Released in
2001, on
EZ Chief Records, Vertigo is
Jump, Little Children's second official full-length album. It took some time for the group to finally get this new project out there, as their previous label
Breaking Records, all but disappeared, taking the album along with it. It was a bit of time before they could get it back, which caused delays and grumbling amidst fans, but finally, in September of 2001, the group managed to get it out on their own label. The album was/is being distributed by
Red Eye. The musical credits here are too many to mention,
the regular group members are of course all present, along with many others throughout various tracks.
but Enough of the boring technicalities, already.
Vertigo is very different from what Jump, Little Children have given us in the past, with
Magazine, in particular. There is a stronger more polished sound here, there is intense focus on the sheer musical talent of the group. Jay Clifford's voice has never sounded so amazing, and it has certainly never been used so effectively as an instrument.
There have been comparison's to
Radiohead,
Squeeze, and numerous others floating around, most probably with good reason. At times the album definitely seems to share the melodic haunting sort of sound that is reminiscent of certain tracks on
Ok Computer, you will notice this particularly with
Pigeon. At the very least, you will note that the group has evolved in some very distinct, interesting ways. It just might take you a while to figure it all out. That is something you will most definitely need with this album,
time.
This is not the sort of music you listen to once and walk away from with a full understanding of what is being presented to you. It might be quite some time before the
depth and musical elegance of some of these pieces really sinks in. Jay has really established himself as a
wordsmith, here, if it were that anyone had previously doubted. If you really want to know what you are hearing, it is quite possible you will need to reach for the insert before it all comes together in your head. Many of the lyrics are absolutely
gorgeous, all
flowing-rising-falling with his voice, with the strings and the - oh yes this could be called a tangent.
It is achingly beautiful, the way that the sounds and words blend together, the way his voice wraps around it all and holds it
so together. As far as reasons to buy this album, it is more than worth it simply for the angelesque sound of
Jay Clifford's voice.
(I am far from the only one that thinks so, promise.)
It is hard to do so without wanting to point out how amazing each is for countless reasons, but if I were to list some notable tracks:
Too High is what one might consider the typical high energy J,LC, and seems most memorable the first run through the album.
Words of Wisdom is notable for it's upbeat sound, and sweet-sad lyrics (the song pertains to the death of
Matt and
Evan's father, which feels like a good enough reason to mention on its own). There is of course a token Matt track, very soft-sexy voice
beatnik-style flow.. this is
Singer, and it leads perfectly into
Pigeon.
Pigeon was for me, a wonderful surprise of sorts, the last track that left me in awe of the amazing things
Jay Clifford can do with his voice. They have put together a most sophisticated, decidedly brilliant collection of music here, far exceeding any expectations I'd had when I first slid the cd into its little cradle.
Incidentally, it hasn't left my player since, and I don't expect it to any time soon.
Being that J,LC has all but refused to prescribe to the typical methods of gaining popularity, and relies almost entirely on its loyal (somewhat insane and obsessive)
fan base to spread the word, I will mention that you should
really go out and buy this album. If you are familiar with their
older stuff, if you've ever appreciated one of their live shows.. if you haven't heard them at all. You should be able to find it in numerous locations throughout the U.S. It can also be purchased online.
For more information about the band, upcoming tour dates, and all of that other good stuff: www.jumplittlechildren.com
Track Listing
- Vertigo
- Angeldust (Please Come Down)
- Too High
- Hold Your Tongue
- Lover's Greed
- Yearling
- Mother's Eyes
- Come Around
- Words Of Wisdom
- The House Our Father Knew
- Made It Fine
- Overkill
- Singer
- Pigeon
The first and title track of the album is perhaps one of the best examples of Jay's ability to create music and lyrics perfectly suited to his voice. It tries to put to words the intense feelings involved with
all that crazy love stuff..
leaning from the balcony as if without a care
wondering should i take the fall
or should i take the stairs
have i already fallen over and now
spinning in the air
i don't know, i'm in this vertigo
leaning from a precipice that only love would dare
spinning in a gravity that only love could bear
were i to tumble from this cloudy high
how would i fare
take it slow, i'm in this vertigo
take me down, down where the rain falls
down where the rain can wash away this high
i feel i've gone beyond the edge and falling
falling like tears that turn to snow
falling in this vertigo
leaning from the balcony above the interstate
will i come around too soon, or will it be too late
surely there's only one direction i could go at this rate
down below, i'm in this vertigo
if i had my way i would stay up here forever
and never look down
but surely it will come 'cause i've always had that feeling
of rushing the ground, rushing the ground..