Jason Falkner's new album, I'm OK...You're OK, is the best album that Falkner has ever made.
This is quite a claim, I know, so let me back up a bit. His two previous full-length albums, Jason Falkner Presents Author Unknown and Can You Still Feel?, were better than almost anything released by any alt-rocker in the 1990s. Full of gorgeous melodies, pop hooks, and unique arrangements, Falkner proved himself a capable, confident, and extremely talented young musician. (A member of Jellyfish for only one album, Bellybutton, and of The Grays for only one album, Ro Sham Bo, Falkner had already proven himself both as a songwriter and as an exceptional bass player.)
Both ...Author Unknown and Can You Still Feel? showcased an artist who was both unique and comfortably consistent at the same time. His rich voice and vocal phrasings carried from one song to another, and his instruments were always played and mixed with both considerable attention to detail and an extemporaneous feel. As a friend once remarked to me, "I've never heard a musician try so hard to sound like he isn't trying so hard." Songs like "I Live," "Don't Show Me Heaven," "Nobody Knows," and "My Lucky Day" raised an already high bar: in many ways, Jason Falkner had to outdo no one but Jason Falkner.
Such pressure surely takes its toll. Except for a five-track E.P. released a few years ago, Falkner's solo album kept getting pushed back and pushed back. He played bass for Paul McCartney, Aimee Mann, and Beck; his skills as a session musician are unequaled. But, sadly, Jason Falkner himself stayed in the shadows for much of the last six years.
So what, then, makes I'm OK...You're OK such a remarkable comeback? Partly, the album is enhanced by the sheer technical aspect of its recording; with the exception of drums on one track and backing vocals on another, Falkner played all the instruments himself. He also wrote all the songs and produced and engineered the whole thing. (Again, the songs benefit significantly from his casual precision.) The melodies are intact, too: "Stephanie Tells Me" has a beautiful, rousing chorus, and the opening track, "This Time," loops and weaves as Falkner builds guitars, basses, drums, and vocal harmonies. There is always something surprising in every Falkner song, and this album contains twelve tracks with dozens of places where you, the listener, will perk up your ears and say, "Woah! I didn't see that coming! I wish I'd thought of that!" (The Japan-only bonus track, "I Don't Mind," is a perfect example, beginning as it does with piano and vocals and then breaking into a mind-bending climax of both vocal harmonies and instrumental flourishes.)
Article comments
1 - Tom Johnson
I love Falkner, tracked him down following the paths you mention - Jellyfish and the Grays, and I find I actually listen to Author and Feel slightly more than either of the other two bands lately. This album sounds great from your review and I've been looking forward to more Falkner for a long time. Is there any word of a US release for this? I was holding out ordering this very expensive import.
2 - Josh
Holy crap, did he actually release an album? That's news worthy in and of itself. I might have to break down and import it. $33 every 10 years isn't that bad an investment, and it happens to be about the pace he works at these days.
The Bliss Descending EP was some of my favorite Falkner. "Very Best Years" from The Grays is good, too.
3 - Ben Gott
I'm glad the review has sparked some discussion; the album is most definitely worth the purchase price (although it will be released stateside on April 26th, according to Amazon.com). I would recommend the Japan-only version because of "I Don't Mind," which is one of the finest songs he's ever recorded.
I should have mentioned in the review that Bliss Descending is a wonderful album, too. "They Put Her in the Movies" and "Moving Up" are two songs that showcase Falkner's talents perfectly.
Thanks for the comments!
4 - Connie Phillips
Congrats! This article has been forwarded to the Advance.net websites and Boston.com.
5 - JM
This is just huge !!!
I was wandering how this album will sound (as I pre order it but still haven't received it yet )
after so many year and your review just make me more impatient ;-) Thx u
6 - Beetrix
Thanks for this review. All I can add is that Jason is the most talanted singer/songwriter of his generation and his music continues to inspire and comfort me. Always worth the wait and whatever price tag makes it possible for him to continue.
7 - Tom
I ordered the Japan Version just a moment ago. Can't wait!
Good to read that the bonus Track is a very good one. Glad I didn't wait for the european-release.
"These tracks, put together, are true, real, and beautiful, alternating between moments of pure joy and pure sadness."
Thats how I allways felt about Falkners music. Pop. But so REAL. Deep and airy at the same time. Sophisticated but very ear-friendly.
Why Jason isn't a big name at least in Indie-Pop circles is beyond explanations.
But I know his music. And I will spread his name with some reviews and articles in the music-forums I am part of.
Go Jason, GO!
8 - Steve
I have literally thousands of CDs spanning the past 20 or so years and "Can You Still Feel" stands above them all as the one I simply could not live without. Falkner's amazing musical and writing talents should have made him a household name by now. I can't wait to hear the new disc. Thanks for the review!
9 - Less Lee
Hi, I found this review when looking for images of Jason Falkner. I just interviewed him for my webzine and thought you might enjoy it.
At any rate, I think your review is spot on. For the last few years I keep thinking, "This is the Falkner album that's going to make him a megastar" and it never happens. Why, I have no clue because his songs just keep improving. And I also agree that "I Don't Mind" is just stellar!