Necessity: The 4-Track Years

Jason Falkner

Product Details

• Audio CD (April 24, 2001)
• Original Release Date: April 24, 2001
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Spin Art
• ASIN: B00005AVO9
• Also Available in: Audio CD
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #97,024 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
The ex-Jellyfish and Three O'Clock member offers up a collection of previously unreleased songs, as well as more than a handful of alternate takes on tracks from 1996's Author Unknown . The four-track method of recording suits Falkner's jagged power pop quite well, the lower fidelity lending an aura as warm and fuzzy as the creative impulse that originally brought it into being. Falkner certainly isn't rewriting the rules of pop (the man is full of Beatles-isms), but ultimately, so what? There's still a charming emotional honesty here, in both the vocal delivery (most notably on "His Train") and lyrics. "If I had you I could never ask for anything again as long as I live," Falkner confesses, only to puzzle two tracks later, "I think I just found out the hard way, how you can give away too much." And yet he keeps on trucking. --Bob Michaels

Product Description
Former member of Jellyfish and The Grays Falkner is a must f or power-pop fans. After a bit of time out of the spotlight, Jason triumphantly returns. This record provides the listener the unique experience of hearing the artist at the moment of creation. Even though these songs were created in various bedrooms and living rooms, don't be deceived by the term ' 4-track'. These recordings are warm and vibrant and they pro vide a wonderful contrast to his studio recordings. In addition to the many unreleased songs on this album, Necessity contains the original and previously unreleased versions of many of his best songs. 14 tracks. 12 tracks. 2001 release.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An Excellent Pop Rock CD, May 24, 2001

By	Todd Lucas (Southern Illinois, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Despite what the person below said, this CD serves as my introduction to Jason Falkner and I absolutely love it! I spotted this at a local CD emporium and could tell just by looking at the cover that it might be good. Then, I saw the SpinArt imprint and knew that it was worth a chance.

I'd heard of Falkner before but hadn't listened to any of his music. Anyway, he recorded most of what's here on a simple 4-track recorder. He plays all instruments and does all vocals and backing vocals himself, a la Emitt Rhodes. Everything comes together just beautifully. Every song has a memorable hook and Falkner can really rock out when he wants to. Yep, the songwriting skills of a great popster and the heart of a rocker. You can't beat that!

Another great thing about the disc is that Falkner gives you a huge dose of treble and only a modicum of bass, just the way power pop should be! The high end sounds great and the bottom end doesn't get in your face, the way most records seem to today.

Kudos all the way around for a fine effort!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Elvis Costello for a new generation..., August 15, 2002

By	"exlepper" (Baltimore, MD USA) - See all my reviews

It really says something about Jason Falkner's talent when his demos and outtakes are better than most musicians' best stuff. He truly is the Elvis Costello of a new generation, combining catchy, intricately crafted melodies with smart lyrics.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Another Home Run, May 4, 2001

By A Customer

If you're one of those people who has to own everything Jason Falkner has ever recorded, run out and buy this CD immediately. If you're not one of those people, I guess my only response is.....why aren't you???!!! These early versions of familiar Falkner staples such as She Goes To Bed, I Live, and I Go Astray show these tracks were melodic superstars before they ever set foot in a studio. As far as the "new" stuff goes, She's Not The Enemy and His Train are immediately accessible, radio-friendly outings that prove JF could crank out pure-pop songs with his eyes closed. Several of the other never-before-heard tunes (The Hard Way, My Home Is Not A House, Take Good Care Of Me) get better with every listen in customary Falkner fashion. Obviously, the demo quality of the recordings is not what you would hear from the likes of the Backstreeet Boys, but JF's music and voice has always been well-suited to a more earthy millieu.

Now if his next release would just be a double CD.