Songs For Unknown Superstars by Andrew Jackson

That’s what I’m calling it, since it’s intentionally influenced by late-70’s/early 80’s styles and textures mixed with a 60’s psychedelia sensibility. That, and lyrics evocative of surrealist paintings, films, and montages. Plus the usual Lou Reed/David Bowie underpinnings. And all the other usual Andy-isms are still there, of course.

I did a lot of composing in Logic on a Mac laptop this time out. It was gratifying and allowed for capturing spontaneity in more locales. Guitar variety adds color to the mix: electric and acoustic 12-strings and several different Strats, forward/reverse/e-bowed/phase-shifted/and otherwise manipulated for just the right sound. A variety of software synthesizers in addition to “real” keyboard add texture to the retro-electronic sound palette.

Altogether, there’s a more rock’n’electronic sound to Songs For Unknown Superstars than my last solo CD, the quieter and more introspective Memories of Things That Never Happened, though this CD does have its gentler moments. Listen to the almost-title track "Unknown Superstar" for the compelling first-person tale of a faded star cooped up in his room forgotten by a world that used to adore him, and hear how "Stories She Holds" unfolds as it floats through on 808 drum beats, 12-string guitar arpeggios, and a "ha ha ha" chorus reminiscent of my haunting 1981 Zru Vogue single "Nakweda Dream."

Acoustic instruments like Melodica, Blockflöte, and gourd shakers help to stir the psychedelic pot on the songs “Mike, I Want To Tell You” (an ode to a web designer friend) “Unknown Superstar,” and the electro-funk “E.R.I.K.A.,” while 12-string electric solos by Zru guitarist Rick Cuevas lend an R.E.M. aura to “Someone Else’s Name.”

“From A to B and Back Again” draws inspiration equally from post-punk electro, Andy Warhol, and the backing tracks of Dr. Dre, “Resigned To Your Fate” is an angry/resigned/inspired rock song with Joy Division aspirations, “Sweet Thing” is a heartfelt sort-of-love-song marrying R&B beats, reverse guitar, retro suitcase piano, and Bowie-esque vocals, “Tendrils” wears its Eno pedigree and surrealist imagery with pride, “Memory Blank” is deconstructed postmodern electro-rock soaked in existentialist angst, and “Mike, I Want To Tell You” recalls Lou Reed’s song-styling at its best. “Coffee With The Queen” stands at the center of the album as a psychedelic-rock

mini-masterpiece.

Like a box of fine chocolates, “Songs For Unknown Superstars” offers variety and plenty of surprises in its menu of Sweet Things, Coffee, tea, and Tendrils. Enjoy alone or with others.

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