Jackson United - Western Ballads
by Daniel Cressey
published: 20 / 8 / 2005
Label:
Sorepoint
Format: CD
intro
"Melancholic and surprisingly accomplished" debut album from Jackson United, the new side project of Foo Fighter Chris Shiflett, who with impressive effect steps out from Dave Grohl's shadow
Foo Fighter Chis Shiflett is trying to step out of the long shadow cast by Dave Grohl with this, the debut album from his side project Jackson United (the second word having been hastily added after a letter from the King of Pop’s attorney). Given that Dave Grohl seems to have been having some trouble stepping out of Dave Grohl’s shadow since 'The Colour and the Shape', Shiflett might look like having his work set out for him. Actually he doesn’t at all and there’s no need to mention the Foos again – this music justifies itself. That said, if you aren’t a fan of Shiflett’s other work you aren’t going to like this. If you are, however, a fan then this can be recommended highly. Western Ballads is guitar rock that is only a touch depressed pop, ‘All the Way’ is a bittersweet tale of gig going in an easier past and ‘Down to You’ gently berates with a resigned, weary disdain. This is a melancholic and surprisingly accomplished pop gem. Maybe one more mention of his more famous friend is merited, but only to dismiss: if you’re looking for Shiflett now you certainly won’t find him in Grohl’s shadow.
Track Listing:-
1 Lions Roar2 All The Way
3 A Better Life
4 Down To You
5 She's Giving In
6 Unchanged
7 Fell Into
8 Loose Ends
9 OK Alright
10 Here Comes Hollow
11 Pure
12 Long Shadow
13 Sharp Edges
14 That Curse
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