Jukebox Memoir is a very satisfying indie rock album dressed up as a concept album. And I happen to really like the concept -- write songs that honor the bands that inspired
The Jet Age through the years, and present it as a radio playlist. To do this, you need confidence and chops. Fortunately, this Washington, DC area band has both. The band's usual sound is rooted in The Wedding Present indie rock style, but for this project they adeptly execute boogie rock, funk, dance, shoegaze and British Invasion, among others. Where this album really works for me is the fresh spin it puts on familiar styles, and the variety of the offerings. Because the songs all are original compositions, The Jet Age sidesteps the dreaded reaction provoked by classic rock stations everywhere (oh,
that Steve Miller song; oh,
that Rolling Stones song) while still reminding you what you liked about a particular sound from the past.
Here are a few tastes. You can stream the entire album at the Bandcamp link below. "Dissolve Into the Bedroom" features the choppy riffage, boogie rhythms and swagger of '70s rock, calling to mind the Rolling Stones and Zeppelin.
My favorite song on the album, "I Could Spend the Whole Day in Bed", reflects the British Invasion, and specifically The Small Faces and the Beatles.
The dancing shoes slip on for "You Want to Dance", which celebrates Chic and Duran Duran.
The Jet Age are Eric Tischler (guitars/vocals/keys), Pete Nuwayser (drums), and Greg Bennett (bass). The album is out now, and can be sourced in physical copy from the band's website and digitally from Bandcamp. And if I may muck around in the commercial arena for a moment, the 12 tracks are a mere $7 for the digital download, and $11 for a CD plus download.
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