ALTROK Ordinals 46

Joe Jackson Band - Volume 4 (Restless/Rykodisc)
 
Jeff says:
25 years after the recording of Jackson's landmark debut album "Look Sharp", he reunites with the original Joe Jackson Band. Interesting move for an artist that has become known for constant change throughout his career. The band that recorded one of the finest "trifectas" in rock history (Look Sharp and I'm The Man in 79, and Beat Crazy in 80) is back and damn near better than ever. The new album echoes the early days yet doesn't sound like Joe was trying to recreate it. The energy in the playing is remeniscent of those early days, add to it the maturity of the last 25 years in Joe's writing and arranging and it's pretty much the "best of both worlds." It's really hard to believe that they hadn't played together as a band since 1981 when Joe decided to do the "Joe Jackson's Jumpin' Jive" album. Having just seem them play live I can also say that they are in great form. From start ("Take It Like A Man") to finish ("Bright Grey"), "Volume 4" is the definition of "return to form." Don't call it a comeback!
 

(Ordinals appear by the courtesy of Jeff Raspe.)