|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Punk Planet (issue #62): Jason Frederick from the Means eschews his Negative Approach-like vocals and dabbles with a calmer approach to music by putting together a few Kinks-inspired songs. There’s a Jonathan Richman-like simplicity that’s not overly fantastic, but honest and heartfelt- which is really all it takes. (VC)
This is the surprise find of the issue. By and largely a solo album for Jason Frederick (currently of the means, formerly of the Spiveys), plus a host of guests. I don’t know anything about his other bands, but this record is great from start to finish. Fantastic songwriting that is backed by very sparse accompaniment. Plays with the reckless abandon of classic REPLACEMENTS and a sarcastic wit that is reminiscent of the MODERN LOVERS. Always extra points for putting a Christmas song (a good one at that in “Roll Over It’s X-mas) on a regular record. Highly recommended. Now I have to go check out those other bands of his. (JC)
Love Story in Blood Red is ex- Spiveys frontman Jason Frederick’s chance to gather up like-minded musician friends to (as he puts it) “sing pretty songs”, which indeed he does with a lyrical mindset and voice akin to a more extreme Jonathan Richman or a racier Ray Davies. Among the mostly acoustic/melodic set of songs are two classics: “Roll Over (It’s X-mas) is one most certainly to be dug up by indie/alterna radio DJs to shine forth each holiday season; “Ohio” mines the same territory as Chrissie Hynde once trod, albeit much more sexually in one’s face (with the second “hidden” and more full-fledged rock version at the CD’s end maybe even more impressive). All in all, a fairly smart, neat collection of basement studio sessions. -D.C.E.
Jason Frederick’s creation is a stripped down groove session that succeeds by not overdoing things. Grab a few beers and turn the stereo up, although simplistic much of the time, this blends the folk-rock and classic rock sound together to deliver steady jams that grow on you after each listen. Think indie-pop with detours through emo moments add a steady dose of humor for good balance. To be amused, check out tracks like “Joey Bop,” “Ohio,” and “Heaven Won’t Be Heaven If There’s Anybody There.”
Love Story in Blood Red is kind of a lazy, sweltering night of rock. It gets almost unpredictable as to where vocalist/guitarist Jason Frederick will go with the music. The instruments are all there: guitars, drums, organs, high hat,and even bells. Fredericks voice is fun, with a slovenly, emo-esque tone. The entire album, however, moves in an interesting, softened, and dumbed-down zig zag. “Joey Bop” is like a whiskey-induced hangover, while “Roll Over” is rambunctious in its sandpapery guitar strums. Those are good examples of the style and why LOVE STORY IN BLOOD RED is pleasingly unpredictable. –Darren Ratner.