Emergency On Planet Earth - Jamiroquai

...the topic for today; Jamiroquai’s Emergency on Planet Earth.

Now as you know, I’m not really one for delving into the history of the band and finding out masses of facts, but I am one to occasionally point out some interesting things about the artists. One of the things that I discovered about Jamiroquai quite recently was something that shocked me considerably – that is, behind The Spice Girls and the chubby crooner ...
...the disco/70’s retro funk road, emergency on Planet Earth is still an all time classic.

The album is the debut LP from Jamiroquai, and was released what seems like a lifetime ago now, back in 1993. When the band were first around, they never seemed to be that popular, and indeed, it was only when I got into the acid jazz (or acid funk in Jay Kay’s case) scene did I discover Jamiroquai, and after buying a few choice singles, ... more

Well people I’m back, and as it’s been a good while now since I did a music review, I thought that I’d get the ball rolling again with a look through some of the favourite albums in my collection – one of which is the topic for today; Jamiroquai’s Emergency on Planet Earth.

Now as you know, I’m not really one for delving into the history of the band and finding out masses of facts, but I am one to occasionally point out some interesting things about the artists. One of the things that I discovered about Jamiroquai quite recently was something that shocked me considerably – that is, behind The Spice Girls and the chubby crooner Gary Barlow’s Take That, Jamiroquai were the best selling band of the 90’s in the UK, making Jay Kay and the lads the 3rd best selling act of the decade. With four albums out already, and a fifth to be released in September this year, the Cockney funksters definitely have got the formula right, and although in my opinion the band may have taken a turn for the worse – travelling down the disco/70’s retro funk road, emergency on Planet Earth is still an all time classic.

The album is the debut LP from Jamiroquai, and was released what seems like a lifetime ago now, back in 1993. When the band were first around, they never seemed to be that popular, and indeed, it was only when I got into the acid jazz (or acid funk in Jay Kay’s case) scene did I discover Jamiroquai, and after buying a few choice singles, I decided to add the album to my collection. The great thing about this album is that, well, it’s just brilliant. J With Jay’s well thought out lyrics focussing on his main interests in life – the end of the world, corruption of politicians and women (nice one Jay ;)), a mix of souly brass and more Aboriginal sounds, as well as the quality percussion, the feel and mood of the album is definitely far beyond anything in it’s genre.

I think I’d better take you through it …

-- When you gonna learn – (single)

The album kicks off with some didgeridoo and percussion, which let’s face it, has become a hallmark of the band. The song’s all about the corruption of the world and money, yet in another way, has quite a feel good vibe to it. Not overly pacey admittedly, but it is the kind of tune that you’d want to have blasting out whilst driving your Ferrari …. Although beware the drag caused by furry hats ;) Great track, great intro.

-- Too young to die – (single)

This is arguably one of the best known tracks by Jamiroquai, and although the 7 minutes album version doesn’t quite live up to it’s 11 minute mix found on the single, it definitely does itself justice. The subjects? War, corruption and governments – nothing new there then. The biggest selling points of this track are clear, the ultimately grooving, slightly slapped baseline, the nice brass breaks and the intermingling of strings. Very gritty, very funky, and one of the best tracks in my opinion.

-- Hooked up –

The first album track, and not a disappointment. Now it is at this point that one of the best features of Jamiroquai, the percussion, begin to shine through. Now for me, the drum setup that never fails to get the nod is the old short crisp high hat, sharp snare and slightly airy bass drum. Combine this with a man who definitely knows how to handle a set of bongos and you can’t go wrong. A change of subject then here, just about feeling good and dancing – much faster, more grinding and again with the trademark brass and guitar. It’s also worth noting that there was a lot of controversy about this B-side, with the title and lyrics supposedly endorsing drug taking. Jay is known to take a dim outlook on drugs and I seem to remember some story connecting him with the British Red Cross at the time…

-- I do it if I like it --

Another B-side, perhaps not with the tempo and in your face impact of the previous track, but back more so to the earlier style of chilled out funk. This one however takes a more laid back and charty approach, with the motown influenced backing vocals and some nice high band flanging on the drums in the instrumental interval. Not a bad track at all this one, but not much else to say I’m afraid. Oh, apart from the fact that the guitarist breaks away from rhythm and gives us quite a nice solo towards the end – this is perhaps one of the few things that I have to complain about with this album, his talent is evident, but he is rarely freed up from behind the brass and bass to show it.

-- Music of the mind –

Jay gives his vocal chords a rest for track 5, and let’s his superbly tight session band take over for what is by far one of the best tracks on the album. Very laid back and summery, and although it may start with what sounds like someone jiggling ice cubes round in a glass, it’s not to be sniffed at. The first section, slow, moody and with lots of nice slidey synth (which you’ll hear a lot more of later on) soon breaks into the second, frantic and energetic, with a latiny feeling bass and some stunning solos from electric piano and trumpet. Evidently, Jay likes his 70’s strings as well, so if you like it, you’ll be seeing it play a much bigger part in his later releases. A winner this, and as far as top funk/acid jazz instrumentals go, well it’s up there with the best of them!

-- Emergency on Planet Earth – (title track)

A worthy title track, and a nice bit of calming down after all the excitement that has come before. Oh don’t get me wrong, we’re back to the kind of 120bpm funk that the band make great use of later, and we’ve got more slapped bass, strings and some stylish rhythm. Jay sings about urban life, criminal injustice and basically, takes a much classier approach on the clichéd old woman’s “Oooo young man! What is the world coming to?” If you’re interested, there’s a fantastic, Masters at work style remix to be found on the Virtual Insanity single. Also, I must mention the bassist –it’s said that Chilli’s bassist, Flee is renowned to be the best living bassist; I won’t deny his quality, but maybe peeps should take a closer listen to what goes on in some of these acid funk bands – don’t underestimate it.

-- I just can’t stop whatever it is –

Now I must admit that although I’m not a great fan of this track, it is by no means bad, just not as good as the rest. I love the syncopation and off-beat nature of the drums, as well as the wah wah infused guitar which is a refreshing change from the strings and lecky pianos. If you’re familiar with Black Capricorn Day of Jay’s latest album, then you won’t be too far away imagining this track.

-- Blow your mind – (Single *)

Love this track, and it’s a highlight of the album which is already of consistently high quality. Although it’s getting on for 10 minutes long, it definitely don’t drag. Jay has obviously been taking a listen to george Benson with his Benson-like “Doo di doo” vocal solos, but as opposed to being accompanied by the legend himself on the jazz semi, he’s joined by an equally impressive cornet player. Kay sings about his dream woman but in a way that basically rocks, lyrics may seem slushy if put on their own, but don’t be deceived; this is no love song. Just when you thought you’d had enough, Jay lets his band take over once more for the last 3 or 4 minutes to round off the song with an instrumental – (don’t be fooled by the false ending ;))

-- Revolution 1993 –

Revolution 1993 is definitely the oddball of the lot, and to me it’s as though Jamiroquai took a trip into the future to 1999 in order to see what their music would sound like and then copy it – very Synkronized. The whole song is built around quite a space age baseline – moving away from the traditional bass and going into the realms of electronica. If I didn’t know better, I might suggest that they’d come out of a marching band, although the prominent grass and rather sharp sounding lyrics from Jay remind you off what you’re listening to. Not one of my favourites this one, although it doesn’t warrant reaching for the remote.

-- Didgin’ out –

The last track on the album and it all slows down and blisses out once more. In fact, the style of this track is to form a trend for the next few albums of having a random didgeridoo instrumental – with funk drums and bass, strange I know, but not bad all the same. I dunno how many people realise the origins of the band name – the guys having a “Jam” combined with Jay’s fascination for the “Iroquai” Indians of the 19th century – but I’m wondering what all this has to do with the unhealthy interest in the didgeridoo; not that I’m complaining it’s a nice new take on music and I always appreciate something different.

-- The verdict –

Well I hope that I’ve managed to sell this album to you, because it certainly is a great! Finding it cheap is another matter, but pop down to your local record selling emporium and have a look, you won’t be disappointed. Ah if only Jamiroquai made LP’s as good as this in 2001…
 

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