Customer Reviews

One Fast Move Or I'm Gone: Music From Kerouac's Big Sur

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Ben Gibbard and Jay Farrar are both highly respected rock musicians. But they're more than just technically good they're artists. So I was delighted as a Kerouac fan when I learned that they were bringing out a tribute album to the man. Didn't know what to expect, but it's certainly not a disappointment. What it is, is an extremely laid-back meditative country-rock album, which is fitting because Kerouac's writing was often introspective, and apparently the lyrics here are taken from Jack's text in his novels. If you're looking for a hard rocking road album this is not the one, but if you're looking for a contemplation of the inner working of Kerouac's mind - this is the one for you.

I had high expectations for this album because Jack Kerouac is an amazing author and Big Sur is one of his best works. The album has a folk sound to it, Ben Gibbard and Jay Farrar have very contrasting voices that give a nice layer effect to the tracks. All the lyrics were taken from the book, in the 24 page booklet that comes with the cd/dvd it list Jack Kerouac as one of the writers for all the songs. There is a deep passion in the songs which I believe reflects well with the way Kerouac wrote, there is no holding back. The album was composed in five days with little or no editing which is the same way Jack wrote. The documentary DVD that accompanies the album is something every Kerouac fan will love. It includes interviews with people who were present with Kerouac when he was at Big Sur. One of the individuals interviewed is Neal Cassidy's wife who was a huge part of Jack life in many of his writings. Any fan of Kerouac will enjoy this combination CD/DVD, this new medium will help introduce an amazing american author to a new generation.

they really nailed it on this one;despite the great dark depths of the material and the ravages of time, the cast shines through and jay farar provides additional resonance to this saga of a man redeemed by his art.the dvd has addional material in which carolyn cassidy and patti smith are outstanding.this is one for the ages,and jack will live on

I must admit, I enjoy both Kerouac and Farrar and really jumped on this creation. I think the book Big Sur would make a great concept album and Jay Farrar certainly tried.
I was, however, slightly dismayed at the result...I am still processing, but my review at this point is that the concept may need some more development...there are a few tunes that really catch you and then there are those that really make you go hmmm?.
I really enjoyed Benjamin Gibbards contributions to this album...much different from Death Cab stuff and it is a pleasant change of pace.
If you get a chance, check out this duo's performance on NPR...a much better product in the live setting with personality.

Having read "On The Road" in college in the early sixties, this album grabs that "beat" era.
Got to hear them live on KCRW and after listening, had to buy the CD.
It is a selection of songs/tunes that you have to listen to and enjoy the more you hear them.

This music requires a brief discussion of Jack Kerouac and his novel "Big Sur." The latter might be characterized as the end of the road that "On the Road" started. He is painfully honest about his alcoholism, the vissitudes of celebrity, of the cross of being an icon to others and even his somewhat returning to traditional religious values. It is an interesting book for the reason that it closes the arc of youthful questing, when the road doesn't provide highs anymore and one must accomodate the world. This is broadly discussed in the fine book report doucmentary film "One Fast Move Or I'm Gone." This album provides the musical backdrop for this film; but more than that it attempts to put Jack Kerouac's words in "Big Sur." to music.

I'm all for the attempt; enough have commented how Kerouac's prose has a beat to it, ultimately it may be the biggest joy in reading him. Mr Farrar's music doesn't quite match this syncopation, however. It has more of a somberness to it, like a Chris Isaac tune rather than the more emphatic, urgent voice that I would expect; perhaps an early Bob Dylan, say Subterranian Homesick Blues, or scat singing, is what's needed. Besides, taking the songs word for word from the novel have a bit of a Monty Pythonesqe quality to it, the bard following the hero around singing his every action.

That is not to say I don't like it, the musical experient does yield some sucessies: The first song works the best:

Now I'm transcontinental/3000 miles from home/I'm on the California Zephyr/watching America go by and "Too much fame keeps a body busy"

Punchy as a song, while still conveying Kerouac's thoughts. Other's such as Williamine have that slow, mysterious tone that I compared to a Chris Isaac mood. There's enough here to enjoy the album (and my 3 stars means I enjoyed it, trying to center my scoring range) But the real message here for us old guys who have a little Jack Kerouac in our DNA is to go out and see the recent film "One small step or I'm gone" read the book "Big Sur" again and if you didn't get enough of the music in the film, buy this CD, Combined, it's been a pleasure.

I've read most Kerouac - except Big Sur, so I am doing that now and also listening to this album. I think the contemplative style of this album, (sung and played by two artists who obviously have a great respect for Kerouac) works very well. I really like both artists, and think together they do something that raises the bar for both. I hope they work on more project together because this is one of the best albums I've heard in quite a few years.

The lyrics and music are stellar - I think this is actually a masterpiece.

This is probably the best release of last year for the simple fact that it's not just a great album (and oh, it is!) but it's a loving testament to the lasting impact and influence that Jack Kerouac still has today. Using lyrics taken directly from Kerouac's self-destructive "Big Sur," Farrar and Gibbard pay tribute to the literary giant in a twelve song tribute of alt-country perfection. Do yourself a favor as well and spend the money to get the limited edition that comes packaged with the feature length documentary of the same name.

There are several interwoven aspects to "One Fast Move or I'm Gone." Foremost, it's a documentary that recreates a physical canvas for Jack Kerouac's book `Big Sur." Jack wrote this as he was struggling with his overwhelming fame and doing battle with a deep and destructive alcohol addiction. There are many players providing commentary, some of them great artists in there own right - Tom Waits, Patti Smith, many with great insight, and others with interesting details - and some who come across as simply energetic fans. But there are genuinely important figures too, those very close to Jack - Carolyn Cassady, Lawrence Ferlinghetti (who still lives in the Big Sur cabin, which served as home base for the book), and Michael McClure. Ultimately, the content of the book is what drives the film. Actor John Ventimiglia reads several passages; his ability to recreate the vocal accent, inflections, and tone of Kerouac is uncanny, which adds to the intensity of the film. This true story is an authentic, often excruciating, narration about the depths of Kerouac's pain and despair, and the emotional calm of his redemption.

The album is just beautiful start to finish but the real gem is the DVD documentary included... I picked up this set as well as a copy of Big Sur which I re-read prior to watching the DVD. A must have for any Kerouac cuckoo still out there....