February Son


February Son is the major label debut studio album from post-grunge band Oleander. It was produced by Steven Haigler and released on Universal Records on February 23, 1999 and was certified gold on May 5, 2000. February Son contains some of Oleander's most successful singles. It included new drummer Scott Devours who was hired to replace the band's original drummer, Fred Nelson Jr. Most of the songs on the album had been previously released on the band's independent debut. The album has been certified gold in sales by the RIAA.

Promotion and touring

The album features Oleander's breakout lead single, "Why I'm Here," and "I Walk Alone." The latter had a music video while the lead single was featured on the popular TV series Dawson's Creek. A cover of The Cure's "Boys Don't Cry" would serve as a UK single supported by a video in the summer of 2000. Directed by Cousin Mike, the video stars Bloodhound Gang leader Jimmy Pop who played a nerdy man living in an apartment. Oleander surrounds him as they loudly perform the song, forcing him to weep. Frontman Thomas Flowers explained that the song "really typifies and exemplifies everything that I'm already trying to say on the album."
"Why I'm Here" appeared on Now, Vol. 3 and Universal Smash Hits. "I Walk Alone" landed on the Bravo Hits, Vol. 28 and Shine! compilations, and Gravity Games 2000: Summer Sounds, Vol. 1 featured "Where Were You Then?".
In promotion of February Son, the group opened for headliners Creed and Our Lady Peace. They also performed at Woodstock '99. In December 1999, Oleander and Kid Rock performed a charity concert for the Atlanta Community Food Bank. The band also played a New Year's Eve concert with Fastball at the Sacramento Convention Center.

Reception

February Son received some criticism for allegedly imitating the influential grunge flagship Nirvana, particularly on "Why I'm Here" which begins with a similar note pattern as "Heart-Shaped Box." However, despite the accusation, other songs were cited as having unique and enjoyable melodies, and the album managed to sell over a half-million copies.
Adrianne Stone of Rolling Stone wrote, "Razor sharp guitars on 'Lost Cause,' violin enhancing the warm tones of first single 'Why I'm Here,' and a surprise false ending on 'Never Again' are typical augmentations on a riff-laden album that hints of Nirvana's pained alterna-pop."

Track listing

Personnel

;Oleander
;Production
;Additional personnel:
Chart Peak
position
US Billboard 200115
US Billboard Top Heatseekers1

Singles

Certifications