Collegiate Times

Things were a little simpler in 1997. Since good old Bill was surfing his way into a second term and the Chicago Bulls kept on winning, I feel as though we've deviated a little from obstinate progress. In fact, now that I look at it, things haven't seemed so cool and collected since then.

Third Eye Blind sees things no differently.

With the 1997 release of its self-titled debut, Third Eye Blind dominated modern rock tracks with an optimistic approach and a buoyant attitude. Vocalist Stephan Jenkins had us by the rope with "Semi-Charmed Life," "Graduate," "Jumper," and my favorite, "Losing a Whole Year." The album was a critical success, selling more than six million copies worldwide. Think what you may; it's easy to criticize success.

I hope I'm talking to the right generation. From what I remember, Burruss Auditorium was pretty packed when 3ED blessed us with its presence this September. Having them fly out from San Francisco just to come play for Virginia Tech felt pretty exclusive. The Obama shirt might've been too much, though.

And now at 44, Jenkins still hasn't lost touch with his fans. Third Eye Blind is releasing three new songs from its upcoming album, "Ursa Major," the band's first release in five years.

Digitally released today, Third Eye Blind's "Red Star EP" is a three-track EP. Red Star includes "Non-Dairy Creamer," "Red Star," and a live version of "Why Can't You Be."

The title gets its name off Third Eye Blind's upcoming EP and was voted by fans on the band's Facebook page.

The band has consistently touched base with its fans through various digital media and Jenkins understands the vertical integration of music.

"We love albums; we also feel limited by them," Jenkins said in a recent blog. "All I am saying is your Web site can now be your album, an ongoing ever-changing one that grows and morphs and reflects your creative impulses as you have them.

Grab the moment of a song and share it the night you finished it. Make art that you have for it and post it. Then go play some shows and record some more. Physical and digital releases can interconnect and enhance each other."

"Why Can't You Be," a reference to the ever-so-vibrant Robbie Williams, is a quirky, fun tune which I'm excited to hear recorded. The vulgar lyrics on the virtuous tune are a 3EB signature, which I'm sure many fans have heard in "Blinded," or the vivid and striking "Slow Motion."

Reminiscent of the melodic "Wounded," "Red Star" is possibly one of the greatest tracks I've heard in a long time. Jenkins once again sets the standard with his signature vocals that complement the proverbial coos of Tony Fredianelli's guitar (whose solo-op blew me away).

"The police high beam froze her perfect face in white glows for a while, the politic bureau's on high alert and her name showed up on file, there's trouble with the war effort and she's been speaking out, checkpoint Charlie's radioing in she's compromised in doubt," Jenkins sings.

The band plans to continue providing music from all sorts of channels, and hopes to facilitate the most intuitive methods of delivery. I'm glad the band was righteous enough to let us get a taste of what "Ursa Major" may have to offer.

"I'm saying that choices are exploding," Jenkins said. "Albums are not the only way, and perhaps not even the most creative and effective way. Then again, they may be the way for you. Third Eye Blind is going to keep making records because we like them."

On stage at Burruss, they promised to return. Please come back to Tech, Jenkins -- I hold you to that.