JOE JACKSON ~ Hope and Fury
 


I have a love hate relationship with Joe Jackson’s music. I’m reluctantly admiring of his ability to shapeshift, his sheer musicality and absolute pithiness. He is unabashedly and entirely his own brand, although exactly what that is remains unclear! Eclectic doesn’t begin to describe him and he seems to do it all with great gusto, from jazz to pop, to classical and beyond. The fact is that he really can pen a tune, whether or not one likes his style. He never denies his working class roots, quite the opposite, which is refreshing in a terribly class conscious society, and in truth, I found at least half of this album listenable, if not downright earwormworthy, in some instances.

Even if it’s outside of my regular choice of listening, the quality presentation and execution goes an awfully long way. He is clever, a consummate professional, and still sounding remarkably strong at 71. He’s obviously having a bit of a go here, about a few topics, which is all good – that’s what musos have done since time immemorial, and I think he speaks some incontrovertible truths, even if he IS on his soapbox. Also, he has earned the right to say as he pleases and critics be damned, IMHO.

Two that stay with me … (can't seem to insert a playable link) 

“End of the Pier” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jBZKC4CTc_0

“Made God Laugh” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULfVgODPa2s

enters the Billboard Top 200 Albums chart at #100

courtesy of Spotify



from Ireland
3rd album
very good
my first keeper in awhile

single

enters the Billboard Hot 100 Songs chart at #94

I don't like it

Some interesting things happening in May! Linda Perry's new album Let It Die Here is due out on the 8th. Meanwhile she's released two tracks that I can find, one of them the title track. There is also a documentary on her which is set to air around the same time, I think. Same title as well - here's the trailer ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8O5skRbYGA 

Curious to hear the whole album ... 

enters the Billboard Top 200 Albums chart at #60

courtesy of Spotify



from Missouri
2nd album

single

enters the Billboard Hot 100 Songs chart at #92

I don't like it

enters the Billboard Top 200 Albums chart at #41

courtesy of Spotify



from South Korea
10th album
it's in english

single

enters the Billboard Top 200 Albums chart at #198

courtesy of Spotify



from Oz
debut solo album
mostly instrumental jazz
not my thing

single

enters the Billboard Hot 100 Songs chart at #91

I don't like it

enters the Billboard Hot 100 Songs chart at #89

I don't like it