Third Eye Blind
By All Music Guide
By All Music Guide
As Third Eye Blind was getting off the ground, Jenkins was earning major-label attention through his production of the Braids cover of Queens Bohemian Rhapsody, which became an international hit. Shortly afterward, he signed a publishing deal, which was reported to be the largest ever for an unreleased artist. By playing the Bay Area frequently, Third Eye Blind cultivated a dedicated fan base, and the groups original 14-song demo attracted the attention of major labels. The buzz was continuing to build on Third Eye Blind when the group finagled their way to a prized opening slot for Oasis April 1996 concert at San Franciscos Civic Auditorium. At the time of the concert, the group was unsigned, but following their well-received performance, the band became the subject of a bidding war. The band signed with Elektra/Asylum because the label offered the most artistic freedom, which included enlisting Jenkins as the albums producer. Upon signing to Elektra, he was offered a production deal to help develop new bands.
Jenkins produced Third Eye Blinds eponymous debut, which was recorded in San Francisco with the assistance of Eric Valentine, an engineer who also worked on their early demos. Third Eye Blind was released in the spring of 1997, and by the summer, its first single, Semi-Charmed Life, had become a number one modern rock hit. Spawning several more successful singles (including Hows It Going to Be and Jumper), the album broke into the Billboard Top 200 and stayed there for over a year. Blue followed in 1999, selling 150,000 within a month of its release, but it didnt gain the praise and popularity compared to the bands previous albums. Tours across the globe followed throughout 2000, but by the time 2001 rolled around, the band opted for some time off. Instead of focusing on music, Third Eye Blind participated in several charity events. They put on shows for the Tiger Woods Foundation and as well as Breathe, a performance organized by Jenkins to promote breast cancer awareness. Cadogan, who co-wrote much of the bands material with Jenkins, exited in early 2000. Guitarist Tony Fredianelli soon joined on in his place. By 2003, Third Eye Blind resumed schedule with the release of Out of the Vein in May. They followed up three years later with A Collection, a best-of compilation.
