Being burdened with comparisons to Elliott Smith and Nick Drake -- as Jay was leading up to the appearance of Draw, his debut album -- couldn't have been anything but annoying, especially since he doesn't really sound like either of them. Rather than low-key melancholy (one or two tracks aside -- "You're Always Going Too Soon" certainly sounds initially like Drake revived from the dead and given some caffeine before it fully kicks in), Jay is a more upfront performer. It's not a stretch to say that David Gray's breakthrough ...
Read More
Being burdened with comparisons to Elliott Smith and Nick Drake -- as Jay was leading up to the appearance of Draw, his debut album -- couldn't have been anything but annoying, especially since he doesn't really sound like either of them. Rather than low-key melancholy (one or two tracks aside -- "You're Always Going Too Soon" certainly sounds initially like Drake revived from the dead and given some caffeine before it fully kicks in), Jay is a more upfront performer. It's not a stretch to say that David Gray's breakthrough success a couple of years before Draw appeared helped win Jay a contract. For all the hype one way or another, Draw is squarely in the middle of things -- this is hardly the Holy Grail, but neither it is a disaster. Quite simply, it's a promising debut, no more and no less, with enough sample/loop nods in the adult alternative sense to win over the type of crowd who finds Beck astoundingly experimental. The production touches and arrangements actually help give Jay a useful sonic identity -- while not bursting down any walls one way or another, his songs would be pleasant but somewhat nondescript on their own. Touching on everything from quietly energetic pop/rock blasts sliding into calmer grooves ("Only Meant to Say") to brief, quietly haunting instrumental sketches like "Molasses," Draw dabbles around and often succeeds. Sometimes his more anthemic work can be a touch ham-handed -- there's nothing in, say, "Call My Name Out" that hasn't been heard elsewhere more effectively, semi-heroic lead electric guitar and all. But songs like the leadoff, "Four Minute Rebellion," and the slightly Beta Band-like "Remember This Feeling" are pleasant enough listening -- not challenging, but by no means unworthy. If Jay lets his more wayward impulses come to the fore in future, things will keep looking up. ~ Ned Raggett, Rovi
Read Less
Add this copy of Draw to cart. $5.48, very good condition, Sold by Village Music World rated 3.0 out of 5 stars, ships from New York, NY, UNITED STATES, published 2001 by EMI/Parlophone.
Add this copy of Draw to cart. $6.36, very good condition, Sold by Wonder Book - Member ABAA/ILAB rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Frederick, MD, UNITED STATES, published 2001 by Capitol.
Add this copy of Draw to cart. $11.29, very good condition, Sold by worldofbooks rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Goring-By-Sea, WEST SUSSEX, UNITED KINGDOM, published 2001 by Food.Shipping outside the U.K.? see Shipping Alert details
Add this copy of Draw to cart. $12.73, good condition, Sold by Reuseabook rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Gloucester, GLOS, UNITED KINGDOM, published 2001 by Food.Shipping outside the U.K.? see Shipping Alert details
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Good. Dispatched, from the UK, within 48 hours of ordering. Please, note that this is a second-hand item. The case will likely be a bit worn at its edges or have very minor cracks.
Portions of content provided by Rovi Corporation. © 2023 Rovi Corporation.