Search - Jesse Malin :: Fine Art of Self Destruction

Better than you might expect.

Matt coppens | Grand Rapids, MI | 01/29/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Jesse Malin was the lead singer of the great glam-punk band D Generation, and before that he was the lead singer/guitarist in New York hardcore band Heartattack, who played in the early 80's. After hearing about this release I was excited, but skeptical. Sure, I've been a Jesse Malin fan since I saw D Generation open for the Ramones in 1995. But I didn't think he was capable of this kind of album. He hooked up with Ryan Adams, who produced and played guitar and keyboards on this album. The results are magnificent. This album is awesome. Kind of reminds me of an early Springsteen record, or the best of Ryan Adams material. You can still tell it's the same guy who wrote the songs in D Generation, but I think he's better now, and I loved his punk material."

Malin Scores A T.K.O.

Lee Armstrong | Winterville, NC United States | 08/02/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I had read a bit about this CD, ordered a copy, and then read some of the extremely negative reviews before it arrived. I didn't know what to expect, but find I've been pleasantly surprised. No, Malin is not the next Bruce Springsteen, Neil Young or Lou Reed as the hype misleads. But he has created a strong set of tunes that bear up well with repeated listening. Malin was in the glam/punk band D Generation that made 3 CDs in the 90's. After their breakup, he started writing tunes that were inspired by the work of Steve Earle & others. Ryan Adams liked the songs so much that this is his first attempt in the role of producer.My favorite track, currently in my own personal top ten, is "Riding on the Subway." Malin's flutter burst style rhythm guitar combined with Toby Dammit's original percussion makes this track completely rock, Another favorite is the great rocker "Wendy" with its bubbly chorus, guitar storm and distinct lyric, ...The other blockbuster tune to my ear is "T.K.O." with its soulful snarl, Joe McGinty's pounding piano, and Malin's lyric...The other tracks on the CD are good with the opener "Queen of the Underworld" having been a smash in the British charts, the acoustic ache of "Brooklyn," and the quintessential Christmas blues in "X-Mas." I find "The Fine Art of Self Destruction" to be a survivor's tale filled with strong songs from wall to wall. My advice is to discount the hype, the negative reviews of those who expected something else, and just listen for what Malin has done, because it's excellent. Enjoy!"

From dysfunction to this function

J. Sweeney | manchester, mo | 03/25/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"That is a line from the song "Queen of the Underworld" and I think it kind of sums of this cd. The songs have a real gritty feel to them. These songs are Jesse's urban nightmare--he got a little bruised, a little broken, but he's still here to tell about it. The musical arrangements are guitar driven, and range from quiet acoustic on "Solitaire" to an urban jungle sound on "Riding on the Subway." Jesse's voice takes some getting used to, but take the time, because these songs are really quite good! Recommended!"