BLOCK

"Timing is Everything"

Java Records (CDP 7243 4 95738 2 6-V)

Date of Release: October 6th, 1998

Listen to audio: Rhinoceros, Catch A Falling Star

In his major-label debut, "Timing is Everything," Jamie Block takes a new approach to music, and does this by using humorous lyrics and style. Unlike comic CDs made famous by artists such as Adam Sandler and "Weird" Al Yankovic, this record steers clear of any musical parody, and crude, ridiculous humour.

Says Block: "We're living in really absurd times, and I can't help but reflect that in the songs I write. Everyone is so conservative, so consumerist. It really is like, as the first song on the album says, 'The Third Mall From The Sun.' In some ways that's funny, but mostly, it's really horrifying."

In "I Used To Manage PM Dawn," Block sings about what the experience of management would be like, and uses lyrics like "I do not think a regular CD cover will work for you / We're should fly you guys to ... Iceland! / And take a picture on a glacier! / Just write it off.../ ...Hey, it's on me! / Actually, it's on you, but thats OK" The lyrics are sung over a witty swing melody, complete with horn section.

Just when the going gets groovy, Block takes us into deeper thought with beautiful, cleverly orchestrated songs such as "I-95," which is slightly reminiscent of Matchbox 20's "Push," but much better.

A special treat for some of us, Block's excellent "Catch a Falling Star" is a carribean groove, while his rewrite of "Rhinoceros," taken from his first record, is pulled off quite nicely, with smart recording techniques made famous by artists such as the Smashing Pumpkins and Radiohead, which is the use of many effects and instruments to create a very modern sounding rock track, taking full advantage of today's technological possibilites with audio.

Although listening to the CD will evoke smiles, Block is not just a one-dimensional musician looking for laughs. "Like a lot of the songs I tend to write, 'The Pink House Must Burn' has both a literal meaning and something more." he says. "Literally, it's sort of about the time I nearly accidentally torched a college friend's house. But on another level, I see 'Pink House' as the period in life where you think about nothing but yourself. I had to torch that time, as much as I hate to see it go."

"Timing is Everything," an album that comes completely unexpected, is truly excellent, and there is an obvious surge of talent surging through the entire recording. Any music lover will appreciate the variety and quality of his music, and newcomers will be taken by his witty charm.

The record will be available at all major record retailers on October 6th, and Block will be playing weekly shows in Philadelphia, Arlington, Boston, and New York to promote his latest effort.

RATING : 9