Brushfire Records Heats Up December

There's something I've always loved about Brushfire Records. They've just got this feel that makes me want to head West to warm climates, palm trees and sun. If you don't know, it's not only Jack Johnson's label, but the home of Rogue Wave, Matt Costa and G. Love. Happily, I saw on Rolling Stone the other day that Brushfire's releasing This Warm December - A Brushfire Holiday, Volume 2. It's an album full of  easy flowing Christmas tunes and it plays like the perfect cool Christmas music mix that you've always wanted to make.

Some of the songs are covers (Rogue Wave tackles "Jingle Bell Rock") and others are originals (Zach Gill's "Party Hard"might unseat "Christmas with You is the Best" by the Long Winters as my favorite tribute to holiday rowdiness.) Zee Avi's quirky Eastern European spin on "Frosty the Snowman" is multiple kinds of cool.

Either way, if you pick it up you won't be disappointed and proceeds go to charities benefiting children's music education. 

This Warm December hits stores on the Nov. 15. Until then, stream it courtesy of Rolling Stone. And if you're curious, Volume 1 came out in '08. Here's the Amazon link. 

Jack Johnson: Sleep Through the Static

The Sleep Through the Static review is finally here! And I've got a few things to say. Since it's release on Feb. 5, there have been several lukewarm reviews, faulting Johnson for attempting to tackle some bigger issues like Iraq, but not really taking it far enough. I don't really agree with that. I see the album as classic, island Jack with flashes of sobriety coated in surfboard wax. If the guy felt the need to make a statement, wouldn't the best way for him to do that be the best way he knows how? He's never going to put out an angry, bitter, resentful, record. He's going use his mellow stylings, his guitar, his snappy, breezy lyrics. So what if he didn't write a follow up to "Eve of Destruction?" I wouldn't imagine his fans would want that.

That said, his lyrics and messages have my approval, from protest to sweet sentiment. As far as everything else, Sleep Through the Static is not In Between Dreams, but that doesn't mean it's not enjoyable... perhaps just not as satisfying. The music is still strong, holding the line of appropriate production. Not too stripped, not over done. Standout tracks are "Hope" (though the opening is reminiscent of "Don't Worry, Be Happy"), "If I Had Eyes," and "Go On." Maybe Jackson could have scrapped "Adrift" which is adequately named because it wanders and it's on the slow side. I'd rather he not dabble too much below the range of mid-tempo.

Overall, it's a good album and all this poo-pooing by critics is ridiculous and bored whining from people trying to write an edgy and snobby review at the expense of someone who doesn't deserve it.

Jack Johnson: "If I Had Eyes"

One of the greatest and most inescapable influences on music has to be location. Where an artist lives or is from originally just seems to seep into the their music more often than not. I think it's pretty cool when that happens-- take the obvious reference of the Beach Boys, or the reputation Detroit has for producing a lot of tough and loud stuff like the MC5. Music is always better when it's got roots. I like Jack Johnson a lot for that reason. He produces some quality music and leaves no doubt in any mind that he's from Hawaii. His latest single, "If I Had Eyes" is yet another of his creations built on the citrus-y goodness of island influence. The guitar is as steady and light as ever while "oooh"s in the background bring to mind swaying palm trees. I have a hard time finding fault with the breeze that blows when I hit the "play" button.

I can't say that the song blew me away. It sounds like a cohesive part of his collection-- but don't go expecting much of an evolution. As a fan, I think I'm okay with that. If I want to hear major progression I'll listen to a few choice Beatles albums. Most of the time I listen to In Between Dreams because it puts me in a good mood and the music and lyrics (good grief, do I love his lyrics) are extremely appealing. There have definitely been times when that's all I want. Reading up on Johnson's background, it just sounds like he's having a good time with life, making surfing movies and starting up a record label to release the soundtracks before recording himself. Good times. Great locale. Can't wait for the next audio dose Hawaii to roll into stores sunny-up gray old February.

In case you missed the last entry..."If I Had Eyes" will be available on iTunes this Tuesday.

Jack's Back Too

Yes, I know it's been a week and you've missed me greatly. These are busy times. That aside- I was clicking around and discovered that Jack Johnson is due to release a brand new CD in Feb. 2008. Let me just say I can't wait for another helping of mellowness from the king of Hawaiian chill. I just checked back on his site and found out the name of the album is Sleep through the Static and his new single "If I Had Eyes" can be heard at BrushfireRecords.com. More to follow on that later. The single will be available on iTunes Dec. 11.

Here's to sitting, waiting, and wishing for February.