Search - Blind Mr Jones :: Stereo Musicale

Criminally overlooked

Erik F | 01/21/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Take 1 teaspoon My Bloody Valentine, add 1 cup Joy Division, sprinkle on some flute, and stir. It's not as weird as it sounds. Blind Mr. Jones makes better-than-average mope music that doesn't fall into any of the usual chliched traps of the genre. They've got a real ear for texture and atmosphere, and they write some great songs when they put their minds to it. The closing track, "Against the Glass," is incredibly absorbing and catchy. Fans of Slowdive or any of the genre should definitely check this out."

How did I come so late to this?

negative8ball | 12/07/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Somehow I totally missed the boat on this band... a mistake I have recently rectified. If you're into shoegazer (Lush, My Bloody Valentine, Chapterhouse etc) and looking to branch out, this is definitely an album you should own.



While it's hard to explain their sound without using all the trappings of every other shoegaze review (feedback, dreampop, ethereal blah blah blah), it does warrant at least mentioning that that is the sound Blind Mr. Jones trade in - ethereal, droning, dreampop.



If you found this disc (and this review), you likely already know ABOUT the band... the album, however, is another story. If you've heard Blind Mr. Jones' Best Of (Spooky Vibes - an easier album to find now than any of their other recordings), you're either a fan of their sound or you aren't. They do what they do quite well.



Lonesome Boatman, Spooky Vibes, Disneyworld and Against The Glass from that Best Of all come from this disc. There are, however, 9 more tracks here to explore including the brilliant Small Caravan and Sisters. The use of flute may seem initially a tad jarring, but don't be deterred... while it may not be a common instrument on other shoegaze recordings, it actually works VERY well on this one.



This album is perfect for fans of the genre. If you found this disc, and this review - this album is likely for you."