When asked to review something of my own picking—it's almost obvious that I would pick the new obsession in my life. With the internet being so readily available to all it allows for constant musical exploration. We are all constantly discovering new art and entertainment, even if it's surpassed our own years on this Earth. So even if we missed it we can still submerge ourselves in it fully--just what I did with Reatard. My recent discovery and fascination is with the late great alternative punk rock kid who'd been running around Memphis making music since he was 15. Practically an icon to the punk vinyl producing scene—he somehow slipped past my radar when he was active. Perhaps that is why I'm so torn up about the fact that he's dead. I was in Chicago in 2009 and he didn't pass until 2010. Although he was from Memphis, he did play a show now and then in the windy city.
What turned me on to Jay Reatard was first hearing a song on my buddy Jeff's iPod. I heard it and was instantly down. I've always had a soft spot in my heart for punk rock, so I looked him up as soon as I got home. Before I even got the chance to tune into a video, I came across the 20 minute doc that was mostly interviews with him talking about his home (Memphis, TN) and his music career (which has been lengthy since he's been at it since he was 15), entitled “Waiting for Something”. Listening to his stories and feeling out the person he was made me fall in love with a celebrity—before I even listened to more than one song of his. I suddenly felt like those girls that make collages/memorials for their dead rock star gods—who they also happen to be in love with. We have Elvis, Jim Morrison, Kurt Cobain—all dreamy men who got to our hearts through their music and charm; and then held even higher on the pedestal because they can do no wrong, as they are deceased and can't ruin the reputation of themselves you've come to in the here and now. Perhaps it was the age gap that supposed me from these feelings of remorse and longing. Then Jay Reatard came around and I found my ghost.
Instead of reviewing the rock doc, I decided to review the most recent album, as it will be the most current review that I can possibly do for him (and the band)—“Watch Me Fall”, which was released in 2009. This is one of only two full albums, but don't let that deter you—Reatard actually recorded music all the time. His favorite format was just 45s, so there are a whole lot of 7”s floating around and a couple “singles” albums in an attempt to bring it all together.
“Watch Me Fall” was the album that started to bring Reatard to the top, or as far as a scroungy mop headed boy with a flying v guitar, and a bassist who didn't even know how to play for the first few years. Much like with my rock idol Jack White, Reatard surrounded himself with the people he wanted and then brought the music to them. He wrote it all and gave it to them in an obtainable way so that they could all advance as a unit—even though he himself was the driving force.
The reason the album was so well received was not only its punk rock voice and attitude, but also this completely out there pop element in the undercurrents. This isn't in a predictable youth centered approach like other popular poppunk bands like Blink 182, Green Day, Good Charlotte, Patent Pending (perhaps these are dated examples, as I kicked the pop version for the real thing in the 9th grade). There's just something more grown up about it, which in itself is an oxymoron.
Individual song wise there are more than less examples that I can give as strong tracks. The only video made on this album was for the track “It Ain't Gonna Save Me” and I could resonate with the ideas because of all the crazy that's gone on in my life as of late. “Before I was Caught” sports a melodic guitar against Reatard's signature voice. “I'm Watching You” is also a good track, ad although the song is less creepy than the title suggests, it definitely acts as a sort of shout out to the younger me. Wounded guitar/drums very mainstream—but not in a bad way. If someone had listened to this song sans vocals (Reatard being what adds edge) they may believe it's a very lovely song. However to the kids out there who want Jay Reatard to be hard and shrill—he still is while simultaneously appealing to the masses. It's almost as though he's adding layers to his old music to welcome an even bigger audience. “Rotten Man” is even different still! I wish I studied/reviewed music more in depth, so I can more effectively convey the many dimensions and influences present in the album—because it truly stuns me. All of this put together only points back to the sad truth: a very talented musician died in 2010.
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