Motema

2010-05-11
All Music Guide by Michael G. Nastos - Review

By: Michael G. Nastos
3.5 Stars

One small aspect to the liner notes that didn't go ignored were the small explanations about each of the songs. It helped get a picture and reason why the song was recorded in the first place. The softest and most emotional song, "If You Were My Baby" receives even more respect when you learn it was connected to his wife at the time, Nancy. The vulnerable lyrics and vocals make it the best song on the album. The simplistic arrangement, from the brushed drums to the acoustic guitar strumming in the background makes sure that the lyrics are absorbed. Another song that is accentuated by the liner notes is "Lisa." The lyrics of the song gets a background story that Jones explains in the liner notes. While not everyone will take the time to read the liner notes or the lyrics, the fact that Jones added quips to each song humanizes the whole album and makes the album more applaudable.

There is no doubt that Jones understands the basic structures of a good rock or jazz song and while some songs sound familiar, Jones adds modern twists. There is only one exception, the song "Love Attack" felt dated. After reading the liner notes, the song was written in 1982 and it unfortunately maintains the style of the time. A good song can become timeless with its arrangement and lyrical execution, like "The Whiskey (Don't Bring Me Down)," but "Love Attack" lacks the essence of a timeless song. It feels like a poor man's Tom Petty song. Removing or replacing several of the instruments may have contributed to a better song.
From beginning to end, A Heart and an Open Road feels effortless. The whole album melds different genres like country, blues, jazz, folk, and rockabilly without sounding like a mish-mash of noise. Notable songs on the album include the title track "A Heart and an Open Road," "The Whiskey (Don't Bring Me Down," "If You Were My Baby," and "Sunshine of Your Love." The album is a great introduction to Patrick Stanfield Jones and hopefully will be the precursor to more open, honest albums.

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