Jackson Square

A while back, I wrote a post on some of my favorite modern Canadian bands (Located Here). I briefly explored the music of several artists and posted some of their most successful songs. Now, I would like to expand on one band in particular, Arkells. I don't like generalizing bands' sound by classifying them into genres, but if I had to I would describe them as "pop-punk." That doesn't really help you to grasp their sound though, does it? Forget I said it then.

Let's dive into their only album released so far, Jackson Square, which debuted in 2008.






Pullin' Punches

This song has grown to become my favorite from the album after several listens. It features a simple chord progression yet contains powerful lyrics. It seems to be about embracing one's past rather than blocking it out of memory. The particular memory portrayed in the song is that of a girl who moved away from home, but thinks about a boy she left behind. My favorite quatrain in the song occurs at the very end:

So cancel your plans for the weekend/

You'll be taking that greyhound home/

And this ain't much for timing/

but you can't live scared of picking up the phone

I think "Pullin' Punches" is a good song to listen to initially before exploring the rest of the album. It will give you a feel for what you can expect from later songs. I would recommend placing this song on the "driving" playlist on your ipod as I have done. 

Tragic Flaw

Another faster paced with a driving guitar rhythm. This time the lyrics focus on insecurities of the singer concerning his girlfriend/spouse. He, the singer, always speaks his mind, not neccesarily a bad thing, but often gets himself in trouble with his words. "Everything that runs in my head I just have to say, because I'm selfish and a bit insecure." The verses of the song sound a bit generic and similar to some of their others, but the chorus

No Champagne Socialist 

The song begins as one might expect a Bob Dylan song to, with harmonicas and guitars introducing the melody. The song addresses the issue of "Champagne Socialists," or those who preach the values of socialism yet do not live or participate in the system themselves. No Champagne Socialist features well-timed and relevant lead guitar as well as "lead-harmonica" if you will.


Abigail

This is the Arkells version of a classic love song about a broken relationship. I don't mean that it is a cover, think Christopher Marlowe's take of Romeo and Juliet in his minor epic "Hero and Leander," if you get my drift. With that being said, don't expect it to be sappy or overly sentimental, it still rocks like the rest of the album.

Heart of the City

One of my favorites from the album. The song touches on the "everything happens for a reason" notion. Some good lyrics from the song include the second verse which goes:  "You say that there's an explanation/ Oh but it's hard to see/Well I look to find salvation/In something more concrete."


I'm Not the Sun

This song is the slowest and most melodic from the album. The guitar sounds organ like in the beginning and evolves into soaring lead riffs as the song progresses. "I'm Not the Sun" is probably one of the least recognizable or popular from the album which is a shame, because it's one of their best.

One cool thing about the album is that most of the songs flow seamlessly into one another giving it a cinematic feel. If you live in the Buffalo area, Arkells will be performing with The Tragically Hip July 30th at the Harborfront downtown. Arkells are known to put on a good show and I will be in attendance solely to see them.

I did not touch on a few of their most popular songs such as "Oh the Boss is Coming!" and "Ballad of Hugo Chavez" as well as "John Lennon" in this post because I already discussed them in a previous post which you can find the link for on top.

If you're interested in learning more about the band including future tour dates, here is a link for their website http://www.arkells.ca/