Rockin' in the free world
Jason Molina of Songs: Ohia
I caught Magnolia Electric Co. in concert tonight. For those keeping score at home, that’s the full-band version of Jason Molina’s Songs: Ohia. Molina may be short in inches, but he’s hardly short on soul. Yes, he’s got a bit of the Springsteen Syndrome. He might be six foot tall, standing on top of a milk crate. But like Springsteen, Molina makes up for any height disadvantages with a deep, bucket-less well of a soul. Molina and his backing band have got it going on. Tonight the band shined, despite sounding at times like a glorified bar band. (Will I ever hear another legitimate rock band cover Seger's “Still the Same” without a hint of irony?)
You locals might know what I mean when I say that modern rock and roll needs more Zac Ray. We’re not just selling jeans here people. We’re talking about good old rock and fuckin’ roll. It’s one of the few musical forms that us Americans can say is a part of our fabric. Some of us would rather ignore that fact; but the smart ones among us prefer to embrace it. And if America had any balls we’d be voting GW out of office in three weeks and signing Jason Molina to a fat recording contract. Do yourself a favor and pick up his fine 2003 release, The Magnolia Electric Co, for it does not disappoint. The whole wide world of rock and roll would be a lot better off if we had a few more Jason Molinas and several fewer Kings of Leons.
