Continuum: First Listen
There's a chance this new record may be JM's best yet. Either way, it is without question his most cohesive and acomplished after having only played it through a couple of times. Continuum is the logical evolution of the scented candle reflection of 2003's Heavier Things merging with the Hendrixian posturing of the JM Trio's live release Try. The pyrotechnics are toned down here (save for the "Bold As Love" Hendrix cover) in favor of sizzling late night grooves more in line with his previous studio efforts. Essentially, this feels like a lost Clapton or Sting record from the 80's. Think Nothing Under the Sun or Slowhand and you're pretty much on target. So much so that I have read that same sentiment in several reviews of the record including the same album comparisons. The music is John a little more grown up and stretching his legs within the Adult/Alternative Rock genre more than ever. The lyrics still hold a tinge of the cocksure boy that wrote Inside Wants Out but lean more towards the overarching twists on generalization that made "Daughters" a hit. What is most suprising is the almost uncharacteristic acousitc work. Sure, John is known for his acoustic hits, but "The Heart of Life" lacks his signature sound in favor of a lo-fi lope that very closely resembles McCartney's "Blackbird". "Stop This Train" also draws more from the tone of JM friend and admired artist Teitur than the strummed ballads of Room For Squares. Still, these offerings are strong as well as the album standout "Slow Dancing In A Burning Room," a Bonnie Raitt style heartbreak groove, which may be John's most mature offering to date.