Everybody Makes Mistakes

Released in 1999, Everybody Makes Mistakes represents the culmination of Starflyer 59's 'transitional' period. Following the pivot initiated by 1998's The Fashion Focus, this album saw Jason Martin further de-emphasizing the 'Silver' era's wall-of-sound guitars in favor of prominent Farfisa and Hammond organ textures. Recorded during a prolific era for the band on Tooth & Nail Records, the album solidified their reputation as the premier purveyors of 'suburban shoegaze.' The songwriting is notably more concise than their early work, yet it retains a heavy, brooding atmosphere. Critical reception has historically praised the album for its 'grown-up' indie rock sensibilities and its ability to evoke a specific sense of American malaise. It remains a fan favorite, particularly for the track 'Play the C Chord,' which became a staple of their live performances and a definitive example of their melodic, mid-tempo style. The album's visual identity, featuring a minimalist, reversible color scheme, mirrors the stark but versatile nature of the music itself.