I've got a hate on for Jack Johnson and this made me laugh

restlesssoul

such a great review!!! its exactly what i thought his shows must be like. i dont like him or his music.



from this weeks Georgia Straight here in Vancouver:


Ever wonder what upwardly mobile, environmentally conscious couples with 2.2 kids do to unwind? Well, they go to Jack Johnson concerts and kick it to beige, boring, beach-bum music. And they don’t seem to care one iota that the Oahu-based singer-songwriter is a less than stellar vocalist. They happily pay good money to see a mediocre musician who really ought to be playing free concerts at the Kitsilano Showboat. I guess Johnson came around at the right time. People were clearly hungry for corporate-campfire tunes at the turn of the millennium, and the former surfer delivered.

And now, seven years after the release of his debut album, Brushfire Fairytales, Johnson is selling out venues like Thunderbird Stadium. Which, incidentally, was the best part about the Thursday night concert, as it was a perfect evening for an outdoor show.

Under a clear twilight sky, family units swayed the night away in front of their respective Mexican blankets. Acknowledging his demographic, Johnson dedicated songs to the tots sitting on their parents’ shoulders. And it couldn’t have been a more fitting shout-out. After all, most of his songs are so simple and bouncy, they can easily pass for children’s music, especially "Banana Pancakes". When he busted out that crowd pleaser, you half expected to see a purple dinosaur lumber on-stage. But no, there was just a chiselled Hawaiian heartthrob strumming competently on his acoustic guitar.

Hands down, “Banana Pancakes” got the most reaction from the under-two set. One little tyke with edible apple cheeks got so caught up in his dance moves he spun out of control and landed on my feet. He was cute, so I let it go…this once.

There were also a few (seemingly) single ladies in attendance who were really digging the breakfast-in-bed ditty. Someone at the front was holding up a sign that read, “I want to make you banana pancakes.” It was a crazy, crazy night.

About halfway through the show, Johnson invited a big (and winded) island mama on-stage. With so much weight behind her, I fully expected her to belt it out and blow us all away with her thunderous voice. Instead, she kept the nothing-special status quo by delivering a lifeless crescendo.

Later on, Johnson and his bandmates tried to sex it up with “Girl I Wanna Lay You Down”, the singer’s answer to John Mayer’s “Your Body Is a Wonderland” (i.e., pseudo-sensual pop crap). But even when Johnson and company were getting dirrty, they were almost flatlining in terms of putting some life into their performance.

And just when you didn’t think he could get any lower, Johnson ended the show by actually taking it down a bit. Leaving his bandmates backstage for most of the encore, the jeans-and-T hunk came out and sang a handful of über-mellow love songs that almost lulled me into a coma. I’m not sure what the law is, but I’m pretty sure people shouldn’t be driving after a Jack Johnson encore. You’d be more alert after a cocktail of cough syrup and rice wine.

magikev

Personally, I like Jack Johnson. I just don't know if I could sit through a FULL concert of his music. It's great if you're in the mood. But a couple hours would just be a long time to listen to him . . .

magikev

On another note . . .why do you not like him? I understand not liking his music, but he seems pretty chill.

itsevobaby

magikev wrote:

On another note . . .why do you not like him? I understand not liking his music, but he seems pretty chill.

i've met jack, he is awesome. he was with donovan frankenreiter & some other guys, we talked about music & the last time he was in the country amongst other stuff, then he got me in to his show for free, front row dead centre, then to top it off he plays soon forget. champion. respect, jack :cool:

facepollution

Try as I do to like him, I can't help but be bored to tears by him - poor man's Ben Harper is the term that comes to mind.

That review was spot on - family bbq music!

LikeAnOpeningBandForTheSun

i like a few of his songs, but sitting through his show at Bonaroo was BORING until Eddie came out. People were literally falling asleep. not passing out. falling asleep.

seems like he has talent, but has no desire to try something new at all.

1STmammal2wearPants

MrSmith wrote:

i like a few of his songs, but sitting through his show at Bonaroo was BORING until Eddie came out. People were literally falling asleep. not passing out. falling asleep.

seems like he has talent, but has no desire to try something new at all.

Ill disagree with you there. I went in thinking i'd be bored but was pleasantly surprised at bonnaroo. seems like a genuinely good guy who cares about his fans, is laid back, but still by the same token, but on a good show with a good backing band. i became a fan at roo.

NewDamage

facepollution wrote:

Try as I do to like him, I can't help but be bored to tears by him - poor man's Ben Harper is the term that comes to mind

Ever hear Nick Drake? He did it better, 35 years ago

g under p

restlesssoul wrote:

I've got a hate on for Jack Johnson and this made me laugh


such a great review!!! its exactly what i thought his shows must be like. i dont like him or his music.



from this weeks Georgia Straight here in Vancouver:


Ever wonder what upwardly mobile, environmentally conscious couples with 2.2 kids do to unwind? Well, they go to Jack Johnson concerts and kick it to beige, boring, beach-bum music. And they don’t seem to care one iota that the Oahu-based singer-songwriter is a less than stellar vocalist. They happily pay good money to see a mediocre musician who really ought to be playing free concerts at the Kitsilano Showboat. I guess Johnson came around at the right time. People were clearly hungry for corporate-campfire tunes at the turn of the millennium, and the former surfer delivered.

And now, seven years after the release of his debut album, Brushfire Fairytales, Johnson is selling out venues like Thunderbird Stadium. Which, incidentally, was the best part about the Thursday night concert, as it was a perfect evening for an outdoor show.

Under a clear twilight sky, family units swayed the night away in front of their respective Mexican blankets. Acknowledging his demographic, Johnson dedicated songs to the tots sitting on their parents’ shoulders. And it couldn’t have been a more fitting shout-out. After all, most of his songs are so simple and bouncy, they can easily pass for children’s music, especially "Banana Pancakes". When he busted out that crowd pleaser, you half expected to see a purple dinosaur lumber on-stage. But no, there was just a chiselled Hawaiian heartthrob strumming competently on his acoustic guitar.

Hands down, “Banana Pancakes” got the most reaction from the under-two set. One little tyke with edible apple cheeks got so caught up in his dance moves he spun out of control and landed on my feet. He was cute, so I let it go…this once.

There were also a few (seemingly) single ladies in attendance who were really digging the breakfast-in-bed ditty. Someone at the front was holding up a sign that read, “I want to make you banana pancakes.” It was a crazy, crazy night.

About halfway through the show, Johnson invited a big (and winded) island mama on-stage. With so much weight behind her, I fully expected her to belt it out and blow us all away with her thunderous voice. Instead, she kept the nothing-special status quo by delivering a lifeless crescendo.

Later on, Johnson and his bandmates tried to sex it up with “Girl I Wanna Lay You Down”, the singer’s answer to John Mayer’s “Your Body Is a Wonderland” (i.e., pseudo-sensual pop crap). But even when Johnson and company were getting dirrty, they were almost flatlining in terms of putting some life into their performance.

And just when you didn’t think he could get any lower, Johnson ended the show by actually taking it down a bit. Leaving his bandmates backstage for most of the encore, the jeans-and-T hunk came out and sang a handful of über-mellow love songs that almost lulled me into a coma. I’m not sure what the law is, but I’m pretty sure people shouldn’t be driving after a Jack Johnson encore. You’d be more alert after a cocktail of cough syrup and rice wine.

I don't anything about JJ's music or about him but to have a hate for him is such a strong word to use.

Peace

restlesssoul

g under p wrote:

to have a hate for him is such a strong word to use.

Peace

sorry, mother Teresa. please, its just a saying, i dont sit in a room and stare at a picture of him and send him hate vibes. its just a casual informal hate for the man.

LikeAnOpeningBandForTheSun

1STmammal2wearPants wrote:

Ill disagree with you there. I went in thinking i'd be bored but was pleasantly surprised at bonnaroo. seems like a genuinely good guy who cares about his fans, is laid back, but still by the same token, but on a good show with a good backing band. i became a fan at roo.

im sure he's a nice guy but damn, 20 songs with the same sleepy vibe was making me yawn. i can listen to a few of his songs if im in the right mood, but i dont plan on seeing him live again.

Igottago

I'm not a fan of Jack Johnson, I agree that he's pretty bland. But I think the writer's a bit of a knob for trying to peg the crowd as a specific type of person. I could write an article about too cool indie hipsters all being the same as well. There's no shortage of them going to shows all looking the same, and listening to some garbage band who is trying to be another Joy Division.

Gremmie95

Jack is solid. No, it isn't very complex music and yeah he is a bit too chill. BUT. If you lived on an island, surfed all day, and smoked dank buds, you'd be chill too.

Joe2TheRevenge

i bet backstage Jack Johnson has a temper and yells at everyone.

jamie uk

Jack Johnson is ok, what makes me laugh is a pretentious journalist trying to write a comedy sketch instead of just reviewing the concert. Is the author so wrapped up in his own little part in this that he really thinks his 'whimsical' observations are that important? Does he think anyone who was at the concert gives a shit what some musical snob thinks about them, or Jack Johnson?
Is it wrong that people go and enjoy themselves by relaxing? Would he prefer a Metallica show, where half the audience is so brain dead they want to smash each others heads in?
I don't understand his point at all, there is no right or wrong in music, good and bad yes....but that's all a matter of taste isn't it?
The 'journalist' who wrote the review is a cock.

Joe2TheRevenge

jamie uk wrote:

Jack Johnson is ok, what makes me laugh is a pretentious journalist trying to write a comedy sketch instead of just reviewing the concert. Is the author so wrapped up in his own little part in this that he really thinks his 'whimsical' observations are that important? Does he think anyone who was at the concert gives a shit what some musical snob thinks about them, or Jack Johnson?
Is it wrong that people go and enjoy themselves by relaxing? Would he prefer a Metallica show, where half the audience is so brain dead they want to smash each others heads in?
I don't understand his point at all, there is no right or wrong in music, good and bad yes....but that's all a matter of taste isn't it?
The 'journalist' who wrote the review is a cock.

i think people who review reviewers are snobs and cocks.

jamie uk

Joe2TheRevenge wrote:

i think people who review reviewers are snobs and cocks.[/quote

god job I don't give a flying fuck what you think then. lol

I think people who throw out random personal insults to folks they don't even know are very rude and ill mannered, in fact I don't just 'think' it, I'd say it's a true fact.

catefrances

restlesssoul wrote:

such a great review!!! its exactly what i thought his shows must be like. i dont like him or his music.



from this weeks Georgia Straight here in Vancouver:


Ever wonder what upwardly mobile, environmentally conscious couples with 2.2 kids do to unwind? Well, they go to Jack Johnson concerts and kick it to beige, boring, beach-bum music. And they don’t seem to care one iota that the Oahu-based singer-songwriter is a less than stellar vocalist. They happily pay good money to see a mediocre musician who really ought to be playing free concerts at the Kitsilano Showboat. I guess Johnson came around at the right time. People were clearly hungry for corporate-campfire tunes at the turn of the millennium, and the former surfer delivered.

And now, seven years after the release of his debut album, Brushfire Fairytales, Johnson is selling out venues like Thunderbird Stadium. Which, incidentally, was the best part about the Thursday night concert, as it was a perfect evening for an outdoor show.

Under a clear twilight sky, family units swayed the night away in front of their respective Mexican blankets. Acknowledging his demographic, Johnson dedicated songs to the tots sitting on their parents’ shoulders. And it couldn’t have been a more fitting shout-out. After all, most of his songs are so simple and bouncy, they can easily pass for children’s music, especially "Banana Pancakes". When he busted out that crowd pleaser, you half expected to see a purple dinosaur lumber on-stage. But no, there was just a chiselled Hawaiian heartthrob strumming competently on his acoustic guitar.

Hands down, “Banana Pancakes” got the most reaction from the under-two set. One little tyke with edible apple cheeks got so caught up in his dance moves he spun out of control and landed on my feet. He was cute, so I let it go…this once.

There were also a few (seemingly) single ladies in attendance who were really digging the breakfast-in-bed ditty. Someone at the front was holding up a sign that read, “I want to make you banana pancakes.” It was a crazy, crazy night.

About halfway through the show, Johnson invited a big (and winded) island mama on-stage. With so much weight behind her, I fully expected her to belt it out and blow us all away with her thunderous voice. Instead, she kept the nothing-special status quo by delivering a lifeless crescendo.

Later on, Johnson and his bandmates tried to sex it up with “Girl I Wanna Lay You Down”, the singer’s answer to John Mayer’s “Your Body Is a Wonderland” (i.e., pseudo-sensual pop crap). But even when Johnson and company were getting dirrty, they were almost flatlining in terms of putting some life into their performance.

And just when you didn’t think he could get any lower, Johnson ended the show by actually taking it down a bit. Leaving his bandmates backstage for most of the encore, the jeans-and-T hunk came out and sang a handful of über-mellow love songs that almost lulled me into a coma. I’m not sure what the law is, but I’m pretty sure people shouldn’t be driving after a Jack Johnson encore. You’d be more alert after a cocktail of cough syrup and rice wine.

this is exactly what i think a JJ show is like. *yawn*

he does nothing for me.

... and have you noticed how much he looks like the latest incarnation of curious george.

Cuntified C

I just think he's boring.
He offends me insofar as there are much more interesting
musicians out there who don't make the break but he his bland,
uninspired crap gets heard all over the place.

nuffingman

jamie uk wrote:

Jack Johnson is ok, what makes me laugh is a pretentious journalist trying to write a comedy sketch instead of just reviewing the concert. Is the author so wrapped up in his own little part in this that he really thinks his 'whimsical' observations are that important? Does he think anyone who was at the concert gives a shit what some musical snob thinks about them, or Jack Johnson?
Is it wrong that people go and enjoy themselves by relaxing? Would he prefer a Metallica show, where half the audience is so brain dead they want to smash each others heads in?
I don't understand his point at all, there is no right or wrong in music, good and bad yes....but that's all a matter of taste isn't it?
The 'journalist' who wrote the review is a cock.

Perfect answer!!! The JJ show sounded like the people were enjoying themselves but this pretentious prick thinks he is the oracle of everything musical. I'm surprised the journo can breath with his head so firmly wedged up his own rear end. It's also a shame some find this king of review amusing.

If you don't like someone, well don't listen to them.

catefrances

nuffingman wrote:

Perfect answer!!! The JJ show sounded like the people were enjoying themselves but this pretentious prick thinks he is the oracle of everything musical. I'm surprised the journo can breath with his head so firmly wedged up his own rear end. It's also a shame some find this king of review amusing.

If you don't like someone, well don't listen to them.

if hes a journo and its his job to review gigs then he needs to listen to the music to review, right?

im not a journo and ive listened to JJ and thats why i no longer listen to him.

oh and wheres the shame that i find the review amusing, even slightly? man you JJ fans are so sensitive.

Joe2TheRevenge

jamie uk wrote:

Joe2TheRevenge wrote:

i think people who review reviewers are snobs and cocks.

god job I don't give a flying fuck what you think then. lol

I think people who throw out random personal insults to folks they don't even know are very rude and ill mannered, in fact I don't just 'think' it, I'd say it's a true fact.

are you talking about people who insult reviewers?

nuffingman

catefrances wrote:

if hes a journo and its his job to review gigs then he needs to listen to the music to review, right?

im not a journo and ive listened to JJ and thats why i no longer listen to him.

oh and wheres the shame that i find the review amusing, even slightly? man you JJ fans are so sensitive.

Never said I was a JJ fan. I'm not. I just thought the journos review was smug and ridiculing.

eMMI

Cuntified C wrote:

I just think he's boring.
He offends me insofar as there are much more interesting
musicians out there who don't make the break but he his bland,
uninspired crap gets heard all over the place.

how is it his fault that some bands/artists don't make the break? I didn't know Jack Johnson ruled the world of music.

jamie uk

Joe2TheRevenge wrote:

are you talking about people who insult reviewers?

I thought his review was smug, and self absorbed. I don't see any point in reviewing a show if you have little or no interest in what is going on there, and an obvious disregard for the people who attended it. I insulted him sure, based on the fact that he insulted and mocked everyone who was at that show, and I don't see that he has any right to, I don't think anyone has a right to point and make comments about others for no good reason other than to make themself feel superior to them. That is why I called him a cock, I based my opinion on those facts.

What exactly is your problem dude? I'd be interested to know.

jamie uk

catefrances wrote:

if hes a journo and its his job to review gigs then he needs to listen to the music to review, right?

im not a journo and ive listened to JJ and thats why i no longer listen to him.

oh and wheres the shame that i find the review amusing, even slightly? man you JJ fans are so sensitive.

I wouldn't class myself as a JJ fan, he's ok, but I don't own any of his records. I don't see the point in sending a reviewer to a show when he obviously has no interest, in fact has an objective not to enjoy it. It's like sending a rugby journalist to report on a soccer match, and a rugby journo who has a loathsome view of soccer for that matter. What's the point? Okay, maybe the review can be seen as slightly amusing, but it doesn't take away the fact that it's merely a personal attack on a group of people, sensitive they may be, I don't know, but who wouldn't be a bit sensitive of someone taking the piss to that extent?
I'm sure some modern 'indie' paper could send a young reviewer to PJ show, and they could make humorous remarks about how dated the band are, how pointless and pathetic they are these days, and how sad and tragic we all are for being there....being detrimental is a piece of piss, it's the easiest thing in the world to do.
That is the only point I was making. k?

catefrances

jamie uk wrote:

I wouldn't class myself as a JJ fan, he's ok, but I don't own any of his records. I don't see the point in sending a reviewer to a show when he obviously has no interest, in fact has an objective not to enjoy it. It's like sending a rugby journalist to report on a soccer match, and a rugby journo who has a loathsome view of soccer for that matter. What's the point? Okay, maybe the review can be seen as slightly amusing, but it doesn't take away the fact that it's merely a personal attack on a group of people, sensitive they may be, I don't know, but who wouldn't be a bit sensitive of someone taking the piss to that extent?
I'm sure some modern 'indie' paper could send a young reviewer to PJ show, and they could make humorous remarks about how dated the band are, how pointless and pathetic they are these days, and how sad and tragic we all are for being there....being detrimental is a piece of piss, it's the easiest thing in the world to do.
That is the only point I was making. k?

i would love to read that cause i could look at it from the pov that i am probably nothing like he/she is describing, nor is the band for that matter. i certainly wouldnt take offense to it.
the reviewer of the JJ gig obviously had an agenda and HEY!! guess what?? it worked. ignoring it would be a better move instead of feeding his cockheadedness.
i get your point though jamie.

g under p

restlesssoul wrote:

sorry, mother Teresa. please, its just a saying, i dont sit in a room and stare at a picture of him and send him hate vibes. its just a casual informal hate for the man.

I'm glad....*Don't be hating*....far from a Mother Tereesa.

Peace

LikeAnOpeningBandForTheSun

Igottago wrote:

I'm not a fan of Jack Johnson, I agree that he's pretty bland. But I think the writer's a bit of a knob for trying to peg the crowd as a specific type of person. I could write an article about too cool indie hipsters all being the same as well. There's no shortage of them going to shows all looking the same, and listening to some garbage band who is trying to be another Joy Division.

heh would this be a bad time to mention the crowd at the DMB concert i went to last week?

Strangest Tribe

MrSmith wrote:

i like a few of his songs, but sitting through his show at Bonaroo was BORING until Eddie came out. People were literally falling asleep. not passing out. falling asleep.

seems like he has talent, but has no desire to try something new at all.

I don't remember this at Bonnaroo, it seemed like the audience was singing along and having a real good time with Jack.

What kind of person busts on Jack Johnson???

He's a real mellow and likeable fella.

I don't understand people and their need to spew hatred always...

youngster

I went to the JJ concert in Mansfield in August and I have to admit, I kinda enjoyed it. My wife loves him which is why I bought the tickets and he has a few catchy songs so I didn't mind going. What surprised me is that all 20,000 or so people in attendance stood the ENTIRE time, which to me seemed strange. I'm used to it at a PJ show because they're music is so upbeat and diverse. But there were hippie types dancing crazily to these lullabyes. It was actually pretty funny. But all in all it def wasn't the worst show I have ever been to.