Search - Jesse Malin :: Heat

Brilliant - A true heir to Lou Reed and Neil Young

Keef | Gaffney, SC USA | 07/10/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Jesse Malin once led an incendiary band called D Generation - a loud, obnoxious cross between the Ramones and the NY Dolls that burned out before they could fade away. Believe it or not, this is better.Jesse has always written sharp tales of the city. Tales that are grittier than those of Bruce or Neil, and more poignant than Lou's. "The Heat" is filled with more of those songs, yet comes off as a superior follow-up to "The Fine Art of Self Destruction." Perhaps this is because Jesse relies more on his abundant talent and rides less on the coattails of Ryan Adams. Having Mr. Adams produce and play guitar on your album is a wonderful thing, but the further Jesse moves from the dead-end of Americana, the better off he'll be."The Heat" moves him to a unique point between Dolls/Reed/Ramones New York punk and the sincere-but-too-subdued territory of "Fine Art..." Every song is a rough diamond that unwinds like a finely detailed short story. This is indeed fine art, and the best new music I've heard this year."

Great For Rock n Roll

Phil | philadelphia | 07/07/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Jesse Malin is very, very good. He puts everything he's got in his music. This is very evident in his songwriting, because they are stories of his life. His music is what music should be; filled with great guitar, gloomy bass and rocking drums that ignite his songs. This sophmore album is far more grown up than his first. Jesse will be around for many years to come, and if he keeps this up will go down as one of the greats, along with his pal Ryan Adams. The future of music lies in the two of these artists, along with Pete Yorn. Can you say Rock n Roll"

Ready to Feel Passionate About Rock Again?

Phil | 06/29/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you are, you must buy this CD. Lyrics rich with imagery and a jarringly direct honesty. A voice that uniquely and completely wraps around those lyrics in the proud tradition of Sinatra or Springteeen. Guitars and pianos with edge and soul (think Clash, Ramones) that go right to your insides. Melodies and ballads that are instantly likable (a la Elvis Costello). The more you listen, the more you like. The only thing better is hearing him live. Malin is one of the most real artists you will find out there and this disc will reignite your passion for music that actually makes you feel something inside."