City Newspaper Archives - 11/2007
Jon Spencer Blues Explosion "Jukebox Explosion"
In the Red
Published by Frank De Blase on Nov 07, 2007
Jon Spencer's music is rock 'n' roll's primal scream; it embodies violence and lust. The Blues Explosion has always kept it unpretentiously raw and immediate. Howling vocals and odd tunings on off-brand guitars get goosed to the max with Sun-era slap back. This may be an acquired taste, but the attitude is undeniable and contagious.
"Jukebox Explosion" is an incredible 18-song compilation of the band's early singles; songs full of immediate rev-it-up-and-go and lo-fi urgency. The minimal production, static, distortion, and the band's lopsided instrumentation - two guitars and drums - make way for bigger things like heart, soul, and guts.
As the band has progressed over the years, things have tightened up some and you kinda know what to expect. Back in the early '90s when these singles first started to surface, you didn't. You now have the luxury of reaching back to The Blues Explosion's earlier work with the newer stuff as your guide. It sounds and feels sooooo good.
Article Photos
