Customer Reviews

A Curmudgeon for All Seasons

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I was expecting lots of cinicism and bitterness, but there's not too much on here. The good thing is that the bits of cinicism and bitterness don't get in the way of the catchy music. Jones' lyrics sound cute, witty and sincere. "Frankstein Valentine" is one of the most adorable (and funny) love songs I've heard. This disc shows how good things can be when an intelligent guy picks up an accustic guitar. Highly recommended, slightly pop-y rock music. (And those "Explicit Lyrics" are only on one track; not very offensive.)

Mr. Jones has come a along way since his career began in the late 1980's. No longer just the pretty boy horror star, Andras has proved himself worthy of his indie rocker status with his "A Curmudgeon for All Seasons" album. Full of humor, political insight, and an alternative perspective...'Curmudgeon' is a musical epiphany, lifting the curtain on some of the droll pop/folk music of recent and bringing finally bringing some light to the stage.

I've known AJ for a few years now and I've become more and more impressed by his work as the years go by. Its very interesting (and ironic) to hear his work mature while knowing that he gets more in touch with his inner child every day!

This cd is a fine example of that irony. We all remember little different things from the holidays of our youth. This brings so many of them back for me. It says those things that I often think at holidays. The kinds of things that you get scolded for saying by your mother yet you think nonetheless.

Especially interesting is "April 19." Although not a "classic" holiday that you'd remember it is Patriots Day (the day the Revolutionary War started). Its also the day the FBI raided Waco and the OKC bombing occurred. Its a wonderful example of AJ's style. The subversive commentary couched in a catchy tune gets the message across without being overbearing.

If you have good (or bad) memories about the holidays throughout the year this cd will make you smile!

I've been listening to this record for a couple of years now and I'll find myself singing these songs to myself even if I haven't listen to the CD in a few weeks, which I think says a lot. I think of Andras Jones as a sort of Johnny Horton with an attitude and other times the energy of the performances reminds me of early Violent Femmes. The sound quality is terrific and the production and playing is intelligent, economical and deceptively simple.
-Gene Skala, Chicago, Illinois