Jackson’s ‘What I do’ simple, honest, good

Sun., Sept. 12, 2004

From wire reports

Alan Jackson

“What I Do” (Arista Nashville) ••••

Alan Jackson doesn’t have anything too important to say on “What I Do.” No studied midlife angst about the meaning of life. No string-laden paeans to the absolutely perfect goddess in his life. And — praise be! — no pious, tsk-tsk ballads about homelessness, alcoholism or neglected children.

At a time when half the songwriters on Nashville’s Music Row appear to be moonlighting as philosophy professors or social workers, Jackson has managed to come up with a dozen honest-to-gosh country tunes that aspire to nothing more than communicating one man’s heartbreak and joy.

What’s most remarkable about “What I Do” is Jackson’s songwriting, which just keeps getting better. The homespun “Too Much of a Good Thing” is riding high on radio playlists, and equally worthy of a trip across the airwaves are “Rainy Day in June,” “USA Today” and, especially, the mournful “You Don’t Have to Paint Me a Picture.”

Once again, Jackson has demonstrated that there’s great strength in simplicity and honesty. This is timeless country from a place far beyond the command of Music Row execs and radio programmers.

– Greg Crawford, Detroit Free Press

Bjork

“Medulla “(Elektra) ••• 1/2

Though just as bewildering, capricious and extreme as the swan carcass costume she sported at the 2001 Oscars, Bjork’s “Medulla” is neither a fashion statement nor a flight of fancy. It’s the adventurous Icelandic songbird’s oddest record, but it’s also her most embraceable.

The sonic landscape is constructed almost entirely from voices — primarily her own, though she gets assists from others.

The layers of robust choruses, whistling, whispers and computer-tweaked warbles bring rich textures to some tracks, while others are left exquisitely spare, allowing a range from the gentle “Desired Constellation” to a busy, funked-up “Triumph of a Heart.” With its futuristic bytes and ghostly wails, “Medulla” casts an eerie spell, yet it remains sweetly human.

– Edna Gundersen, USA

Today

Local journalism is essential.

Give directly to The Spokesman-Review's Northwest Passages community forums series -- which helps to offset the costs of several reporter and editor positions at the newspaper -- by using the easy options below. Gifts processed in this system are tax deductible.

Meet Our Journalists

Jesse Tinsley

Meet Jesse Tinsley. As a certified drone pilot, this veteran Spokesman-Review photographer often can be seen capturing beautiful aerial photographs of our region. Sometimes though, the job requires getting down with the dogs.
Jim Meehan

Jim Meehan is no stranger to Zag Nation. As the lead writer covering the Gonzaga men’s basketball team, he tells the stories behind the game and gets fans a bit closer to their favorite players.
Molly Quinn

There is no artist in Spokane like Molly Quinn. Her whimsical style is instantly recognizable to readers of The Spokesman-Review. She has painted gorgeous illustrations that instantly elevate the journalism accompanying it. She brings to life the stories that defy photography. She makes our pages better.
Rob Curley

Spokesman-Review editor Rob Curley loves to talk with people and learn about their lives, whether it's a best-selling author or a stranger he meets downtown on his walk to lunch. It's that inquisitive nature combined with a playful sense of storytelling that helps make our newspaper different than most.