Joe Jackson Band - Volume 4
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Free Music Notes for Volume 4
Free Music Review: Joe Jackson - Decent, But He Has Done Better
Hit: 3 Stars
This is a two disc set that contains what was Joe's new studio album in 2003 as well as a bonus 6 track live disc. For "Volume 4" Jackson puts his original band back together. These are the same guys who recorded with Jackson on his first three albums thus the "Volume 4" title. The sound of the album definitely harkens back to Joe's early punk/ jazz / new wave roots and most of this stuff could have been right at home circa 1979. The sound is stripped down with Joe's piano not being as up front nearly as much as much of his more recent material. Overall I think that the album is decent, but he has done better. On most of Joe's albums that are at least a few songs that really stand out as being great, but I don't find that here. The songwriting is all good, but again, not quite up to what I know Jackson is capable of. Of the better tunes highlights include "Take It Like A Man", "Love At First Light", and "Dirty Martini". "Thugz r Us" takes an amusing stab at hip hop culture, not unlike Ben Folds "Rockin' The Suburbs", but I prefer Folds song to this one. All in all this is a decent album for Jackson fans, but for a beginner I would start with some of his earlier material. The disc also comes with a 6 track live album again recorded with the original band. It is a nice little bonus, but again does not stand up to some of Jackson's earlier live discs.Free Music Review: the original jj band returns
Hit: 5 Stars
JOE JACKSON has never been someone who does the same thing twice
so when i heard he was putting the old band back together again i knew it was going to be something special.it doesen't really remind me of the look sharp or i'm the man album as much as i thought it would.and this isn't a bad thing because joe jackson is a much better songwritter and musician than he was in the late 70's and the early 80's.the musicianship is marvelous as it was way back then STILL ALIVE is one of the best tunes he's done in years.volume 4 is far better than beat crazy(volume 3)if you liked joe jackson at all in the past check out this release
Free Music Review: Solid - much more than just nostalgia
Hit: 5 Stars
I was a big fan of Joe Jackson. With the exception of Beat Crazy, I thought the most of all of Joe's albums through Big World. But after Big World, Joe's music did not touch me like it used to. I'd sample most of his subsequent CD's, but they always left me disappionted. I thought that Volume 4 was yet another let down, but I got it - mainly based on reviews.
It took one listen to conclude that this is easily his best CD since Big World, and possibly among his best (only time will tell). But after a few months of listening, I just love it! The energy and creativity is at the same level as his first six, and also reflects the maturity of a pioneer that still has it, just listen to "Love at First Light."
Yes, Joe, you are still alive.
Free Music Review: gotta love Joe
Hit: 5 Stars
It's a great compilation disc of his greatest hits, plus a bonus CD included--It's almost as good as seeing him live in concert. If you are a Joe Jackson fan, this is an absolute must have!!Free Music Review: Phenominal!
Hit: 5 Stars
I've always liked Joe Jackson's music. I thought that "Night And Day" was genius... to put out an album with NO guitars that rocked as much as it did... just keys, percussion, and bass... like acid-jazz-rock.
That kind of creativity has always been a part of Joe Jackson's music. But, listening to his music, it's obvious to see that his true heart lies in the post-punk jazzy rock that he and his three-piece backing band created in the late 70's and early 80's. The spirit of this music has been present in everything he has done... from the horn sections to the jazz piano... you can always here the rock.
And the band is back together, and they sound better then ever. I cannot stop listening to this album. The whole thing sound like it was recorded live, and it probably was. There isn't an overdubbed guitar or anything else that would lead me to believe that this was recorded in more than one take.
Jackson is the obvious star of this band (after all, it's called the Joe Jackson Band), and his voice seems to never get old or worn out. Not every song features his keyboard talent, but the ones that do really benifit from it. On that same note, the ones that do not feature the keyboards do not sound any worse for lack of them. The 11 tracks on this album were also penned by Mr. Jackson, and each one is a gem. The live feel of this album is also credited to him, as he is the producer.
Also here is Mr. Jackson's long-time bassist, Graham Maby, and he holds down the bottom end perfectly. His bass is present in the mix, not to a point where it's over-powering, but enough to be able to hear his immense talent on the instrument. Need proof? Just listen to him coming in on the beginning of the lead track, "Take It Like A Man," or skip to "Fairy Dust," and let yourself be amazed.
The other half of Mr. Jackson's rhythm section, drummer Dave Houghton, pulls his own weight as well. His drumming is precise with a "jazzy" (that word seems to come up a lot when describing Joe Jackson), but it has almost a fun feel to it. He can kick it fast when he needs to, like on "Fairy Dust," but can also slow it down, and play to a slow number, as heard on "Love At First Light."
The fourth member of the band is guitarist Gary Sanford. His guitar sound carries a power pop feel to it... not very distorted or heavy, but he can rock when he needs to. He also has the ability to utilize a very clean tone on some of these ballads, like on "Chrome." But his personal highlight is the wah-wah pedal induced intro to "Fairy Dust."
The stand-out tracks on this are "Take It Like A Man," "Chrome," "Fairy Dust," an ode to the morining after a one-night stand: "Love At First Light," and a humorous tune about a bunch of upper-class white boys trying to act like gangstas: "Thugz 'R' Us."
An added bomus is the extra disc of six live tunes the band recorded after reuniting, and before recording this album. The highlights on that disc include "One More Time," "Is She Really Going Out With Him" where the crowd sings half of the song for Joe, and "Got The Time" which features a bitchin' bass solo from Mr. Maby.
This is one of the most original albums I've ever heard and another testament of the creativity of one of the most underrated muscians and songwriters of the last 25 years. I only hope there's going to be more where this came from.
BUY IT!!