GODSEND REVIEWS : J

Jack-Pioneer Soundtracks CD-Classy, accessable, and stylish rock from a British act. An intelligent, slightly dark narrative feel to this one. A SCOTT WALKER influence shines through a bit, and thats just fine with me. (Too Pure/American)

JARBOE-"Anhedoniac" CD-This entirely self-produced and self-financed CD is an intensely personal journey from the ex-SWANS vocalist/keyboardist/co-writer. "Anhedoniac" takes a sad and emotional ride through a very trying and difficult time in her life. Jarboe creates different "characters" with her vocal styles, and "Anhedoniac" is a sort of cleansing, a clearing away, and an exorcism of these emotions. Musically, the album ranges from gentle, homespun, melodic pop sounds to pained, strained, agonized screams to experimental sound collage. Each track moves into a different arena, and signifies a part of Jarboe's transformation. For example, "Anhedoniac Bottle" begins with Jarboe as the naive "little girl" who morphs gradually into a venomous dark soul. "Burnt" looks back at early SWANS with a vengeance, and could be a sort of homage to those days now gone by. Other tracks (like "Circles In Red Dirt") refer closer to the primitive and minimalist "pop" feel of her work as the BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE, LTD, and "Honey" is a sweet "torch song" in style, with Jarboe's melancholic thoughts poured over the top. The closer, "I'm A Killer" is a sort of vindication, and shows the subject regaining malignant power after her loss. She has said that this is her "disease" CD, and although "Anhedoniac" has a number of moments of beauty, it's overall impression is that of a desperate state. Jarboe is a strong soul who has poured her life into her art, and this album is a testament to her strength and perseverence. It's also (in my opinion) her best work yet. (Jarboe Music)

Jared Louche and the Aliens-"Covergirl" CD-Jared Hendrickson strikes out on his own after the demise of CHEMLAB with this collection of covers, including tracks made famous by Sinatra, Leonard Cohen, Iggy, PIL, Roxy, Air, and even his old band (a lounge version of Chemlab's 'Suicide Jag'). Here, Jared is backed up musically by the usual Invisible cast (Martin Atkins, Chris Greene, Martin King, Jason McNinch, etc.), and the resultant album is a mixed and schizophrenic bag of electro-rock and acoustic pop/rock. Not everything here is successful (the cover of AIR's 'Sexy Boy', reprised with a remix at the end of the disc, is drab and dull), but the directions hinted at here show Jared is capable of more than the usual industrial-rock cliches. What he does next is anybody's guess. (Invisible)

various-"JBO: A Perspective 1988-1998" 2CD-A collection looking back at British label Junior Boys' Own, which has introduced the world to the likes of UNDERWORLD (v.2), THE CHEMICAL BROTHERS, and others. Early and rare singles from both of those groups are included here, alongside remixes of more mainstream artists like PRIMAL SCREAM, SIMPLY RED, U2, BJORK, ST.ETIENNE, NEW ORDER, and others. JBO as a label has focused on Manchester-type dance club sounds, dipping it's fingers into commercial pop/rock and house music. Andrew Weatherall's remix of MY BLOODY VALENTINE's "Soon", also included here, absolutely ruins the woozy genius of the original in favor of regular dance beats and hiphop style samples, while Pete Wylie's "Sinful" is a classic new wave anthem that should've been a huge smash on a John Hughes film soundtrack way back when. All things considered, "A Perspective" is a decent compilation that sways more to the commercial side of UK-dance sounds.(Junior Boy's Own UK)

JENNY MAE-"Don't Wait Up For Me" CD-Commercial indie pop/rock with a sort of 70s feel to it and a girl singer that sounds like more radio-friendly version of Azalia Snail. "Drapes" is a good song, though. Still, I'm convinced that this was sent to me by mistake. (Anyway Records)

Jesu - "Conqueror" CD - It's still difficult to divorce Justin Broadrick's Jesu from his old work with Godflesh. There is a direct lineage in his development from a grinding metal act to now with Jesu. Initially, Broadrick's combination of Black Sabbath's low & slow guitar riffage and the noise-nihilist aspects of Whitehouse and SWANS was an obvious inspiration to many a metalhead. With 'Conqueror', he opens himself further emotionally, into a swirl of My Bloody Valentine-inspired psychedelia. Where in the past he has shouted and pummeled his way into a cold, clinical, industrial oblivion, Broadrick now infuses much more melody, subtlety, and even a measure of hopefulness in his lonely (but still uber-loud) songs. It's the sound of a deeply enlightened sorrow, expressed in a torrent of layered and shrill guitar abrasion and droney strings. Jesu is the sound of a heavy rock artist opening up, exposing a more fragile, vulnerable side that's been trapped inside for far too long. But don't confuse that with soft, mind you. This shreds with a passion. But this time it's the passion of a human soul, rather than a machine. Kudos to Justin and Jesu for this most triumphant 'Conqueror'. (Hydra Head)

Jesus & Mary Chain-Hate Rock & Roll CD-Not really a true album as this is a collection of 13 single B-sides and remixes. The JAMCs patented brand of 60s post-VU pop and nihilistic noise is easily as good as any of their great past efforts.(American)

"Jesus Christ Vampire Hunter" DVD - Hmm. Where to begin? How about, 'take a dollop of Troma, add a dash of Roger Corman', and you might come up with something reasonably similar to this feature-length indie flick. As should be inferred from the title, this film parodies just about everything and dares to combine biblical prophecy with (get ready here): martial arts, splatter-punk, Mexican wrestling legend Santos, motorcycle stunts, and sexual politics? To it's credit, 'JCVH' is a fun ride, both well-shot and well-acted, and including some attractive pierced and tattooed vampire lasses. Yeah, it seems to lack a really strong direction, and the frequent fight sequences get sort of tired. But did I mention it's also a musical? Commentaries, outtakes, and interviews all round out the disc. Sometimes you just need a little mindless, carefree campiness, and 'Jesus Christ Vampire Hunter' definitely delivers just that. (Odessa c/o Eclectic DVD)

The Jesus Lizard - "The Jesus Lizard" DVD - Now, this is well over a decade overdue! Capturing the essence of one of the 90s-era's most antagonistic and tight indie-rock units, this DVD presents the legendary group in their best environs - live. Front wildman David Yow's feral howls and reckless ramblings are front-and-center to the band's remarkably tense, angular, and precise grooves, all performed with an almost jazzlike sensibility by masters Duane Denison, David Wm. Sims, and Mac McNeilly. The Jesus Lizard were like no others, taking the most out-of-control aspects of post-punk acts like The Birthday Party or Chrome (who they cover here with their medley of 'TV As Eyes' and 'Abstract Nympho') and filtering it through a punchy Chicago indie sieve. This 1994 show focuses on the band in their prime - wild, sweaty, and bordering on dangerous. If you missed them back in the day, now's your chance. (MVD Visual)

Jesus Lizard-Shot CD-Major label studio debut for these Chicago wildmen. The only real change I hear is their tidier production, but this rocks just about as much as previous JL releases. Noisy, tight, and powerful loco rock. Masterful. (Capitol)

Jet Set Satellite-"Blueprint" CD- This Canadian band's propulsive opening track, the Zep-esque 'Lies By The Thousands', echoes a similar vein as fellow countrymen THE TEA PARTY, and that's the highlight here. Later tracks on 'Blueprint' are well-done if by-the-numbers FM-ready rock, with a measure of electronic programming on some tracks (including the assistance of DELERIUM/CONJURE ONE mainman Rhys Fulber on one song). The production is strong, and the songs sound crisp and well-layered, but something just does not gel as well as it could here. JET SET SATELLITE are easily as good as a number of similar acts, but they lack an individuality to set them apart. I can listen to this and not cringe, but I'm left with big production and little else. Maybe next time. (Nettwerk)

Joan Of Arse - "Distant Hearts, A Little Closer" CD - Featuring cover art by Zak Sally of LOW and production by the oft-imitated Steve Albini, Dublin's JOAN OF ARSE certainly affiliate themselves with artists of high caliber and integrity. 'Distant Hearts' is their second LP and it's a fine collection of 7 varied and diverse indie rock tracks with a nice balance of grit and wide-eyed melodic sparkle. Beginning with the propulsive 'The Slaves Are In The Galley, Sharpening Their Oars', these four lads do manage to recall a number of (predominantly) American indie acts, yet they always steer themselves safely away from being stuck into any one template. From their relatively raved-up rockers to the contemplative and sensitive, the album really hits it's stride with the vulnerable melancholy of the 'Was Christ Among Us That Night'--a beautifully minimal and touchingly sparse cut. Overall, 'Distant Hearts' is a righteously solid album, though I have the impression that JOAN OF ARSE are still developing and finding their sound and niche. Some fine work here with flashes of brilliance. (Flameshovel)

various-Johnny Mnemonic CD-Decent collection of modern rock/dance with tracks by STABBING WESTWARD, HELMET, KMFDM, and others.(Columbia)

Johnson, Scott-Rock/Paper/Scissors CD-Contemporary chamber/prog rock with quirky, experimental voice samples. Oddly surreal. (Point)

Jondi & Spesh - "The Answer" CD - This duo has been producing uptempo electronica/house sounds for some years now, and this release sees them moving beyond the club scene and into chilled-out dance/pop in spots. Tracks like 'Back Alive' and 'Longest Day' include female vocals alongside the driving beats, percolating sequences, and melodic flourishes. 'The Answer' is 11 tracks of diverse, rich and trancey electronic music with a definite melodic direction that makes for superb home-listening. There's nothing here to really break any ground or confound anyone, but JONDI & SPESH certainly have the right ideas, moving beyond the dance scene and branching out into a cool trip-hoppy sort of vibe where they should easily rope in some new listeners. Cool stuff. (Spundae Records)

various-"Josh's Blair Witch Mix" CD-An impressive collection of previously-released classics from the likes of LYDIA LUNCH, PiL, SKINNY PUPPY, BAUHAUS, LAIBACH, FLA, MEAT BEAT MANIFESTO, TONES ON TAIL, and others. Rather a surprising soundtrack to the independent horror film, "The Blair Witch Project", and a welcome break from the usual pop soundtrack. With a minimum of film dialogue between tracks, this soundtrack serves more as a moody souvenir of the film, or as a starter kit for those wishing to delve deeper into the dark electronic music subculture from which most of this music came. Enjoyable from start to finish. (Chapter III)

Journey Into Darkness-Near Death Experience CD-Dramatic, doomy synth instrumentals that echo the neo-classsical feel of black metal. Honestly this is pretty cheesy stuff. (None Of The Above)

Joy Division - "Under Review" DVD - Any release self-deemed an 'independent critical analysis' is more often than not, another name for 'unauthorized cash-in attempt'. However, this 70-minute bio offers some historical documentation as well as some well-reasoned reflections and opinions on this legendary Manchester post-punk act. Led by the visionary (and troubled) vocalist Ian Curtis, Joy Division spearheaded a head-on collision between punk, pre-industrial electronics, and experimental rock. From 1977 to their sudden implosion in 1980 due to Curtis' untimely suicide, the group released 2 forward-thinking studio LPs as well as numerous singles that explored everything from love to loss to isolation to loneliness to jubilation. Some writers who were around to experience the group's heyday comment here, as well as associates and esteemed music journalists who respectfully reflect on the group's short but influential career. A nice career summation, and worth a viewing for die-hard fans. (MVD)

Judah Johnson-"Judah Johnson" CDEP-The 6-song debut from this Detroit 5-piece is a very strong piece of post-rock work, recalling both the plaintive songwriting style of bands like IDAHO and the experimental angles of a TORTOISE. Think an American indie RADIOHEAD in some ways, maybe, although they don't really sound much like Thom, Jonny, and friends. JUDAH JOHNSON use traditional rock instrumentation, but their sparse and spacious mix is inviting and personal, and the honest, straightforward, and melodic vocals are genuinely emotive. Only the final track, in it's seemingly underdeveloped 'sketchbook' form, fails to impress. But that's nitpicking, as this is a fine EP. If these tracks are any indication, JUDAH JOHNSON are poised for great things. (Flameshovel)

Judah Johnson - "Kisses And Interrogation" CD - A very strong beginning for this Detroit-based group, with the catchy (and dare I say radio-ready) 'Vegas Revisited', which shows they are primed for the bigtime. JUDAH JOHNSON are anchored pretty firmly in the indie-rock camp, showing an affinity for dissonance as well as ultra-melodic and poignant vocals. They successfully write beautifully emotional songs (credit vocalist Daniel Johnson for his distinctive and expressive croon) and attach them to playful, often experimental bed tracks. 'Consolation' is the crown in the jewel--a breathtaking exercise in restraint and affecting songwriting. 'The Ruse' is another sad beauty that could rope in some RADIOHEAD fans. Adept at making unique and original (some may say post-) rock songs, these guys do a wonderful job in keeping their songs catchy and heartfelt while avoiding all the usual cliches of 'rock'--their production tricks and cut-n-paste style is refreshing and completely worthy of your attention. Here's a recommendation, and three cheers to JUDAH JOHNSON for an exceptional debut album. (Flameshovel)