The songs are definitely 80s influenced, yet with a modern Indie edge, and that trendy Mark Ronson sound. Every track has a catchy chorus, and they all seem upbeat and fun. So, if you're in the mood for doom and gloom, don't listen to this one yet. The remixes are just as good as the originals, and the one b-side, She Gets Around, actually is a stand out track. Best song on the album, however is She's A Study. It reminds me of some other song, but I can't put my finger on it...
Cool thing is, this is a Jason Faulkner concept band. Jason Faulkner was in the band Jellyfish back in the early 90s. He's writing and performing tracks that I feel put him on par with any teenage rock star out there. It's hot, it's relevant, and very fresh. Hell, the guy's almost 50! Its too late for you to be sounding like your 22! He proves that wrong.
The only bad thing about this album is that it was only available in Japan. He's from California. He makes an album, and only sells it in Japan. WHAT? Can anyone explain why that is a good idea? I can't see him making more money on it in Japan than in the USA. Even so, his fan base over there has got to be miniscule.
Whatever. You just have to pay through the nose for it on Amazon, but at least you got it.
This *is* a great, neglected album. As a hardcore J.Falkner fan, I was all over this upon release (hello, import) and had longed to obtain the extra mixes/b-side. Luckily it was re-released last year on lovely yellow vinyl with a full download code which has all of the goodies on it. Heavenly!
ReplyDeleteAs for the Japan-only release - his audience in Japan is pretty substantial, especially compared to his U.S. audience. It pains me to say that, but he just never has gotten his due over here. When his genius 2nd album "Can You Still Feel" was released in the U.S., he couldn't get a tour of his own, and ended-up being an opener for Mercury Rev on select dates to promote both the new album and his debut "Author Unknown", again a neglected masterpiece. Meanwhile, he gets full respect in Japan, and every release is treated with respect. He couldn't even get a U.S. label interested in his 3rd album "I'm OK, You're OK" for *YEARS*, while it sold well in Japan (and man, that album is freaking AMAZING!). All subsequent albums, Japan only.
It's a damn shame. He's certainly good enough to be a very in-demand session player (ie. Paul McCartney asking for him by name), yet no label out here will bother to release his amazing music?
Pathetic.
Thanks again for your amazing blog!
You are spot on with this guy. Thanks for the additional information, as I'm always open to learning more about the artists I care about. Haven't heard his 3rd album, but I'm gonna find out about it now. Thanks for your comments!
DeleteBest song is Love to Need. Just saying; thanks
ReplyDeleteThanx!
ReplyDeleteYou forgot to mention that Roger Manning, one half of the Songwriting Duo for Jellyfish, is also in this band!
Hi!
ReplyDeleteThanks a lot for this album, but the link is dead, please, could you upload it again?
Thanks!!