Album number five from LA retro-rockers Judge Jackson is full of classic rock grooves and blues licks with a freshness that places it firmly in the twenty first century. Energetic opener "Head over Heels" is a hook filled ditty that wouldn't sound out of place on a 70's Cheap Trick album and is driven along by the insistent vocals of frontman Todd McTavish. The harder edged "Radio" boasts a catchy riff but is slightly let down by the irritating backing vocals used to emphasise the title immediately after McTavish belts it out on seemingly countless occasions. The title track is a mellower affair but still leaves the impression this is very much an album of sing-a-long road songs that are best appreciated on long journeys. Elsewhere, highlights include the bittersweet ballad "Me Then You" that veers into Counting Crows territory and the Black Crowes twang of "The End". At just on the thirty seven minute mark this is somewhat shorter than we usually get in 2010 and, in keeping with the overall vibe, would be a perfect fit on good old fashioned vinyl.
Entertaining stuff overall and well worth checking out, albeit some way outside of the usual SoT fare.
Track Listing
1. Head Over Heels
2. Radio
3. Drive
4. Pickin Me Up
5. Letting Go
6. Me Then You
7. Just Because
8. The End
9. River
10. Meant To Be
Printer Friendly Page
Send to a Friend
