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SLAYER WITH SOUL: DANKO JONES |
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Whenever rock writers try to describe
bands it's almost always "something meets something." We're all guilty of
it. It's just by far the most idiot-proof way to get readers in tune with
the artist you're writing about. But it's always nice when the artist in
question does it for you - and after a few Coors Lights, having just made
my ceremonious plop onto the futon - Danko Jones gives me the heads
up.
"It's like Marvin Gaye meets Kerry King and Tom Araya," Jones said. If I may humbly submit my own sideburn wearing, Chuck Taylor, AC/DC T-shirt analysis (and I will) Danko Jones is indeed the R&B meets metal version of Rose Tattoo, or perhaps Jackyl minus the chainsaw mutated with the arena rock swagger of Judas Priest. Regardless, Jones' latest effort "We Sweat Blood" rocks. It's a legitimate Darkness record, or AC/DC all bluesed to hell if Angus Young was offering up relationship advice. "I get off listening to rock," Jones said. "It
sounds real dumb to say but I just love to rock out. It's a great
release." |
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Jones is one of the few true rockers
left. Sure, there's your gaggle of underground rock bands from various
locations, but Danko is one of the few who actually has clout to do
something in the music industry. Their record is distributed in the U.S.
by Razor and Tie for God sakes - the label known notoriously for such anthemic releases as "Monsters of Rock," "Monsters of Rap," and "Monster
Ballads Volumes 1 and 2." If that's not some kind of omen I don't know
what is.
"I think everybody is kind of tired of hearing of angst-ridden rock," Jones said. "Basically some guy who made a half a million dollars who is crying about whatever he is crying about. The time has come for some real rock." On "We Sweat Blood," Jones delivers. From opener "Forget my Name," to "Lovercall," to "Home to Hell," Danko not only throws down some serious riffage, but offers tongue in cheek, and dare I say, insightful lyrics as well. On "Lovercall," Danko croons, "You gotta look sharp fellas, and you gotta act right. You see, no woman in her right mind is gonna waste her time, if you ain't on time." In addition to offering up relationship advice,
Jones also has his theories on the music industry. While some bands scoff
at internet downloading and free swaps from computer to iPOD, Jones
welcomes the added publicity for his band. |
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"The industry would have you believe
that downloading is hurting them," Jones said. "I'm not for them. I'm for
the bands. I'm a band guy. I can only speak for bands. From where I sit,
the internet has helped us. Through downloading the song, through hearing
the name, as far as attendance is concerned, it's all been a plus." Danko's not worried about downloading hurting attendance numbers at his shows either. "You could never download the live experience ever," Jones said. "You could never feel the same things you would live at the show." Jones is also pretty unabashed in terms of letting those who plan on attending know what to expect out of his band's live show. "It's the best rock show in the world," Jones said. "I say that only because I've been told it. I've never seen it myself. I just go from what I've been told." -BJ Lisko ______________________________________________________________________________________For more information visit www.dankojones.com |
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