Review: Meanwhile Back on the Asteroid
Review by John Gardiner
Innovation and interpretation are two of the most important concepts in rock
‘n’ roll – and, indeed, if there is a “spirit” of rock ‘n’ roll, both of
them would make up a big part of it – the ability to take the ordinary and
make it extraordinary – making the old sound new and fresh – knowing when to
stay the course and when a change in direction is needed. When you mess with
someone else’s art, you better know what you’re doing.
Just B’s compilation CD, “Meanwhile Back on the Asteroid”, is a fresh take
on some mostly well-known tunes collected from the last 40 years of rock ‘n’
roll – certainly not the best-known tunes in the history of rock, but tunes
the singer/songwriter obviously feels strongly about. Bob Dylan, the
Ramones, Leonard Cohen, Jimmy Cliff, Blondie – an ecelectic mix of music
pulled together and connected by the passion of Just B.
With the exception of some keyboard work on one number (ably performed by
pappa Andy B), Just B did everything on this CD, impressive stuff when you
listen to some of the soaring guitar solos and know the guy playing them
started out on the drums. Some great guitar breaks, clean, crisp bass work,
outstanding rythym and percussion work and well-produced – a real treat to
listen to..
This is straight ahead rock ‘n’ roll that reminds the listener where music
should have gone all those years ago. Right from the opening two cuts,
Springsteen’s Cadillac Ranch, and David Byrne’s Psycho Killer, this is a
high energy disc that moves briskly from one end to the other. It has its
tender moments, as well, but this is mostly good old fashioned rock ‘n’ roll
that stays with you – something that is rare in today’s throw-away and
transitory world.
The range of tunes stretches from the sweetly melodic stylings of Leonard
Cohen’s Hallelujah to the Dylan’s bittersweet 60′s anthem Blowin’ in the
Wind to the Tragically Hip’s Ahead by a Century and each is done with Just
B’s distinctive and definitive style – showing respect for the original
work, but bringing a fresh, new approach to it – something that is not easy
to accomplish.
I’ve spent most of the last 30 years wandering in a rock ‘n’ roll desert –
it has been a difficult time to be a fan of the music that defined one
generation and passed on a powerful legacy for future generations. But every
once in a while in the middle of this musical desert, there comes an oasis –
and sometimes it is worth the struggle. Just B makes me remember something
of what came before.
If you’ve been a fan of classic rock back in the old days, or you’re just
finding your musical self, “Meanwhile Back on the Asteroid” is a wonderful
listen where the integrity of the original pieces is maintained, but
innovation and interpretation combine to make the tunes come alive again for
a new time in rock history.
Just B has deep musical roots and brings a good part of that tradition to
the table when he makes music, but there is a new feel to his music, whether
he’s performing his own songs, or producing interpretations of some of his
favourite songs from rock history – there are even elements of rap, but
given character by a talented musician.
Check it out! Know there’s still some great rock ‘n’ roll music being
created and played. I’ve heard it myself, and I’m not an easy sell……
