Kill Your T.V.

Jack Johnson-On and On

A review by Jason Parker of Mix 96.5

Very rarely is the sophomore effort of any artist worth half of what the initial offering was. Many musicians cut their own throats with a weak second presentation and send themselves into obscurity. Only the occasional television commercial and VH1 special helps us remember their one or two big hits. This is the result of industry kingpins, the need to push a second project through to honor a contract obligation, or both. I'm pleased to report that with On and On Jack Johnson artfully dodges falling prey to the same tinkering producers and greedy music reps by doing what many before should have done. Jack Johnson stayed original.

But refusing to bend for the sake of the almighty dollar doesn't mean that Johnson hasn't grown as an artist. His lyrics are richer with the same deep meaning of cuts from Brushfire Fairytales. From playful political jabs on "Symbol in My Driveway" to stories of failed Hollywood hopefuls on "Taylor", Johnson delivers once again. The beats are full and complete, with just the right amount of instrumentation. Thanks in part to producer Mario Caldato, Jr. there are no overbearing drums, no piercing guitars, and no over-processed vocals. Instead, On and On sounds as smooth coming out of your twenty- dollar CD player on a lazy Sunday afternoon as it does an expensive stereo system with the latest super high tech features.

You might think that being a fan of Jack Johnson would automatically generate a favorable review. This could be no further from accurate. Instead I went into my experience with a more skeptical ear than the casual listener would. To find out more log on to www.jackjohnsonmusic.com.

To put in bluntly On and On by Jack Johnson is five star quality, ten out of ten, and is as close to an audible orgasm as you can get.