The Jacklights – “The Jacklights”
I know jack shit about The Jacklights!
But as the office chief, Andy Bang, so succinctly pointedly remarked recently, and I quote, “As far as I’m concerned you know jack shit shit about everything!”
But I do know that this is wonderful stuff. That is why I so enjoy what I do. When something unexpectedly, just blows me away. I feel honored and excited to experience it and write about it and that’s just how this release makes me feel.
And I also know that this is one of the best releases I’ve heard this year.
But let’s ignore Andy and I right now, and listen to their tracks instead:
“Dump Him” roars out at the beginning, blazing with fuzzing, gunslinger six string guitars as a forceful, pushing rhythm jumping out at you like a dog wanting to start a relationship with your leg! But the protagonist of this song is someone you want to shoo away much quicker. “He stalls, no calls. He’ll still- fuck you. He will never, never love you…He lied and now you’re crying yet again. You try to change him, but you gotta look within.”
The chorus has a great stop and go in the music while the vocals swim in and out of the rhythms like minnows in the ocean. “There are more fish in the sea, but you get hooked every time.” This song rocks mightily along with great, garage punk rock chords and gutsy high-pitched melodic vocals in a tune that is catchy, poignant and fun.
“I drink alone. But shots just sting without you here.” So starts “Fall Apart” a song about a lost relationship that is still on talking terms. “Remember how we were before? Those times are tattered photos now.” This song has a Ramones like but somewhat dissonant guitar along with a solid, rockin’ beat with downbeat vocals and words. “Lonely hearts laid bare. Your words hung on the line mid-air. I didn’t know what to say. I’ll make some time, next time, maybe.”
And believe me those moments never arrive and that’s why we fall apart. This song reminds me of Dinosaur Jr. and maybe, Husker Du, as well. But more so, it reminds me of how great- some songs and music can be.
Opening with a stark, guitar line that reminds me of Joy Division, “Carolyn” bops along with a bouncing, surf/punk beat. “She’s got the best intentions. A good home and affection…Let’s take a sip together. We’re monsters now and forever… it hits so fast no one can run. She’ll follow him to hell and then some.” Another song with joyous, exuberant music and intensely, somber lyrics. And another song I love.
After some slippery, skittering notes and a subtle, drum intro, “1AM Radio” asks us to, “Turn off the lights, turn up the sound. There’s finally no one else around. You can’t take my pain away, but you know what it is. We are broken in the same place.” The reflective, quiet beginning turns into a louder, more rockin’ chorus. “It’s 1 Am and I can’t take anymore. And I heard your song and I’m better than before.”
I didn’t plan this, but I just noticed the clock while I’m writing this. I’d say it’s just a coincidence- that’s what it is, right about now it’s one A.M., but then I do only write after midnight. This song reminds me a bit of the Pixies song featured in this week’s Pure Punk Picks. Yeah, another coincidence. But it doesn’t change the fact that this song is about being alone and apart and honest and reaching out to someone else.
And it doesn’t change the fact that this is a heartfelt, meaningful song from a great EP. And this is my favorite one, and probably the best song I’ve heard this year. And though that there are tears in my eyes right now, it doesn’t detract from the fact that I can see that I’ve heard this song and I feel I’m better than before.
There’s a touch of indi rock in these proceedings, a genre I usually abhor for its wishy-washy tendencies. But when a release like this is packed full of so much energy and guts, passion and intelligence- with great words, great music…
Well, who am I to quibble over definitions? Who am I to quibble over words? Who am I to say anything as, I obviously know jack shit about anything!
But then I do know when music is good and when music is punk, and when it’s good punk and I believe it’s lighted down right about here.
And hey! You may want to escape far from life and I don’t blame you. But please, take your ears for a treat along the way. I entreat you!
Never mind what Andy said, never mind me, never mind if it’s one AM or whatever the fuck time it is, because the time for great music is always the greatest time to experience and it is- right here!
(Slimedog)
