EELS have shared two new tracks, “All Forgotten” and “I’m On Standby,” from their forthcoming album Cookie Happened.
The album, the band’s 16th studio release, is set for release on October 16 via E Works / Play It Again Sam.
“All Forgotten” finds E, aka Mark Oliver Everett, reflecting on mortality with the mix of melancholy, humour and perspective that has long defined EELS’ songwriting. Set against sweeping strings and rich harmonics, the song tackles one of the album’s biggest existential questions.
Speaking about the track, E says: “You can find the idea of your existence ending troubling or comforting. I try to lean towards the comforting take whenever possible: For thousands, millions of years you didn’t exist, and you and the world were fine. You’ll be fine not existing again. This is what hit songs are written about, right?”
By contrast, “I’m On Standby” is one of the album’s most tender moments, unfolding as a warm, melodic ode to friendship and the comfort of knowing someone will always be there.
E adds: “If you’re lucky you have a friend you’re always there for and vice versa. Bitch, I’ve always got time for you.”
The two new songs follow “Cap In Hand,” the first track to be released from Cookie Happened, a bittersweet song written from the perspective of someone confronting their mistakes and trying to make amends.
Together, “All Forgotten” and “I’m On Standby” offer a further glimpse into an album that finds E reflecting on life’s small victories, disappointments and the strange miracle of having been here at all.
Ahead of the release of Cookie Happened, EELS are also celebrating their catalogue with the first-ever vinyl edition of Meet The Eels: Essential EELS Vol. 1 (1996–2006). Originally released digitally in 2008, the collection will be available as a limited 2LP Yellow Gold 140g vinyl set from July 31.
The compilation features 24 tracks, including “Novocaine For The Soul,” “Susan’s House” and “I Need Some Sleep.”
Cookie Happened follows 2024’s EELS TIME!, which continued the band’s late-career run of reflective, funny and quietly hopeful songwriting.
EELS – Cookie Happened tracklist
1. Clobbered
2. Cap In Hand
3. All Forgotten
4. Bamboozled Again
5. Lost And Barking
6. Taking Pictures
7. New Story
8. Congratulations To Me
9. One Razzle, One Dazzle
10. I’m On Standby
11. Dum Dums
12. The Way I Was Made
