2009 is sure to be a year that will be remembered. In just days our nation will witness the historic inauguration of Barack Obama, the world will watch as CERN's (the European Organization for Nuclear Research) Large Hadron Collider goes back online in an attempt to discover the "God Particle," and we will nervously watch as economists and politicians scramble in an attempt to jumpstart the devastated economy. But one event overshadows all: I am referring, of course, to Third Eye Blind's triumphant return.
While it's been almost six long years since 3EB released their critically praised but commercially unsuccessful third album, "Out of the Vein," frontman Stephen Jenkins has been hard at work writing new material for the band's full-length, fourth album, "Ursa Major." Though songs for the album have been recorded and completed from as early as 2005, Jenkins has been frequently plagued with writer's block, repeatedly grinding progress to a halt. In spring 2007, the band hit the road for an extensive tour in the hopes that they might find the inspiration they needed to finish the album, a successful quest that ultimately led to their re-entering the studio and finishing the project.
In anticipation of their new album, 3EB released a three-track EP, "Red Star," on Nov. 18, 2008, lending credibility to the rumors that "Ursa Major" was completed or at least near completion. Now, nearly two-months after the EP was released, there is an abundance of rumors and speculation surrounding the details of "Ursa Major." The band has given no specific release date, instead opting only to acknowledge a tentative spring 2009 release. Similarly, upwards of 20 songs are rumored to be possibilities for the album, while no track listing has been released.
Despite all of the uncertainties and probable further delays, "Ursa Major" is already one of the most anticipated and talked-about albums of 2009. With plans for a follow-up, "Ursa Minor," already publicized, fans can expect an incredible array of new material to come in the future. So sure, the wait has been long. But if 3EB's past releases are any indication of the future, I can't wait to see what's in store.
