Jack Ladder - Love is Gone (Album)
» Jack Ladder & The Dreamlanders announce national tour - July 26, 2011
» The Scare - Annandale Hotel, The, NSW - October 30, 2009
I first saw Jack Ladder back in 2006 and was seriously impressed then. Crank that appreciation up several gears now with the release of Love is Gone. This is a pure gem of an album and if Australin record buyers allow it to slip under the radar then we deserve all of the Gabriella Cilmis that we get.
The first thing you notice is that Jack Ladder sports one of the best and most unique voices that you will hear today. A gorgeous, molten blend of John Hammond, Scott Walker, a touch of Lou Reed and a dash of Tom Waits carries every song with seemingly effortless ease.
And the songs are well worth the carrying. There are bleeding torch songs and mourneful ballads sitting comfortably beside some storming workouts. When I saw Ladder he was singing solo but boy, does he suit a tight band behind him and nowhere is this better showcased than on Case Closed. This is so good that if you close you eyes you could be listening to the Rolling Stones on their first two albums.
But for sheer intelligent joy, you won't beat the closer, Mother (Bird's the Word). This a rollicking mix of quasi-surf music (hence the 'Bird is the word' homage from Surfing Bird, mixed with Dylanesque harmonica and underpinned by the most glorious 1960s Farfisa organ sound since Question Mark and the Mysterians.
In 2009, telling someone that 'You don't know Jack' will be more of an insult than usual. Make sure that you do and Love is Gone is the perfect introduction.
