Every once in a while a CD arrives in the pile that simply defies description. Usually it's something truly avant garde. But Junior Jackson's "These Old Nites" is not that extreme; however, it isn't normal, either. Using blues as a foundation, Jackson dusts off genre cliches for a contemporary refashioning on classic American musical forms. The biggest difference is in the beats, such as on "Charmed," with its insistent drums. Jackson's half-spoken, half-sung dialogue recalls everyone from Lou Reed to MC 900 Ft Jesus.
Jackson is actually a pseudonym for Johnny Horn, best known for his work with the Hi-Fi Killers. As Jackson, Horn is able to cut loose with a garden's variety of stylistic influences - blues, country, hip-hop, jazz - without sounding like a gimmick. The closest comparison that can be made is to Tom Waits, and the asphalt vocals on "Rode Hard" reveal that inspiration.
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Despite its genre-bending eclectic brew, "These Old Nites" evokes a consistent mood - that of a drunken, somber late evening at a pub, the rain falling down, crumbled matchbook with lipstick in hand. "Crying Feeling" is certainly the perfect track when you're feeling alone and completely intoxicated, and I can see it becoming quite popular with the regulars.
"These Old Nites" is an original work, taking a reverential nod to the past while viewing the future with unwavering eyes.
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