Joe Jackson - Rain (w/ bonus DVD)

When Joe Jackson went into a Berlin studio with the rhythm section that
had accompanied him off and on for nearly three decades (and helped
make the classics Look Sharp, I'm the Man and Beat Crazy) he had the
most strikingly simple line-up in mind: just piano, bass, drums and his
own unmistakable, eternally yearning voice.

With its adventurous spirit and piano-based sound, Rain boasts plenty
of humor, swing and sophistication among barbed social commentary
and even some punk-like rocking out.

Deluxe CD digipack includes 40-min DVD of live performances, interview and a rare look behind-the-scenes. Product Description

WOW!

One of the greatest musicians of our lifetime at the top of his game. Just like Night and Day was 25 years ago, you cannot stop playing this CD.
Joe is now finishing up a tour for this record and if you can see him live you appreciate what talent this man has. What a contrast this is to the junk that the radios are cranking out these days. November 14, 2008

Joe Jackson - "Watch Me Now As I Fade Away......."

Throughout the late 80's, 90's and into the new decade Jackson put out a series of albums that ranged from straight ahead pop / rock to symphonic classical pieces. He was literally all over the map. In 2006 he got the original Joe Jackson band back together putting out "Volume 4" to relatively good critical reviews. With "Rain" Jackson's band is down to a trio of himself on keys / vocals and two of his original Joe Jackson bandmates Graham Mabey and Gary Houghton along for the ride. The lack of guitar on the album lends the disc a smoother more jazzy lounge feel with Joe's piano up front most of the time. The music is not totally unlike a stripped down version his "Night And Day" back in the early 80's. Overall I find this to be a rather average album from Joe. The opening track "Invisible Man" is a great one finding Joe lamenting on his fade from commercial success over the years. "Hey, can you hear me now as I fade away.......I used to own this town, now I'm watching you....." This song could be about any artists that has had their popularity fade, but it comes across as autobiographical. After this first song though things don't stay quite on the same level. There are some other good ones to be found in "Wasted Time", "Solo", "Good Bad Boy", and "A Place In The Sun", all being solid, but the rest of the material leaves me somewhat cold. The jazzy "Uptown Train" which shows off Joe's piano ability steals its main riff from Prince's "Kiss". I am sure this was not done on purpose, but every time I listen to this I can't help but think of Prince. Overall this an ok Jackson album, but nearly on the same level as some of my favorites by the man. It is worth owning if you are a fan, but probably about in the middle of his output over the years. October 9, 2008

5 for 3 peices

Any artist who can get this sort of music out of a 3 piece line-up deserves 5 stars. Great song writing, perfect instrumentation. And quite a fun sound that rocks much of the time. The slow songs are brilliant too. Well done Joe. I was a fan 20 years ago and this makes it concrete. Joe is like Andy Partridge from XTC (not neglecting Colin Moulding's brilliant songs) and gets better with age. Or is that whine? Wine? September 17, 2008

Love That Never Died

Joe Jackson is one of the most amazingly distinct pop composers. As I've listened to his music back from the "Look Sharp" days, he sounds like rock, like pop, like jazz, like a bit of classical, but always like Joe Jackson. Perhaps only Burt Bacharach's pop songs sound so specifically unique that his sense of melody makes you immediately identify the songwriter. Jackson is like that for me.

"Rain" is an excellent set. The opener "Invisible Man" places his piano forward and makes Jackson think about how times change and popularity shifts, "Why did the lights go down or onto someone new? Well let them learn. I used to own this town; Now I'm watching you." "Citizen Sane" swaggers with Dave Houghton's slamming drums & Graham Maby's bass seeming like they've been loosed beyond conventional boundaries. "Wasted Time" which shines on the DVD is an angelic track with Jackson's stunning falsetto chorus, "Call it spite or call it pride; call it love that never died; Call it anything but wasted time." "The Uptown Train" starts out like classic jazz with a about a minute before the vocals arrive and Jackson brushing off the top of his register, "And they don't care to go where you go 'cause they know you're insane." "Solo (So Low)" slows the pace to create a somber stark setting for Jackson's aching vocals, "You stare into space, scared to look at your face, Scared to find someone in the mirror who you can't recall." The carries an emotional wallop. "Good Bad Boy" surges with tidal waves of energy. "Rush Across the Road" & the CD closer "A Place in the Rain" are also strong tracks. The DVD interview with Jackson is quite interesting as he talks about being classically trained and going to see bands where the musicians barely know how to play their instruments. Jackson's "Rain" is a stunning achievement, an excellent return to form. Bravo! August 2, 2008

Joe Jackson and another brilliant record

Too many years have passed since his last record. Maybe it took that long
in writing this album thats just plain brilliant. As always his melodies fuse together with catchy rythms creating wonderful songs. Lyrics are smart and heart felt, his voice as good as ever even though I know he smokes like a steam locomtive. The recording itself is very good although I would not call it a master piece. Very good channel separation and low end. I feel that 10 songs are a tad few for hungry fans such as I. Oh well! lets hope he as another album coming out sooner than later.
Rique Claure July 5, 2008

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