certainly in terms of the american alt/indie scene anyway. eitzel and co get lots of critical props but i never seem to meet or talk online with that many fans. even red house painters seem to be more popular...

so anyway, yes, they've never made a bad record, some of their albums are absolutely beautiful throughout, Eitzel is an incredible songwriter and this also shows through in his solo records. I recommend for the uninitiated:

1991's Everclear
1988's California
1987's Engine

new album and tour coming in the new year!