Search - Jandek :: White Box Requiem

Concept Album?

William Hoffknecht | Fernley, NV | 05/09/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"So first I want to say that I do not agree with most of the "Jandek Scholars". They think they know so much about this reclusive musician that we really do not know much about at all.



White Box is one of the darkest concept albums that I have ever heard. It opens with the surprisingly short song "The Glade" that moves nicely into the theme of the album..."White Box". It is a story of a man opening a small box which he was instructed not to open, a reference to Pandora's box and alluding to The Tree of Knowledge.



This album is a bit disjucted and confusing, and is supposed to be I believe because it extends the metaphor of the box bringing chaos and confusion. It is an excellent album, but not for everyone.



If you are not ready for weird outsider music, then do not pick them album up. If you are just starting to listen to Jandek, this is also not a great album to start with, but I do think it is good for someone who is still new to Jandek, but has heard two or three albums alredy.



Some trivia: the indie folk band The Mountains Goats do an absolutely amazing cover of "White Box" on one of the Jandek tribute albums. I recommend that as well."