Tag: 8×8

Joe Jackson and 8×8

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Joe Jackson

Joe Jackson “Fool”

It isn’t easy to find an artist that doesn’t bend to current trends, but Joe Jackson is one of them. On his 20th album, his voice still drips with sarcasm and sounds great as he makes his way through eight long detailed tracks.

“Big Black Cloud” slowly builds into a storm warning about the precarious state of middle-class living, and its piano chords just draw you in.  “Fabulously Absolute” is a terrific tune with Jackson’s classic tonal twists, as he cries “Tell me what I want, tell me what I feel!” It really showcases the fear, anger, and alienation of the everyman. Then it goes into “Dave,” a great mid-tempo portrait of modern drudgery with nods to Jackson’s past works. Fans will definitely hear echoes of 2008’s Laughter & Lust throughout, but these songs are not so immediate. The overall production is sharp as ever, with Graham Maby (bass) and Teddy Kumpel (guitar) given ample time to shine. It needs a few listens to appreciate Jackson’s subtleties here, but this is the master at work. Highly Recommended.

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8x8

8×8 “New Data New Day”

The prolific Lane Steinberg and Alexander Khodchenko continue to craft a dense weave of melodic richness on a bed of psychedelic textures. Never predictable, Lane launches into the standout tracks immediately with the rich piano, organ and woven harmonies of the title track and the catchy psychedelic fuzz of “Papa’s Garage.”

However, after those songs, the album slows considerably. “Racing To The Sun” is a fine exercise in restraint, as the melody is sparse but compelling. Other tracks don’t stick out as well, but Lane manages to describe milieus perfectly. On “Bye, Bye Landslide,” we visit a shifty carnival or on “Bernard’s Dilemma” its barbeque time in hell. Musically Alex is able to let loose on “Hidden In Plain Sight” and “Absolutely Hypnotized” with its swirling psychedelic guitar riffs. Overall a very good album that makes you want more. Highly Recommended.

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8×8 and Baby Scream

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8x8

8×8 “Inflorescence”

This is the third 8X8 album from duo of Lane Steinberg (NYC, US) and Alex Khodchenko (Kiev, Ukraine). The two musicians have shown from the very beginning how to make excellent music through long distance collaboration. This effort is more of a mixed collection of styles ranging from bouncy pop gems like “My Summertime High” to acid-tripping psychedelic epics like “The Essence.”

The best 8×8 work clearly falls in that psych-pop middle with the brilliant “After All is Said and Done” with its swirling organs and guitar chimes, and “Bubbles” full of layered guitar rhythms and Lane’s rhyming lyric. The strong narrative piano on “No More Second Chance” and atmospheric “Some Surreal Idea” are more highlights on this album. Without a doubt, this is music that deserves to be heard. Highly Recommended.

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Baby Scream

Baby Scream “Life’s A Trap”

Once again Argentinian artist Juan Pablo Mazzola brings us his latest musical vision with producer Nick Schinder. Often compared to John Lennon due to his similar sounding timbre and subject matter, and the opener “Life’s Better When U R High” is no exception.

The simple guitar strums are supported by light strings on “The Ballad Of Music Biz” where Juan Pablo laments he’ll “never make the cover of Rolling Stone” and other assorted depressing musings. Thankfully the tempo swings up as the lyrics get bizarrely sweet on “Climbing Down” about the joys of fatherhood. The next several songs concentrate on the regrets of lost youth, very much in the spirit of Harry Nilsson. As he says on “Midnight Snack” it’s not the end, but “life is about beers and weed.” Chill out with this one.

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Friday Freebies: 8×8 and Loop Line

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The transatlantic duo of Lane Steinberg and Alexander Khodchenko (aka 8×8) had a musical comment to recent events in Ukraine. In fact, Alexander lives in Kiev in the midst of all the current chaos. Listen and get a free download of “Stop The Madman,” and see if you can guess who they’re talking about.

 

Recorded very much like 8×8 is Tides, the debut album of the band Loop Line. Loop Line consists of two members: Luke, who currently lives in Japan, and Paul, who currently lives in the USA. Occasionally they get together in the same room, but for most of the album its been done through internet file/idea sharing. Tides is a massive undertaking with 21-tracks, and you’ll easily hear the Brian Wilson meets Weezer influence on some of the better tracks like “All I’m Waiting For” and “Used To Be.” The vocals are a real standout, and you’ll hear the improvement in harmonies on the latter tracks. It reminded me a little of last years John Hopkins album. A pretty impressive, if overwhelming debut that is a free download on Bandcamp.

8×8 “Azalea’s Room”

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I have a real affection for Lane Steinberg and Alex Khodchenko’s band 8×8. The debut was one of my top ten last year, so I couldn’t wait to immerse myself in the newest album. And while the immediacy isn’t there, the duo still manages to take you on a fantastic musical journey.

After the subtle opening “Ice Wings,” we get the psychedelic title track full of fuzz guitar and eastern rhythmic beats.  Lane slowly reveals the melody in “Laws Of Attraction” in an orchestral flourish, like a combo of Alan Parsons and Jeff Lynne. Another standout is the narrative “I’m A Werewolf, Baby,” with its simple piano melody and shifting chords. Another fast paced gem is “The Tie In” with soaring harmony and I loved the song “Dr. Winkler’s Hands,” a rich tapestry of harpsichord and layered instrumentation.

It ends with a Dylan cover,”Tears of Rage” and it reminded me of Procol Harum’s “A Whiter Shade Of Pale” with its organ and gospel approach. What makes this LP great is a deliberate attention to each tone and verse, and it will grow on you quickly. Bravo Lane and Alex, we can’t wait for the next one!

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