That quote comes from comedian Rich Hall’s stand-up show ‘Hell No I Ain’t Happy.’ At this point in the show he is playing the part of country singer Otis Lee Crenshaw, and he vents his frustration about the current state of country music. Now, this quote may not come from the most academic of sources but it holds a lot of weight, because when done well country music has a way of moving you that is very hard to find anywhere else. And what I have in my hands ladies and gentlemen is a country-style album done very very well.
I am of course talking about the debut album from singer/songwriter Jackson Jones. I hate putting labels on things, so that’s why I say country-style; you can call it Americana, country, acoustic or whatever you want, but to me good music is good music, and this is good music.
The album is simple yet effective; there is no trying to
reinvent the wheel here. All we have is one man and a guitar, and this stripped
back style gives the record a more ‘natural’ feel, and really puts the emphasis
on the song writing.
The opening track ‘Nothing Changes,’ gets into the mind of a
soldier who is looking around at the world and wondering whether it is all
worth it, because nothing changes. And this track and the one that follow it ‘Put
The Money In The Bag,’ showcase early on what the album is all about. The songs
tell stories. Stories about real situations; with real emotion. How can this
not touch you? These tracks as well as a couple of others are very much Johnny
Cash-esque in style. I don’t know if Mr Jones is a fan but for me there are
definitely similarities there, especially when you listen to Cash’s later work
like the American Recordings album. It is one man and a guitar singing and
telling stories.
And if the next few tracks don’t move you in one way or
another then my fiend you have a heart of stone. ‘Diamond Years’ is the story of
a love taken away and track 4 ‘I Called You Yesterday’ is a story of a love
lost. ‘I Called You...’ being a great example of the song writing really
pulling you in. I can’t say that I have ever had a girlfriend leave me and take
my car but the tale of that girl who got away is a tale pretty much every man
in the world can relate to.
The next song finds Jackson is reflective mood, this time
about his Father. This ode to his father ‘Jack’ really struck a chord with me
as I can really appreciate the story in the song; a Black Country man who
worked hard but still found time to give his all for his family. In this part
of the world there were many like him, and as a Black Country man myself with
relatives who were just the same as Jack I can really appreciate this track.
Moving on and ‘Picasso Moon’ contains my favourite set of
lyrics from the album. ‘Life’s a gamble, like the spinning of a wheel. Fragile
moments, for our hearts to feel. Look heaven bound, for the trigger of
inspiration. Extol our spirits, cause we can do anything.’ I think that verse
says it all.
‘Turn Back Time’ tells you to follow your heart; acoustic
guitar notes sprinkled in the background. And while the album winds towards a
conclusion we reminisce about younger and at times simpler days, while warning
that looking over the past is not always easy or good for you, until we get to
the final track. ‘If You Love Me’ is as the title suggests is a love song and a
fine way to round off the record. The heartfelt lyrics and gentle melody will
make a believer out even the most cynical of people. There is hope for all of
us.
‘It’s About Time’ is in short a triumph. Heartfelt lyrics,
delivered with a sincerity not always found in music these days, laced with the
musings of only an acoustic guitar. A fine record, worthy of gracing any music lovers
album collection.
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