New Jesus and Mary Chain album "Damage and Joy"
 

Sooo... The Jesus and Mary Chain has a new album on the way. Why are we not talking about it?

Probably because it's going to be awful. They've a gig in my town soon and I did consider it. Are they any good live?

I'm sure they were ferocious as hell in 1984 when Bobby Gillespie was still with them.

I saw them in '98 and again in '08. Don't remember the first one for shit. The second time they were pretty good, but nothing amazing. I've always been a fan, so I'd say see them if it's convenient and you're into them, but they're probably not going to knock any socks off.

Still, new album from one of the pioneering noise pop groups seems like something to mention.

Oh yea I'll definitely be soulseeking the album out. A gig would probably swing either way depending on levels of intoxication but I'm guessing they're sober these days given the rock n roll cliché they are. Price is putting me off though, tickets are like £25 that's about 35/40 trump$.

...Not sure I'd associate bob Gillespie with the term ferocious, mind: maybe comatose would be more fitting.

Anyway. Inb4 Rob comes in explaining how the early 90's b-side collection is the most skronk shit eva.

Hey, Barbed Wire Kisses is actually my favorite JAMC release! I prefer it even to Psychocandy. It plays like a goddamn album. Fuck it. I love it.

Anyway, your feelings on Bobby Gillespie aside, the truth is that they were a seriously volatile live band circa '84. Probably even more so when Hart and Dalglish were in the band. Sloppy and violent and loud as hell. Nice.

I thought they were amazing when I saw them on them on the Honey's Dead tour back in 92.

They played Houston Saturday night:

it's like meeting up with an old friend..
not a high school reunion kind of way, more like he's joined the army/signed up for a nasa mission to mars and it took decades to get back together again..

you share the whiskey, have a couple of laughs and the depth is still there.. some odd differences are noticeable, but the comfort is the same..
you know the guy, and he knows how to hold your conversation..

JAMC is back - i'm happy..

i've seen the same thing happen here after the new pixies record.. let's enjoy the legends..


ps - "barbed wire" remains my favorite as well...

I'm not impressed myself. Haven't been able to make it all the way through the record. Which makes me sad because there was a time when the fact J&MC kicked fucking ass was one of the most stable things I knew about myself or the world.

I'll give it another go.

For me its a good, not great JAMC album. Ultimately its what I expected from the Reid brothers after a long absence from recording/active creativity. First listen I felt bored about half way through, but it has grown on me. 'Mood Rider' is easily my favorite track. Happy the album exists and hoping it continues to reward with repeated listens.

"simian split" is a great song, it doesn't rush into anything, yet builds up beautifully.. lyrically it shows a soft side that's unrelated to their bluesy ballads..

"presidici" is the pop that hid underneath the feedback in psychocandy, and the drive munki had..

"mood rider" feels like a young lou reed messing around on the guitar at times, great dynamic tempo here..

"get on home" is pure automatic era, yet enhanced with more textures and 50-something rebel attitude..

yep, the album grows on you..
my final critique would be on the overall production - too polished, and the lacquer buries the finer moments of frenzy and nuance in the sound..
i'm sure they'll make up for it live..

i did say i was happy, didn't i?

I've not heard Barbed Wire Kisses... only Psychocandy and Darklands. Love them both.

Guess I should rectify that? :P

i suggest putting it on a loop, and immersing yourself in it for a couple of days.. draw back the curtains, and have beer stocked in the fridge..
or whatever's your poison...

Oh man, it's one of the ultimate "compilation" albums. It plays so well, sucks you right into its world, and you forget that it is a compilation. It has some of the best J&MC tracks, and I think, as an album, if actually plays better than any of their studio offerings — even Psychocandy.

Totally classic, must own, period. Go get it, steam it, download it, whatever right the fuck now.

"You must spread some Reputation around before giving it to Severian again."


it has been years since i last dropped by, but nothing has changed....

The Jesus and Mary Chain Barbed Wire Kisses (Ltd., 180g, Red Colored Vinyl - 2LP) on sale for $20.99USD : http://www.insound.com/barbed-wire-k...vinyl-2lp.html

Now that's "some candy taking" ;)

/punny