 4: Diary by Sunny Day Real Estate
For this edition of MTDTB we’re gonna go back to 1994. At this time Seattle, Washington was at the forefront of music, particularly the grunge scene and Sub Pop Records. Sunny Day Real Estate remain one the best bands to come from the scene, but to this day are still criminally underrated. Despite this, many bands and artists that know their stuff count Sunny Day Real Estate as an influence and this is evident in a lot of alternative and emo bands of recent years. Inbetween their rollercoaster history of break-ups and reunions, founding members William Goldsmith and Nate Mendel left to join Dave Grohl’s early Foo Fighters line-up where Mendel is a permanent fixture on bass.
‘Diary’ by Sunny Day Real Estate is a masterpiece. Don’t just take my word for it, go have a listen, especially fans of Foo Fighters, Nirvana, Smashing Pumpkins etc. Lead single ‘Seven’ is impossibly catchy and once heard is never forgotten. Throughout the album, Jeremy Enigk’s tortured vocals rest perfectly over soaring guitar riffs and soul battering bass lines. I count myself very lucky to seen have this band live, in their first ever UK show no less. Even through their troubled past, they produce one of the best live shows I’ve ever witnessed - every bit as awesome as the debut album itself. The reunited original line-up have matured and now seem content.
The artwork of this classic album was created by Chris Thompson and is based on a popular childrens toy. As you work your way through the booklet and liner notes there are a number of different artworks of the little people in various day to day situations. I pretty much love the cover choice. Toaster burning, still smiling.
