Customer Reviews

Pictures from the Front

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Released in 1989, Pictures From the Front was the fifth studio album by singer/guitarist/songwriter Jon Butcher, who had previously recorded under the name Jon Butcher Axis.

It seems like such a cop-out to compare Jon Butcher to Jimi Hendrix, but at the same time I think it's the most appropriate comparison, and not just for the obvious "black rock guitarist" reason. Both guitarists are/were extremely proficient, even if their styles seem worlds apart at times, and both had very smooth voices that made for some memorable rock music. The heavy blues influence on both artists is also undeniable.

Pictures From the Front follows in the footsteps of Butcher's previous album Wishes. It's a rock album with a strong AOR feel as well as a solid pop sensibility. You hear elements of Asia, Thin Lizzy, Bad Company and of course Jimi Hendrix on this album. Butcher plays the guitar like a snake charmer, practically hypnotizing listeners with his intricate bluesy solos. The album also benefits from Butcher's insightful, personal, and relevant lyrics. The song Beating Drum, which takes on poverty and apartheid, is a perfect example.

Unfortunately, Pictures From the Front was the last real rock album Jon Butcher would record. He dropped off of the radar for a few years, reemerging in 1995 with a straightforward blues sound. Pictures From the Front, indeed all of Butcher's releases at the time, is among the decade's best (yet tragically overlooked) albums. If you're a fan of quality 80's rock, or just good rock & roll in general, you owe it to yourself to check out Jon Butcher.

While Butcher tries to get away from the Hendrix comparison, it is also what helped launch his career. That being said, he was incredible artist for his time. Rather than just rock out with songs that don't mean a whole lot, Butcher came up with songs that addressed social issues.

You can feel the emotion in most every song on this one, and the lyrics often overshadow the great guitar work. As an 18-year-old, I loved the line in "I'm Only Dreaming" where he says, "I've burned my bridges behind me...sold my bus ticket home." On "Send Me Somebody" (probably his most popular song on the album), he said "Down inside where the dreams survive, it's tough enough baby to stay alive...one more day." Incredible when you hear them in the context of the song.

The CD ends with my favorite, "Waiting For A Miracle". It talks about the now cliche thought of finding your own miracle within somebody. "I'm just waiting for a miracle in my life...and it could be you." In my mind, Butcher was never able to top this CD. As one reviewer pointed out, he "dropped off" of the music scene (at least commercially) for several years, resurfacing to play blues. He did put out some great stuff there, too. But for it's time, this was a work of art that never got the recognition it deserved.

This cd that I purchased when it came out in 1989 has remained a main stay in my collection! I heard it on the King Biscuit Flower Hour in Austin Texas and was in awe at his originality. To this day, I am enjoying his profound talent as a musician. Honestly as I get older my admiration grows for his music and sense of sound!! Don't believe he got the recognition he deserved!!! Enjoy this original work!! I know I do even after 20 years!! Now that's some longevity!!!!

Found this cd by accident, bought it cheap and never got a grey hair from it. This dude knows how to touch a guitar. Everything seems okay with this cd, not very original, but sounds real good.
Best song in my opinion is definitely "Beating drum", which has a real atmosphere to it. If you have a chance to listen to this cd, don't hesitate, just do it.