(Elektra)
The debut album from Aussie rockers Jet has been cultivating hype for some time now, beginning almost immediately after they signed a developmental contract with Elektra Records. In fact, Jet may be in contention to oust The White Stripes from their position as the media darlings of the garage- rock scene.
All this praise, however, is puzzling because upon first listening to one immediately realizes that originality is not a paramount concern for the group. Fortunately, Jet does not derive its sound from its garage-rock colleagues. Rather, its inspiration lies in a far earlier time, about 1970 to be exact.
Everything about Jet engenders thoughts of the classic rock gods.?? Its name is an allusion to Paul McCartney's post-Beatles work and its songs often refer to both the music and lyrics of bygone rock 'n' roll. even features Billy Preston, longtime collaborator to the Beatles and The Rolling Stones, serving up his signature keyboard sound. Jet's members are not retro; they look like they just stepped out of a time machine.
The music of plays like a trip through the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.??Songs pay homage to, and even delightfully rip off, the likes of The Who, T-Rex, The Kinks and The Stooges. For the most part, Jet plays to the decadence and hedonism of classic rock on booze-soaked, tambourine-laden ditties like \Rollover DJ"" and ""Cold Hard Bitch."" They also manage to take it down a notch with ballads like ""Timothy"" and ""Look What You've Done.""
So they have an affinity for classic rock. Big deal, so do the rest of the indie hipsters on the scene today.??The difference is that Jet plays its music with a bit more soul, remembering that rock really did evolve from early R&B.??It might not win any awards for creativity, but that does not mean does not make for a satisfying listen.
Besides, The Rolling Stones has made a stunning 40-year career out of ""drawing inspiration"" from its predecessors.
