Phoenix, Arizona’s Andrew Jackson Jihad makes music that is for the people. Their ridiculously titled Asian Man Records debut People Who Can Eat People Are The Luckiest People In The World is full of politically-charged folk-punk that sounds like it may have all been recorded in one-take with one mic in an open room. The overall sound is lo-fi, raw, and is the perfect backdrop for the bands lyrical gems like, “If I don’t go to hell when I die I might go to heaven but probably not.” This just might be the acoustic equivalent to the quirky absurdity of lo-fi punk champions Operation: Cliff Clavin and has been referred to by some as “sad songs sung happily.” The duo of Andrew Jackson Jihad is comprised of Sean Bonnette (vocals/guitar) and Ben Gallaty (bass) but are joined (both live and on the record) by various other musicians. I’d recommend People… for fans of Ghost Mice, The Mountain Goats, Defiance, Ohio, etc…
MP3 | Andrew Jackson Jihad – Rejoice People…
MP3 | Andrew Jackson Jihad – No More Tears People…
Rejoice! These guys are friends of friends, and it’s wicked lovely to see them garner ink.
this one is fun as H.E. double hockey sticks!
Hey Eric,
I didn’t want to post this in a newer review, so I’m posting it here since its mildly related. Theres a couple bands I found through listening to AJJ, Foot Ox and French Quarter (now played under his name as Stephen Steinbrink) that are fantastic. Foot Ox is more similar to AJJ in that is really an acoustic guitar and hoarse vocals thrown together with weird instruments and sad lyrics. French Quarter is mellow ‘bedroom pop?’ with a falsetto-esque pair of pipes that is wonderful for riding a bus or walking alone somewhere.
Check them out sometime. Also, I’d love to see more Incomplete History of Chicago sets.
<3dan