Search - Jackson United :: Western Ballads

Awesome CD

rxvcgiii | California | 06/09/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Although I had to buy this purchase this CD from Australia 6 or so monthes ago... it was worth the 30 bucks and the wait. At the time this CD was recorded, the band was Chris Shiflett (of Foo Fighters and Me First and the Gimme Gimmes), Scott Shiflett (of Face to Face and Viva Death), and Pete Parada (of Face to Face and Saves the Day). As you would expect, quickly these guys sound like a mix between Foo Fighters and Face to Face... but what you wouldn't expect is all the Beach Boys influences. The best way to describe this CD would be well-rounded and extremely catchy radio rock."

Finely crafted guitar pop by the lead guitar from Foo...

Michael Mccarthy | Wayne, PA United States | 10/19/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"WOW,



Although Chris Shifflet might not have the end-all-to-be-all lead singing voice, his song-writing chops are great! If you're looking for some sunshine pop/rock peppered with killer hooks and wide-open choruses, look no further. Western Ballads by Jackson United delivers.



Not only are the songs catchy, but the variety of the songs presented on their first album are really refreshing too. From moody slow-burner's (Loose Ends, That Curse), to driving pop/punk (Blinders, Far From Here), to pure pop heaven (Down to You, Lion's Roar, Fell Into) to "surf" inspired 50's sounds (A Better Life, OK Alright), Shifflet has put together a great band, based on even greater music, and created his own sound.



The guitars are never too heavy, or too "full", and this less-is-more approach really opens up the sound of each and every song. Along with a solid rhythm section and creative melodic ideas coming form the lead guitar, Shifflet's mostly doubled vocal parts shine through the wide open chord structures and endless sunny choruses.



But don't mistake this music for light... when it's time to let loose the tirade of chunky, power chords and soaring octave lead lines, Jackson United gets the job done, and leaves you wanting more (All the Way, Here Comes Hollow)... hide the women and children.



The only "clam" on this one would be "She's Giving In", which is trying hard to mix some dance grooves and 70's influences with this pop powerhouse, and it just doesn't work.



Besides that, it's 13 tracks of blissful guitar pop/punk/rock which will have you bopping along the sidewalk with your MP3 player, or cranking it in the car for that longer road-trip to nowhere in particular."