“Jesus Wants My Soul Back” is described perfectly by UK, TV presenter Jonathan Maitland on the Jackdaw4 website when he says that it actually restored his faith in music, such is its freshness. Honky-tonk piano underpins a wonderfully written and harmonized song which, like the majority of the album, is actually deceptively complex. Stop and listen to the Sir Paul McCartney-like chorus during one of his “Admiral Halsey” (The ‘Ram’ album) phases. The chiming intro to “My Little Gangsta” and “Heimlich’s Manoeuvres”, continue the experience with a romp through the bizarrely satirical, complete with a totally unexpected catchy chorus.
“All Around the World” works on every level and provides a reflective moment that is so well written it drips pop class. “Illuminati” is a wonderful take on the world of paparazzi that we all live in. “The End of the Party” is a song that sounds so familiar, a mesh of so many well mixed sources that it sounds more magpie than jackdaw. “Sleep” wraps it up and sends us off nicely.
In a grey world of sometimes dull tunes quirky colour like this is most welcome. Yes Mr. Downing, the opening line of the album is right – I know you didn’t mean it that way – but for this, shining moment, it really does. It shines out of this record as well.
Jackdaw4's website can be found here or visit their Myspace Profile.
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