Note: 10/5/13: I wrote the bulk of this review before I discovered Dan Hasteltine's personal Blog. (Dan is the lead singer and front-man for the band Jars of Clay.) That blog clearly spells out that Dan is in a different place - What he calls a "middle space" with respect to his spiritual pilgrimage. So take my comments below in the context of my first exposure to Inland, sensing that this album signals an identity shift for the band, but not knowing much of the personal context of the recording. Should I write this review today, I suspect I would hear the album differently, then grapple with what it means to be "in a middle space."
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This review consists of three parts. 1) A review of the album Inland, by Jars of Clay, followed by 2) a review of the Jars of Clay Little Rock performance on September 10, 2013. Followed by a little 3) summary guess work.
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This review consists of three parts. 1) A review of the album Inland, by Jars of Clay, followed by 2) a review of the Jars of Clay Little Rock performance on September 10, 2013. Followed by a little 3) summary guess work.
Band: Jars of Clay
Album: Inland
Release: August 2013
Genre: Accousta-Art-Rock
of a surprisingly melodic character.
Quick Spin.
Inland, by Jars of Clay is mini “indie rock” masterpiece, drenched in gorgeous melody and impressionistic lyrics of a personal hue. My ears are fully delighted. Perhaps the only thing I am working with is "how to hear" what I am hearing. This has more to do with who Jars is (or are?) historically. For almost twenty years Jars has operated under the umbrella of the Contemporary Christian Music novelty market. With Inland, Jars actively sheds the last trappings of CCM world. It will be interesting to see if their traditional fan base is good for the ride into new territory.
Inland borrows its name from a line out of Homer’s Odyssey in which "Odysseus is told that his adventures will end and he will finally be at peace when he travels inland carrying the oar of his ship to a point where people have never seen the sea or a boat, and mistake the oar for a winnowing fan use to separate grain from chaff."
Dr. Devdutt Pattanaik (not related to this album) gives this insight to the Oar Metaphor:
In other words, he reaches a place where people are totally oblivious of the world he inhabits and all ideas that are familiar to him seem unfamiliar to them.
What is the story trying to tell us? It informs us that what seems so familiar and important to us -- the sea and the ship in case of Odysseus -- mean nothing to people in other parts of the world. So vast is the universe. The oar is most critical to Odysseus to survive the seas. But it makes no sense to those inland who have never even heard of the sea. What is critical to one is not critical to another.
Now I am not quite sure if this is what the band is chasing with the title, but it certainly could mean that the Jars are given to a quest where the old language and delivery no longer make sense. So -- New territory, intelligent music wed to personal, poetic, if not somewhat baffling lyrics. I love this album, but am still trying to figure out “how to think about it.” Perhaps I will have to hear it with some other organ.
Speaking of honed christian theology... the poverty of spirit here, is downright doctrinal.
Post Script. Just discovered. Dan Hasteltine keeps a blog, where he address the relationship between Inland and the band's past works. His blog clearly does indicate that he (or the band) are in some new territory... a place of spiritual uncertainty. My response then should be to pray that Dan knows a level of resolution, that leads to deeper intimacy with Christ. It is no good to have faith bolstered up with tape or a false public presentation. So I pray this be a tear-down, leading to refreshing.
Side note 2: when I upload the CD, My I-tunes account lists the songs as "Religious." It would appear that if Jars are wishing to preposition themselves, they may want to start with a new description on I-tunes.
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This is Jars of Clay’s 11 studio album; the first on their
own indie-label. (Gray Matter) Fans and critics alike have noted: Jars
of Clay, as a band just keeps mutating (while keeping pretty much the same folks.) No two albums chase the same vibe; Just when you think have pegged the band, they
alter the spice and veer some new audio or thematic direction. Jars = variation within continuity. Sometimes those changes reflect the fact that
Jars has their ear to what other folks are doing, sometimes Jars are the
very fount of innovation. In my mind people should be talking about who sounds like Jars of Clay; however it would
be impossible not to note the dept that Jars owes to bands like Cold Play, Mute Math, the
Killers, the Beatles, Death Cab for Cutie, and Toad Wed Sprocket. (On a personal level, I am calling this my second favorite Jars of Clay Album, just slightly behind my all time favorite "Much Afraid.")
As is, there are certain things that make any Jars' album a
Jars' album. First there is lead singer Dan Haseltine’s plaintive, nervy, high, melodic -- even desperate voice. Then there are those highly rhythmic,
complex compositions, colored in the stuff of Appalachia, movie soundtracks, and Vivaldi. Finally, there is a core commitment that the
band has a being God's workmanship – even jars made of clay. “For God, who
said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to
give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus
Christ. But we have this treasure
in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and
not to us.” (from the bible book of Corinthians.) So there you have it...
God showcasing his glory in weak human vessels.)
A question I now ask
(and will think through as we go is, "Are Jars of Clay still the same band that it
was (or they were) when they recorded their first highly-regarded and self titled album some years ago?" Are they a band who might write and sing "Flood" or" Love Song for a Savior" -- Are they still vessels holding blessed
treasure. Or something else?
Quick take. Yes.
That is, I have strong reasons to believe that they are still fundamentally "Jars" -- But different. This may take a bit to flesh out -- But know this, the sacred/secular dichotomy is nothing new. Bach, a man who worked unto God with great awareness, created a large body of work, some for the church, some for the dinner party. He saw nothing inconsistent with giving God glory through the full range of his expressions, even those intended to get the people mincing, under the spell of fine wine.
Quick take. Yes.
That is, I have strong reasons to believe that they are still fundamentally "Jars" -- But different. This may take a bit to flesh out -- But know this, the sacred/secular dichotomy is nothing new. Bach, a man who worked unto God with great awareness, created a large body of work, some for the church, some for the dinner party. He saw nothing inconsistent with giving God glory through the full range of his expressions, even those intended to get the people mincing, under the spell of fine wine.
As a “sound” Inland is an utterly delicious sonic
treat. Lead singer Dan Haseltine has
never sounded better. The tunes, while
of varied emotional hue, are melodic, layered and crunchy. Inland features
lots of curve-ball inner elements, including little dings and chings, novel
percussion, floating harmonies, effervescent counterpoint, plunging strings, galloping
guitars, rattled pianos, crickets, and
varied forms of audio extravaganza. My ears
cannot love this enough. This wouldn't be a Jars' album without a
brooding melancholy under-current, however… There is a brilliance, even a
radiant joy that shines through many of the selections. Beyond that, this work (with a few exceptions) is just so smoothhhhh.
Odd note: I did not
realize until watching Jars live, that front man Dan leads with a drum stick in hand. They sometimes employ a second drummer with
the big sit-down ensemble, but Jars is, at its heart, a band built around a hand
drum or snare. So it is kind of
interesting to hear how sublimated (and delightfully complex) the percussion
elements are throughout the recording.
It appears, to my amateur ear, that all kinds of things are operating as
percussion that are not drums as such.
And many of those things have melody built in. Think of a percussive rainbow.
If you want you can play this in the background as you read…
but be sure not to get so detracted that you fail to come back;)
On Tuesday, September 10 2013 I had the opportunity to hear
Jars live. Front man Dan Haseltine
explained: “This is an album that we have been waiting twenty years to write. We could not have written this album when we
started.” (Loose, from memory). He explained that the process behind this
album was different. First, this is their
first wholly independent release. They
were not beholden to anybody, be they in the marketplace or in the pew. Jars set the parameters and took the creative risk.. Second, most jars albums are built around a
particular sound or focus. They have a theme. I think this album does too, but Dan
explained that this is more like a collection of disparate songs, written by
the band during the course of life and travel on the road. They began with a large pool of collected
songs and then whittled down. The
resulting collection radiates horizontally. These are songs about relationships.... even the relationship of the self to self in introspective conversation.
Perhaps, most peculiar, are the lack of any songs that make
sense as the product of a Christian Band – at least in the sense of Christian
music as a commodity. (Now the title “Christian band” is multifaceted, and the theme
I mean to explore further down – but it is quite apparent from their name and past travel circuit, not to mention the bold and
routine presence of Christian based themes, that Jars is rightly called
a Christian band. And I have no sense
whatsoever that they have traded in their identity as sons of the King, for
something else. But that lack of
“Christian identifiers” either in lyric or linear notes IS peculiar at
minimum. (An earlier alum by two -- Long Fall back to Earth clearly hinted this direction. But that album held a song or two that said... we are fallen men, in need of rescue. Inland, on the other hand, has no song that even whispers "Christian radio." Perhaps most peculiar, the preceding Jars release, The Shelter, a full voiced sing "Praise Music" singalong with other notables in the Christian Music arena, was explicitly "religious." So the contrast is even more pronounced.
As is, I have been tickled by the efforts of people to find "Christian" meaning in lyrics. Go to You-tube and scroll through the responses to the (three) new video offerings. They are replete with people who wish to ascribe a range of direct or biblical interpretations for the poetry. Example One (A response to the song Inland by a phderrik)
Now that is a lovely take. It could be true. But when I read the lyrics, none of that comes through. I do read of a push into an uncertain realm, but that the lyrics simply do not furnish that kind of information.
Example Two: Newest video. Fall Asleep. A woman in a wedding dress takes a bath. People ask: "Is she the bride of Christ?" "Is this symbolic of baptism?" (Etc.) My guess. Probably not. She just happens to be heart-sigh beautiful, the visuals are riveting if not sensual, (but not risque or crass) and the whole thing thing shimmers with dream-world intensity. I have no doubt that JOC use a lot of symbolism. They tend too, to themes with water and flooding. But it will do us no good to find concrete meaning where none is intended.
As is, I have been tickled by the efforts of people to find "Christian" meaning in lyrics. Go to You-tube and scroll through the responses to the (three) new video offerings. They are replete with people who wish to ascribe a range of direct or biblical interpretations for the poetry. Example One (A response to the song Inland by a phderrik)
I think (Inland) is a beautiful song about the great commission that Christ had set us out to do.
In the mission field, there could be no clear plans for us to follow as no one may have done it before us. Faith in God & courage to overcome uncertainty will get us through. The most important element - a raw desire to serve people and trusting in God's provisions.
Now that is a lovely take. It could be true. But when I read the lyrics, none of that comes through. I do read of a push into an uncertain realm, but that the lyrics simply do not furnish that kind of information.
Example Two: Newest video. Fall Asleep. A woman in a wedding dress takes a bath. People ask: "Is she the bride of Christ?" "Is this symbolic of baptism?" (Etc.) My guess. Probably not. She just happens to be heart-sigh beautiful, the visuals are riveting if not sensual, (but not risque or crass) and the whole thing thing shimmers with dream-world intensity. I have no doubt that JOC use a lot of symbolism. They tend too, to themes with water and flooding. But it will do us no good to find concrete meaning where none is intended.
Finally, I would tell you that I -- even with a poets’ disposition, am struggling to wrap my mind around the highly impressionistic quality of Inland's lyrics. There are snatches and phrases in these songs that really jell. I hear references to the altering and
sustaining power of love. I hear (and
agree) that few of us were even ready for challenges that love would throw our
way. But we managed as we stumbled through. I hear too a veiled reference to
deity(?) -- All I want is Peace like a river, long life of sanity, love that won't leave too soon, someone to pull out the splinters, the reckless forgiver. (But then this could be a spouse.)
Then there is my very favorite lyric:
Then there is my very favorite lyric:
I thought that everything would turn out right, now look what I've become --
A man I wouldn't have respect for -- if I'd met me when I was young
Speaking of honed christian theology... the poverty of spirit here, is downright doctrinal.
I will leave it for others to parse the meaning of the
individual songs. Suffice it to say,
there is something “sub-brain” in this album.
I listen. I yearn. I hear the pathos but my
heart is gladdened. I feel a sense of
adventure…I feel the wind in my heart, and thankfulness for my wife (who has
been to hell with me and back) … I feel
like I have taken something in… traveled new ground, but I cannot put my finger on it.
This music makes me feel. And that is a tremendous gift.
This music makes me feel. And that is a tremendous gift.
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Part 2: Part 2: The Performance.
The problem is just how to hear such a lyric. Without larger context and clarification, I have found it best not to assume much of anything. However, I do know that Jars, as both Dan and band, are given to the introspective spirit. I would not be surprised if Inland does signal a place of disorientation within the context of lived out faith. The fact that Jars so readily played music from their larger canon, including very overt anthems of Christian praise, suggests to me that this album is part of a continuity and not a break. Even so, it does represent a substantial change in their public identity. I wait to see where this journey Inland takes the band. So do Jars.
Part 2: Part 2: The Performance.
Earlier on I asked if this band is the same band -- In its soul. This is not a question I really mean to answer. I cannot. (I will explore this question in some detail in part 3.) However, I can tell you when it comes to concert, Jars fully identified with the full canon of their work…and gave a simply stellar live performance.
There are bands that that suffer outside the studio. Jars, on the other hand, matched or fully surpassed the excellence of their recorded work.
There are bands that that suffer outside the studio. Jars, on the other hand, matched or fully surpassed the excellence of their recorded work.
Perhaps in keeping with their new direction, Jars played at a Little Rock music hall and bar (The Rev Room) - I felt just fine with the venue but might have had second thoughts about the settings as a youth group leader. Only drawback - few good places to sit. And - the crowd was much too small. Indeed. Not a crowd.
As it is, Jars spent the first leg of their Inland tour with one of my favorite bands - The Last Bison - then traded out for a couple of new acts, given limitations in the Bison schedule. I should have loved to hear that pairing, but now follow two new artists, both of whom have drilled new sonic landscapes in my soul.
Note: My original blog post contained my impressions of both intro acts, Kye Kye and Brooke Waggoner. I've opted to hold those posts for another time and give each their due in a separate post. Suffice it to say, Mind blown by the talents of both. I own new music, and relish both acts for different reasons. I did, however, find the particular match up -- odd. More down the pike.
9:30 - 11:30 (?) Final Act.
The set list and performance by Jars of Clay on September 10, 2013 left with one distinct impression. This is simply one of the finest accousta-rock bands in the world, with the ability to forge music of distinct character... and varied sounds, and all before our very eyes. Seeing the process illumined the body of their work. This is a band that operates with few overdubs. When you hear a studio recording by the Jars, you are hearing something very close to their direct (but more energetic) live performance.
As performers, Jars gave their all. We were a small assembly. Probably only a hundred at max. And they played their hearts out, all the while modeling courtesy, energy, craftsmanship, and a real regard for we the listeners.
I have intimated that album Inland, leaves the listener wondering just who this band is, in terms of religious commitments. But none of those questions seemed relevant in concert. Jars played from a set list spanning years, and rich in robust proclamations of devotion to Christ, and thanksgiving for his sacrifice. The band closed the set with requests from the audience. Surprisingly, most of those requests came from the bands very first land-mark album (and one known for its devotional directness.) In short, Jars ended the night in something akin to a praise service. And there very last encore track "Frail" just left me feeling held the strong arms of a healing savior.
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Part 3: Wrap up (for now)
In conclusion, I am both puzzled by and drawn to the "new" Jars. I want to understand who they are in relationship to their past when they spoke with a more direct voice, at least as followers of Jesus. But I am left with the fact that I do not know these people on any kind of personal level. The lack of direct spiritual identifiers could signal one of several things.
1) Not much of anything, these guys just wanted to produce music with a different focus.
2) This is simply an effort by Jars (for whatever reasons) to enlarge their fan base, and shed the artistic limitations of CCM culture.
3) The band no longer thinks of themselves as Jars holding blessed treasure. They just kept the name. ((In my mind, less probable.))
4) The band or Dan (as driving creative force) ARE in a different place in relationship to their faith walk. There are at least some lyrics within Inland that could suggest a crisis of spirit. Example::
Every time I look in the mirror
I'm in a shadow of doubt
Maybe I'm as lost as the next guy
Just have to find, just have to find out
As it is, Jars spent the first leg of their Inland tour with one of my favorite bands - The Last Bison - then traded out for a couple of new acts, given limitations in the Bison schedule. I should have loved to hear that pairing, but now follow two new artists, both of whom have drilled new sonic landscapes in my soul.
Note: My original blog post contained my impressions of both intro acts, Kye Kye and Brooke Waggoner. I've opted to hold those posts for another time and give each their due in a separate post. Suffice it to say, Mind blown by the talents of both. I own new music, and relish both acts for different reasons. I did, however, find the particular match up -- odd. More down the pike.
9:30 - 11:30 (?) Final Act.
The set list and performance by Jars of Clay on September 10, 2013 left with one distinct impression. This is simply one of the finest accousta-rock bands in the world, with the ability to forge music of distinct character... and varied sounds, and all before our very eyes. Seeing the process illumined the body of their work. This is a band that operates with few overdubs. When you hear a studio recording by the Jars, you are hearing something very close to their direct (but more energetic) live performance.
As performers, Jars gave their all. We were a small assembly. Probably only a hundred at max. And they played their hearts out, all the while modeling courtesy, energy, craftsmanship, and a real regard for we the listeners.
I have intimated that album Inland, leaves the listener wondering just who this band is, in terms of religious commitments. But none of those questions seemed relevant in concert. Jars played from a set list spanning years, and rich in robust proclamations of devotion to Christ, and thanksgiving for his sacrifice. The band closed the set with requests from the audience. Surprisingly, most of those requests came from the bands very first land-mark album (and one known for its devotional directness.) In short, Jars ended the night in something akin to a praise service. And there very last encore track "Frail" just left me feeling held the strong arms of a healing savior.
---
Part 3: Wrap up (for now)
In conclusion, I am both puzzled by and drawn to the "new" Jars. I want to understand who they are in relationship to their past when they spoke with a more direct voice, at least as followers of Jesus. But I am left with the fact that I do not know these people on any kind of personal level. The lack of direct spiritual identifiers could signal one of several things.
1) Not much of anything, these guys just wanted to produce music with a different focus.
2) This is simply an effort by Jars (for whatever reasons) to enlarge their fan base, and shed the artistic limitations of CCM culture.
3) The band no longer thinks of themselves as Jars holding blessed treasure. They just kept the name. ((In my mind, less probable.))
4) The band or Dan (as driving creative force) ARE in a different place in relationship to their faith walk. There are at least some lyrics within Inland that could suggest a crisis of spirit. Example::
Every time I look in the mirror
I'm in a shadow of doubt
Maybe I'm as lost as the next guy
Just have to find, just have to find out
The problem is just how to hear such a lyric. Without larger context and clarification, I have found it best not to assume much of anything. However, I do know that Jars, as both Dan and band, are given to the introspective spirit. I would not be surprised if Inland does signal a place of disorientation within the context of lived out faith. The fact that Jars so readily played music from their larger canon, including very overt anthems of Christian praise, suggests to me that this album is part of a continuity and not a break. Even so, it does represent a substantial change in their public identity. I wait to see where this journey Inland takes the band. So do Jars.
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Post Script. Just discovered. Dan Hasteltine keeps a blog, where he address the relationship between Inland and the band's past works. His blog clearly does indicate that he (or the band) are in some new territory... a place of spiritual uncertainty. My response then should be to pray that Dan knows a level of resolution, that leads to deeper intimacy with Christ. It is no good to have faith bolstered up with tape or a false public presentation. So I pray this be a tear-down, leading to refreshing.
Side note 2: when I upload the CD, My I-tunes account lists the songs as "Religious." It would appear that if Jars are wishing to preposition themselves, they may want to start with a new description on I-tunes.
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