Chase This Light - Jimmy Eat World

Jim Adkins and his band return with their 6th studio album (5th if you don't count their self-titled debut in 1994) - 3 years on from 2004's Futures. The record kicks off with the very accessible and up-tempo Big Casino, which sets the mood for pretty much the rest of the album. Carry You is further evidence of this album's upbeat nature.

That is until Chase This Light enters the fray, and this is where the band comes into its element. Firefight, Dizzy and Be Sensible (for those of us who have this as a bonus track on the Singapore-pressed album) follow in quick succession. Cynicism and a naughty hint of sarcasm make their way into the songs, and its in these 4 closing tracks that Tom Linton shows himself to be the quintessential alt-rock rhythm guitarist. Fans of Clarity and Bleed American will definitely find familiar comforts here.

Clever lyrics, great hooks and driving melodies abound here. Those not already introduced to Jimmy Eat World - one of alt-rock's pioneer bands - should find this a good starting point. After all, there's something for everyone here. Almost...

Essential listening: Big Casino (1), Always Be (3), Feeling Lucky (7), Chase This Light (9), Firefight (10) & Dizzy (11)

Rating: 8.5/10

The First Post

Why hello there! Welcome to this - whatever "this" may be. After toying with the idea of starting YET another blog and being so anonymous that my students cannot find me, I've decided to go off kilter in another ridiculous direction. Now, those who know me (and know me well) will agree that I love writing. So instead of hiding behind that anonymous curtain of mystery, I've decided to simply just have a blog that everyone can read! And what better topic to write about than music!

Here, I hope to randomly write about new albums, new songs, or just about anything I've discovered; whether its the 30 year old song that was living under a rock (in this case though, perhaps the rock-dweller would be me), a music video I've come across or even a fascinating live gig I've attended.

Well, as everybody knows, I've somehow or other managed to become a massive John Mayer fan this year. I've decided to start off with my favourite version of my favourite song by him (although this sometimes changes - I'm fickle this way you see).

Enjoy! I promise to be back later!



c