Customer Reviews

Fine Art of Self Destruction

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(7)

 

 

Jesse Malin was the lead singer of the great glam-punk band D Generation, and before that he was the lead singer/guitarist in New York hardcore band Heartattack, who played in the early 80's. After hearing about this release I was excited, but skeptical. Sure, I've been a Jesse Malin fan since I saw D Generation open for the Ramones in 1995. But I didn't think he was capable of this kind of album. He hooked up with Ryan Adams, who produced and played guitar and keyboards on this album. The results are magnificent. This album is awesome. Kind of reminds me of an early Springsteen record, or the best of Ryan Adams material. You can still tell it's the same guy who wrote the songs in D Generation, but I think he's better now, and I loved his punk material.

..and it doens't sound like anyone else. Jesse's voice and point of view are completely unique. I can say that if you like Bruce Springsteen or Neil Young or Joe Strummer, you will probably like this, but he doesn't sound just like any of these. It's sort of what you would get if you locked someone in a room with only these records for about five years. Make that a very small room in Queens.

I dare anyone not to be moved by Soltaire or Brooklyn. There is a balance of both the slower more contemplative songs and the more rocking songs like Wendy as well.

Actually, it was Jesse's record that made me go out and buy the new Lucinda Williams record.

This record isn't good because of Ryan Adams or some of the other contributions - it stands just fine on it's own.

I had read a bit about this CD, ordered a copy, and then read some of the extremely negative reviews before it arrived. I didn't know what to expect, but find I've been pleasantly surprised. No, Malin is not the next Bruce Springsteen, Neil Young or Lou Reed as the hype misleads. But he has created a strong set of tunes that bear up well with repeated listening. Malin was in the glam/punk band D Generation that made 3 CDs in the 90's. After their breakup, he started writing tunes that were inspired by the work of Steve Earle & others. Ryan Adams liked the songs so much that this is his first attempt in the role of producer.

My favorite track, currently in my own personal top ten, is "Riding on the Subway." Malin's flutter burst style rhythm guitar combined with Toby Dammit's original percussion makes this track completely rock, Another favorite is the great rocker "Wendy" with its bubbly chorus, guitar storm and distinct lyric, ...The other blockbuster tune to my ear is "T.K.O." with its soulful snarl, Joe McGinty's pounding piano, and Malin's lyric...The other tracks on the CD are good with the opener "Queen of the Underworld" having been a smash in the British charts, the acoustic ache of "Brooklyn," and the quintessential Christmas blues in "X-Mas." I find "The Fine Art of Self Destruction" to be a survivor's tale filled with strong songs from wall to wall. My advice is to discount the hype, the negative reviews of those who expected something else, and just listen for what Malin has done, because it's excellent. Enjoy!

This stunning record, with most of its tracks produced by Ryan Adams (old friend to Jesse Malin since the latters D-Generation days, is a must-buy!

When reviewing, its inevitable to compare the artist reviewed with others, and, well, I dont like it, as it seldom gives an accurate enough description. Nevertheless it gives a hint so Id say that Jesse in many aspects sounds like a mix of the Wallflowers, Ryan Adams, Whiskeytown (and a little grain of Curt Cobain  especially on track 2 and 7).

But make no mistake, Jesse isnt copying. He manages to cut through the stereotypical countryrock singer/songwriter clutter that I (my personal opinion of course) think Jay Farrars solo ambitions sometimes are examples of. Although this isnt a ground breaking and ultra innovative record, it is very straightforward, just like rock should be, and its good, verrry good.

That is a line from the song "Queen of the Underworld" and I think it kind of sums of this cd. The songs have a real gritty feel to them. These songs are Jesse's urban nightmare--he got a little bruised, a little broken, but he's still here to tell about it. The musical arrangements are guitar driven, and range from quiet acoustic on "Solitaire" to an urban jungle sound on "Riding on the Subway." Jesse's voice takes some getting used to, but take the time, because these songs are really quite good! Recommended!

The reviews here are more about Ryan Adams than Jesse Malin. If you hate Ryan Adams, go trash his CD's on Amazon. (Or did you already do that?) This CD is great. His voice is amazing in a lonesome, cry-over-spilled-beer sort of way. How can any of you flatliners not love Queen of the Underworld or Almost Grown??????

this is a great record , for me it captures my trip to new york. His voice isn't amazing but he sings from the soul.true gem.Ryan adams skills on the mixing desk could be better a bit rushed.Buy It , on a level with heartbreaker by Ryan Adams

... that Jesse isn't doing "punk rock" anymore, but Jesse was in a punk band when he was 13, so it's time to grow up. In the 1980's, Jesse's band HOPE (pre-DGen) was not very far from this record. His love for other artists that have heart and painted a portait of people in love, loss and despair has been a long-time affair. Part Strummer, Springsteen, Young - with more edge, more vulnerability... Brooklyn is a stand-out track - one of the most beautiful songs about separation. You will not be disappointed with this record if you have a love for some of the great american songwriters that have been mentioned here.

I don't know how one coul'nt like this album. Honestly, if you dont find something beautiful in this album, there is something wrong with you.

I was not a fan of Malin's former punk/glam NYC band, Dgeneration. That said, this album is very good throughout -- Jesse as singer-songwriter. Forget the Ryan Adams connection, this album stands firmly on it's own merits.