JET
"Family
Style" (Atlantic; 2004)
DVD
Reviewed by Christopher J. Kelter
It soon became apparent to me that if I didn’t get around to reviewing Jet’s “Family Style” DVD the band would probably release their sophomore album before I took care of my reviewing obligations. Since I began to see Atlantic Records start the hype machine for Jet’s next CD I figured I’d better review “Family Style” properly. Here you go.
Despite the fact that I’d taken peeks at “Family Style” over the last 16 or so months I’d never really fully absorbed the full scope of the DVD. Basically “Family Style” is split into two parts – videos and concert footage – not unlike most music act based DVDs.
The video portion of “Family Style” consists of six videos – five songs with one song having two versions. As I was part of the original MTV generation, videos now strike me as a necessary evil rather than a new vehicle for creative expression. This is especially true for a new band with their eyes set on mainstream success. Accordingly, it’s hard for me to get too impressed with new videos. However, I easily understand the difference between large budget productions and low-budget productions in a band’s overall approach to marketing their songs. Jet utilizes both extremes to their advantage.
The concert footage is really good and covers all of their material from “Get Born.” The concert footage utilizes multiple cameras and the audio is well above average (furthermore, it sounded better on the computer than it did on a standard television). Sometimes the energy a band projects on stage adds to the musical elements – and that’s certainly the case here. Jet look both casual and aggressive in the on-stage appearance – it adds to the band’s aura.
The visual aspects of Jet don’t necessarily make me like or appreciate Jet any more or any less than in their purely aural aspects. The appeal of Jet comes from their hard rock foundation, cool infusion of pop melodies, and retro sensibilities. It’s a trend that I hope continues on their sophomore release.
Jet: Cameron Muncey, Nic Cester, Mark Wilson, and Chris Cester.
For more information visit http://www.jettheband.com.
Reviewed by Christopher J. Kelter
Clearly Jet were one of the biggest breakout acts of 2003 and their success continued into 2004. In all honesty, I'm reviewing Jet's debut "Get Born" in anticipation of watching their 2004 DVD release "Family Style."
I managed to catch glimpses of Jet's rise to
stardom by the occasional glance at MTV (or was it MTV2?) showing videos of The
Who stomp-like "Are You Gonna Be My Girl" and hearing the classic AC/DC riffs of
"Cold Hard Bitch" on the radio. In fact, I remember when hearing "Cold Hard
Bitch" I was saying to myself 'could this be the new AC/DC track or just another
band in a long line of wannabes?' Well, it was clear to me by the time the track
was over that it wasn't AC/DC, but at that time I hadn't put my finger on Jet as
being the real deal or not.
As far as the tracks that are classic 'rockers' go Jet are the real deal. The
band's sound may be retro but their enthusiasm is definitely born of honesty and
real affection for the homeland mates AC/DC, classic rock sounds of The Who, and
the bluesy swagger of giants like the Rolling Stones and flame-bursts such as
The New York Dolls. For what it's worth, I think the best track on the album is "Get
Me Outta Here" which was single number 5 or something like that – maybe it
should have been the first single, no? On the other hand some of the rockers
have a modern melodic sensibility – "Lazy Gun" is a perfect example.
For whatever reason I don't particularly care for Jet's ballads. I do appreciate
the particular Rolling Stones vibe the ballads create, but I just didn't dig it.
And I still don't after multiple attempts. It's bad enough Jet has to contend
with 'sounds like' references to The Who and AC/DC. The ballads only cement
another band's history to contend with.
The bottom line is that "Get Born" isn't terribly original but I don't think
that it was intended to be original at all. Often referred to as a 'garage rock'
band I much rather prefer to call the band another outfit paying homage to the
great bands of the past in the traditional rock'n'roll style. And without a
trace of irony – which is a great thing.
"Get Born" was produced by Dave Sardy.
Jet: Cameron Muncey on vocals and guitar, Nic Cester on guitar, Mark Wilson on bass, and Chris Ceser on drums.
For more information visit http://www.jettheband.com.
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.
Copyright © 2006 by R. Scott
Bolton. All rights reserved.
Revised: 25 Oct 2008 12:51:18 -0500.
