Customer Reviews

Jet

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I stumbled upon this album in a tiny record shop. Given its bargain price, I bought it on a whim. The gamble paid off, since most of the songs are excellent, except a few sluggish ones.
Keineg's music can be described as "intellectual pop". I don't mean it in a negative way, but how else could you depict an album whose content includes a song about an early-20th century feminist artist (Leonor), a latin quote from Julius Caesar (Veni, Vidi, Vici) and a reflection on power based on excerpted material (Olè Conquistador) ?
The album contains pure-pop tunes (Smile, One Hell of a Life), the afore-mentioned "intellectual" pop tunes (Veni, Leonor, Olè Conquistador), ethereal Irish dirges (Enzo' 96, The Battle of The Trees, which gathers momentum as the song progresses), soft-spoken plaintive lines (Mother's Map, Venus) and a combination of them (There You Go, Hoping and Praying, Marietta).
Personally, I think One Hell of A Life stands out as the most quirkily catchy (or catchily quirky) song in the album. It's the song everybody would like sung at his/her own funeral (... when I'm dead, please don't philosophize. I feel regret, but just remember me when I said I had one hell of a life").
Leonor, Veni, The Battle, Smile and There you go are also favourites. As for the others, some are fine, while some (Mother's Map and Venus come to mind) would have gained from a trimming.
However, if you like evocative, Irish-tinged sounds, then go for this album.

P.S. Jet is currently not available on Amazon, but it's been reissued on an independent label and you can buy it on Katell's website and from other music retailers. I think Amazon should catch up and make it available on its own pages.

The previous reviews explain it pretty well. So I guess I'll add a little bit as I feel its my duty to. Katells voice is able to bend so quickly from dry/raw to softly/sweet; this is a gift that not many have besides her and Liz Frasier. The songs approach the likeable zone on first listen, then be prepared to be consumed as you take on that third listen. Also she has choice musicians playing an interesting array of instruments.

Enjoy it!

Katell Keineg's voice and songwriting power smack you in the face like a heavy chunk o' cast iron the first time you listen to this amazing disc. The good news is it doesn't wear with age, the CD holds up to repeated plays, because there is an emotional depth to Ms. Keineg's music that goes way beyond the norm. One of my absolutely favorite CDs, five stars simply isn't enough. Not to be missed.

Katell Keineg is possessed by a gentle demon that makes her crazy. There is some of that on Jet, but more on her earlier "O Seasons O Castle." Jet shows much richer songwriting, fluttery voices and an aching in your throat when you listen.

I've been playing this alot since 1997, it's that good. Recommended for people who like Happy Rhodes, Coctaeu Twins, Tori Amos or Throwing Muses.

"Jet" is a terrific album. Personally, I feel that this album is much more complicated than her first CD, but don't let that detract you from buying this album. Just because it's complicated doesn't mean that it isn't good, it's actually quite mysterious at times. Okay, my words don't and can't do this album justice, so I'll say the following. It's a tremendous album, a bit edgier and at times more moving than anything I've ever heard before. I only wish she kept releasing her music more often.

If you aren't afraid of a fantastic / original album with an acoustic sound, then please buy this album. -Victor

Her voice is amazing and her songwriting very different. "Smile" is definitely one of my favorite songs ever!!!! If you like mellow, but groovy haunting music, buy this CD!!!!!

I had never heard of Katell Keineg before but bought this CD because Liz Phair propped it on amazon.com. Thanks Liz and thanks Katell! This is beautiful and moving music.

This is one of those albums that one must listen to a few times to really appreciate. After that, it never lets go. Songs like Vini Vidi Vici, The Battle of the Trees, Mother's Map, and Smile make this album one of the best I have ever heard. Katell Keineg is a true master of songwriting, merging provocative lyrics with beautiful melodies.

fantastic and gutteral. very raw -- as is 'o seasons 'o castles. thanks to WDET detroit!!

from the mystic 'enzo 96' to the sunny 'one hell of a life', the rocking 'smile' to the bio-folk of 'leonor', katell keineg displays an amazing range of styles singing with a wonderful versatile voice. no two songs are alike. her songs are quirky, but not oblique. they are solid material (with the only exception of veni vedi vicci, which is middle-of-the-road and an obvious filler), full of character and a sweet sound, god, do i love her halftones. some songs like 'battle of the trees' and 'there you go' would do better with less strings, but my, who am i to quibble when she gives a drop-dead gorgeous love song like 'there you go'.easily the best track. if you like sinead o'connor, the cranberries, even joni mitchell, do yourselves a favour and get this, one of the best sophomore efforts by an exciting new talent.