Eels

Although often presented as a band, Eels is the vehicle for Mark Oliver Everett (born April 9, 1963, Virginia), who adopted “E” after too many friends named Mark. A self-taught multi-instrumentalist, he recorded early demos on a four-track before signing to Polydor and later forming Eels, scoring a hit with “Novocaine for the Soul.” Personal tragedies shaped the stark Electro-Shock Blues. He later collaborated with Peter Buck, created the DJ alter ego MC Honky, and led the multi-instrumental Eels Orchestra, whose members swapped three to four instruments per show.