The Brian Jonestown Massacre
Take It From The Man!

THE REVIEW

Maybe it's not cool enough to talk about a band that, even in 2005, just sticks to simply writing songs; but I felt the need to do it, and for various reasons. The first reason is that the Brian Jonestown Massacre are known by almost no one, underrated and forgotten more than someone of their caliber should be. The second reason is that out of a dozen albums they've made, not even one was reviewed here. The third reason is why I decided to review this album, simply because it's the one I'm listening to

Yes, as you may have guessed, I mean that all their albums are amazing, all of them. There are some slightly lower moments and others a bit higher, but in general, it's been 10 years that Mr. Newcombe and company have been producing great albums that no one notices. Yet they continue. Anton Newcombe is the founder of this band, and the only member remaining constant since the beginning, and he is at least an unusual character: a drug addict and quarrelsome like many others but with something extra, this man still lives in the 60s! He wasn't even around in the 60s, to be honest, but he seems convinced that the only real music is from that decade. The Brian Jonestown Massacre was born with the (undeclared) intent to convince us all that the 60s haven't ended (musically speaking), and as far as I'm concerned, they succeed, at least for the duration of their albums. Roots rock then, blues, psychedelia, lots of drugs and mysticism, engaging pieces and painful ballads written by a man always at war with the world.

Magnificent. The album in question was released in '96, their most fertile year since they released 3 beautiful albums in one year, and among the three from that year, this is their most representative. Some of their most beautiful tracks are present like "(David Bowie I Love You) Since I Was Six", "Cabin Fever", "Monster", and above all "Straight Up And Down", a track available in a 4 and a half minute version and, in the end, in a fantastic version lasting over ten minutes. This journey into the world of bjm is one of the most energetic and positive pieces I've ever heard, seriously, I'm not here to describe it because I COUNT on you listening to it. It's not over, if that wasn't enough, bjm recently decided to make all their albums available for free download from their site. Yes, for free damn it, so do YOURSELF a favor and download at least one or two and comment on them, spread them, love them. The most recommended are this one, then "Their Satanic Majesties Second Request" (their most psychedelic album) and "Strung Out In Heaven" (the most pop, somehow).

PS: I realize how this review might be the least democratic ever, or almost, but the game is worth it.