JAMC's "Automatic" is blues from a distorted guitar-gun, beats from the UK's dancefloors, and the sleaziest cliches of rock 'n' roll attitude. In other words, it’s a classic!
It's absolutely true that JAMC never made the same album twice. That's what I loved about them (and hated). Now, if I could get my hands on a vinyl copy of Stoned and Dethroned everything would be well in the world.
I really enjoyed reading about your take on Automatic. It's always been my favorite JAMC album since it's the one I first heard in real time back in 1990 when I was 15, but I thought I was the only person who felt that way. As for Kitchens of Distinction, for me it would be WAY closer if you were comparing it to Strange Free World (their 2nd album from 1991), but I think I'd also still pick Automatic.
One slight thing that's kinda nitpicky: Barbed Wire Kisses is a B-sides collection, so I never really thought of it as an album unlike the others you mentioned.
For sure; from what I recall, I think a lot of old fans considered Honey's Dead to be somewhat of a comeback when it came out and it seemed to be better liked at the time. I certainly remember my best friend's brother bumping it a lot in his truck in HS. I remember a cover of "Teenage Lust" from about 13-14 years ago done by a Dum Dum Girls/Tamaryn one-off collaboration, so I think its influence has also translated into this century as well, but that just might be JAMC overall.
I've also long considered Darklands to be kind of a trial run for Automatic but with more "traditional" rock instrumentation; more audible/up front vocals, less distortion, poppier, et al. But Automatic's influence on stuff like Curve, Garbage, et al. later on in the '90s is pretty audible, too, I think?
This is one of those times I feel like I come from a different planet because I had no idea about these bands or records. However, the Jesus and Mary Chain one sounds very promising... I'll be sure to check it out!
I feel like I know you well enough to say that neither of these are in your usual wheelhouse. That said, I do hope you'll give 'em a listen! I'm curious to hear what you think of each of them.
With a title like that, you’ve definitely got my attention 😁. I’m not too familiar with their catalogue (or this album), so I did a bit of digging in the usual places to see if there were any 12-inch singles, and yes, there were! Sadly, no extended versions or remixes though.
That said, I agree, it does sound very danceable. And honestly, the definition of a dance record is pretty straightforward: if it makes you dance, it’s a dance record. And since you say it does… it clearly is 😁
"In a Cave" is the only track from "Love Is Hell" I ever found interesting. Remarkably original; I still listen to it in a mix of one-offs from the same period.
JAMC = raging tinnitus
Because you listened to it at full blast early/often?
they need to be played loud for the full experience to resonate, much like My Bloody Valentine.
100%
JAMC's "Automatic" is blues from a distorted guitar-gun, beats from the UK's dancefloors, and the sleaziest cliches of rock 'n' roll attitude. In other words, it’s a classic!
‘Automatic’ is ‘danceable’ druggy sludge - and absolutely brilliant. Great post on a fantastic album. Thanks!
Of course! I'm glad you liked it.
It's absolutely true that JAMC never made the same album twice. That's what I loved about them (and hated). Now, if I could get my hands on a vinyl copy of Stoned and Dethroned everything would be well in the world.
Lol. Same!
I really enjoyed reading about your take on Automatic. It's always been my favorite JAMC album since it's the one I first heard in real time back in 1990 when I was 15, but I thought I was the only person who felt that way. As for Kitchens of Distinction, for me it would be WAY closer if you were comparing it to Strange Free World (their 2nd album from 1991), but I think I'd also still pick Automatic.
One slight thing that's kinda nitpicky: Barbed Wire Kisses is a B-sides collection, so I never really thought of it as an album unlike the others you mentioned.
This is fair and not nitpicky at all! I used the term records loosely, but I hope my overall point stands.
For sure; from what I recall, I think a lot of old fans considered Honey's Dead to be somewhat of a comeback when it came out and it seemed to be better liked at the time. I certainly remember my best friend's brother bumping it a lot in his truck in HS. I remember a cover of "Teenage Lust" from about 13-14 years ago done by a Dum Dum Girls/Tamaryn one-off collaboration, so I think its influence has also translated into this century as well, but that just might be JAMC overall.
I've also long considered Darklands to be kind of a trial run for Automatic but with more "traditional" rock instrumentation; more audible/up front vocals, less distortion, poppier, et al. But Automatic's influence on stuff like Curve, Garbage, et al. later on in the '90s is pretty audible, too, I think?
100%. You can see/hear the record's influence on quite a few bands that came later.
This is one of those times I feel like I come from a different planet because I had no idea about these bands or records. However, the Jesus and Mary Chain one sounds very promising... I'll be sure to check it out!
I feel like I know you well enough to say that neither of these are in your usual wheelhouse. That said, I do hope you'll give 'em a listen! I'm curious to hear what you think of each of them.
Fair, I had the same suspicion, but still, I’m up for the challenge! I’ll check em out and let you know!
No offense intended, but JAMC is a band that I have never got. Thanks for making me listen again.
Maybe this'll be the time that changes your mind! :)
With a title like that, you’ve definitely got my attention 😁. I’m not too familiar with their catalogue (or this album), so I did a bit of digging in the usual places to see if there were any 12-inch singles, and yes, there were! Sadly, no extended versions or remixes though.
That said, I agree, it does sound very danceable. And honestly, the definition of a dance record is pretty straightforward: if it makes you dance, it’s a dance record. And since you say it does… it clearly is 😁
I love that definition!
A solid take. I bought it at the time and listened to it again recently - it still stands up in my view.
"In a Cave" is the only track from "Love Is Hell" I ever found interesting. Remarkably original; I still listen to it in a mix of one-offs from the same period.