Editing Everclear (band) (section)

====''Sparkle and Fade'' (1994–1995)====
The band spent much of 1994 seeking out a major label deal. After a modest bidding war, they were signed to [[Capitol Records]] by Gary Gersh,<ref name="The Great Rock Discography" /> who was responsible for signing [[Nirvana (band)|Nirvana]], [[Sonic Youth]], and [[Counting Crows]] to [[DGC Records]].<ref name="Larkin"/> Just before their signing, Everclear parted ways with drummer Cuthbert, citing personality conflicts, and brought in former Jollymon drummer Greg Eklund. In May 1995, the band released their first album for the label, ''[[Sparkle and Fade]]''.<ref name="The Great Rock Discography" />

The album's first single, "[[Heroin Girl]]", received some modest airplay via MTV's ''[[120 Minutes]]'', but was generally missed by the mainstream. However, near the end of 1995, the second single "[[Santa Monica (Everclear song)|Santa Monica]]" found a strong audience via the burgeoning [[alternative rock|alternative]] radio format, which eventually carried over to mainstream success. The album subsequently was [[RIAA certification|certified platinum]]. However, two ensuing singles, "[[Heartspark Dollarsign]]" and "You Make Me Feel Like a Whore", failed to find a wide audience, and the band ended 1996 fast at work on their second major label full-length album.

As ''Sparkle and Fade'' reached its audience, Everclear had to endure consistent comparisons to [[Nirvana (band)|Nirvana]],<ref name="Larkin"/> particularly given the album's subject matter and drug references. Following a show with the [[Foo Fighters]] at the end of 1995, [[Dave Grohl]] told [[MTV News]] that he did not think that Everclear sounded like Nirvana, noting that [[Bush (British band)|Bush]] sounded more like Nirvana than any other band.