Customer Reviews

Necessity: 4 Track Years

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4 star:		(1)
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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!

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.

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.

Jason's albums are some of the best, most polished albums I own. Hearing some of those songs stripped down, with warts and all, really puts him in a whole new light. The songs that you've heard before are still great, and the songs you've never heard before remind you why Jason is a genius. If you're a fan, buy it. You won't be disappointed. If you're not a fan, you should be, so buy it. It's a diamond in the rough that's definitely worth the price.

Also in regards to the earlier post. I first heard of Jason Falkner while walking through a store. I asked the lady working the register who it was and she told me, and it turned out that it was Jason Falkner's : Necessity playing. I was instantly addicted. I actually haven't heard any of his higher quality stuff yet, and until now I didn't know that this was just his scraps. I can't stress enough how much I love this album. At least try it out!!