Album, Single and EP Reviews


 

 

  Only Just Beginning by Jason Webley


Only Just Beginning cover art

Artist: Jason Webley
Title: Only Just Beginning
Catalogue Number: Eleven Records SPINN51
Review Format: LP
Release Year: 2004



The insert that came with this vinyl masterpiece kind of gives the game away. It lists a cast just like a stage play would. That's perhaps the key to unlocking the strange world of Jason Webley and this album - "Only Just Beginning" - is indeed something of an oddity in these days of the digitally perfect fame seeker.

The songs are dark and the production remarkably restrained throughout. Come to think of it, natural is probably the right word to describe the sound of this album. The musicianship is outstanding and unforced and there is nothing massive like a guitar solo here. However, atmosphere is everywhere (the album was reputedly recorded in a haunted hotel) with many carefully created little touches - I was particularly fascinated with the use of percussion throughout - to keep your ears interested over the many repeated plays that will no doubt result form your purchase of this album. Overall, "Only Just Beginning" is not really an album of individual songs - though "Music That Puts Everything Together" and the jaunty "Icarus" did stick in my mind for weeks after I first heard them - so picking out favourites isn't really appropriate here. I suppose that makes it unusual for a modern album as it does seem to benefit from being listened to in its entirety to fully appreciate its wonder.

The warmth of the vinyl sound suits the material admirably and adds to the album's almost spiritual nature. Superficially downbeat, the album proved to be uplifting and is clearly the work of musicians who care about realising Jason Webley's vision. It's the real deal.

 


www.jasonwebley.com
Reviewer:
Review Date: December 30 2008