Jet - Shine On

It does this old soul some good to see an old-fashioned rock n’ roll band out there, especially when so many bands nowadays are rock bands plus something else. Don’t get me wrong; I like all the frills and complications that modern groups bring to the table, or at least most of them. But it’s also good to get back to basics every once in a while, and that’s exactly what Jet does with their sophomore album, Shine On.

It doesn’t get off to a great start, though. The opening track, which is just 23 seconds long, is also the first 23 seconds of the closing track, lifted precisely from it. I don’t see why it’s necessary. The first real song, “Holiday,” sets the tone for most of the rest of the album, which is simple, gritty, and down-home rock and roll. Unfortunately, “Holiday” has kind of a clunky chorus, and is not powerful enough to be a good opening track. The next one, “Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is,” more than makes up for it, however. In my opinion, the album really starts here. This is a blazing rock song with an awesome groove and vocals done with utter conviction. When it’s over, you want to hit repeat and play it again. Things follow in the same pattern until “Kings Horses,” which is a softer side of the band, but not very memorable.

Then we have “Shine On” at the mid-point of the album. This song combines a good melody with soulful delivery, and one can tell that a lot of emotion and feeling went into the recording. Nic Cester wrote this song from his father’s point of view after he had passed away, as a sort of message to all those that he left behind. It’s a beautiful sentiment, but the sentimentality of it doesn’t diminish the band’s muscle or machismo.

“Come On Come On” and “Stand Up” are good Stones-esque rockers, and “Eleanor” is a sweet ballad that has very strong echoes of the Beatles. Indeed, those same echoes are present throughout the album. I’m struck by how similar Jet is to Oasis, another band that idolizes the Beatles. They both have brothers in them, one of which is the lead singer. The first single from this album is called “Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is,” and Oasis had a song on Standing On the Shoulder of Giants called “Put Yer Money Where Yer Mouth Is,” that had generally the same tone to it. Also, “Shine On” seems to be an amped up and just plain better version of the recent Oasis song “Let There Be Love.” The big difference is that Jet represents Australia, and Oasis is so British it hurts. Their similarity is noted by the bands, as well, as they toured together a few years ago.

While Shine On is a good slice of simplicity in a not-so-simple rock music world, it has its problems. For one thing, it’s a bit too long. I think the album could have benefited from shortening a few of the songs, cutting some songs out, or both. Much of it seems like filler, and that’s not necessary. With a band like Jet, where rock and roll is a very down-to-earth, accessible thing, the wiser choice would be to keep it short and sweet. Still, though, Shine On is a breath of fresh air, and an album I will retreat to when things get too complicated.

Prime Cuts:
Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is
Shine On
Come On Come On
Eleanor

22 Rating: 8