Kate Jackson
British Road Movies
Release Date: May 27, 2016
Genre(s): Pop/Rock, Alternative/Indie Rock
Record label: Hoo Ha Records
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Album Review: British Road Movies by Kate Jackson
Great, Based on 7 Critics
Based on rating 8/10
After the breakup of her group the Long Blondes in 2006, Kate Jackson began working on solo recordings with producer Bernard Butler. Before they were able to finish, Jackson turned her back on music in favor of moving to Rome and focusing on painting. Though she released a couple of tracks from the Butler sessions in 2011, the duo only really finished work on the record after Jackson returned to England and rediscovered her need to make music again.
Based on rating 4/5
A lot has happened for Kate Jackson since her widely adored band The Long Blondes called it a day back in 2008. Relocating to Rome to become a painter, her life as a musician took a significant break. ‘British Road Movies’, her first solo album, is a reinvention of astounding beauty. The album is largely inspired by American cinema, and referred to as a fancy-sounding ‘multimedia project’, and the melting pot of influences that fill its every moment are immediately apparent.
Based on rating 4
There’s always been a sense of unfinished business about The Long Blondes. They may have first appeared in the slipstream of Sheffield bands who showed up following the phenomenal success of Arctic Monkeys, but they were light years from the typical bunch of lads with shaggy haircuts and tight jeans. The Long Blondes were different: glamorous, mysterious and with a studied sense of style.
Based on rating 4/5
The equal – at least – of the two dazzling artworks she delivered with The Long Blondes, Jackson's solo debut comes eight years after guitarist Dorian Cox's unexpected stroke caused the Sheffield band to split. No fear: Jackson's "big pop record" is worth the wait and then some. Produced by Bernard Butler, its ten tracks hum with greedy ambition.
Based on rating 7.5/10
British Road Movies is a strong, confident debut from the former Long Blondes frontwoman. And why wouldn't it be? Kate Jackson has always had flair and talent to match, and this new collection of 10 songs was co-written and produced by Bernard Butler. "Metropolis," with its enchanting refrain of "this city pulls me to pieces," is one of the best songs released thus far this year.
Based on rating 3/5
Formerly the frontwoman of cult heroes The Long Blondes, Kate Jackson has kept a fairly quiet presence since the band’s split in 2008. British Road Movies is her debut solo record, working alongside former Suede guitarist Bernard Butler. The album isn’t necessarily a concept record but Jackson did approach these songs as cinematic starting points, film titles depicting scenes from car windscreens.
Opinion: Excellent
The month of May certainly didn't overwhelm Carl and I as much as last month did, but it was still chock-full with important releases to whet our appetites until the summer begins. Carl was also significantly more generous - though he's completely enamored by James Blake's winning streak, I ….
'British Road Movies'
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