lambchops's Full Review: Fever In Fever Out by Luscious Jackson
Luscious Jackson should have gotten a great deal more attention. Before the New York band split up in 2000, they released a total of three full-length albums and a number of EPs and singles. Upbeat electronica-influenced pop-rock populated the discs, each more mainstream than the last. Ironically, not even the most mainstream of the albums ever earned Luscious Jackson much attention.
Formed in 1991, the band had formal ties to Beastie Boys. Before helping to form Luscious Jackson, Kate Schellenbach was a founding member of the Beasties. Her stint was short, but during the same era she met fellow teenagers Jill Cunniff (vocals, bass), and Gabby Glaser (vocals, guitar). It was with the addition of Vivian Trimble (keyboards) that Luscious Jackson was officially born.
Upon forming, the band went on to release the favorably reviewed EP In Search of Manny on the Beastie’s own Grand Royal label. The brief outing garnered support as a result of the seamless combination of indie rock songs backed by hip-hop beats. Finally in 1994, Luscious Jackson made their full-length debut with Natural Ingredients. A sonic continuation of the debut EP, the album was a creative leap with edgy yet refined and upbeat melodies and rhythms.
Fortunately, Luscious Jackson wasn’t finished with music. They once again returned in 1996 with Fever In Fever Out, the album that provided the band with their first real brush with nationwide fame. But in gaining the acceptance of the masses, the formerly darkly-tinged beats and themes were brightened. Fortunately this sophomore released wasn’t nearly as bad as it could have been…it is by no means musically lacking or therefore characteristic of the traditional “sell-out.” Rather, Luscious Jackson tweaked their unique style just enough for MTV even to pick up on a song or two.
By far, the most easily recognizable track of the fourteen is unquestionably the upbeat, shimmering Naked Eye. A minor radio and MTV hit, the song is also unique in that it combines elements of electronica, rock, and smooth jazz into one infectious pop package. Everything from the thumping beats and twirling melody to the rap and traditional vocals is amazing. Naked Eye is in fact the kind of song that could easily clamp on to your brain and not let go for days. I hesitate to call it brilliant, but on many levels it is truly an amazing creative endeavor. And then there are the memorable words:
My vision started to be clear
I watched the sunlight coming near
I knew the day I knew the night
I knew I could regain my sight
And it feels alright
And it feels alright
No other song on the album is quite as interesting. Maybe that is because of my positive memories and love for Naked Eye…then again, maybe it is in fact a great song. Though, as with all things it is a matter of opinion. The success of this album is hinged on the production of Daniel Lanois (U2, Bob Dylan, Peter Gabriel). With his ethereal, soothing touch Luscious Jackson became a different kind of band…somehow more thoughtful and definitely more mature. As Fever In Fever Out chugs along, it brushes occasionally with perfection although inconsistently so.
Songs that stand out from the heap include (in no particular order of importance): Electric, Mood Swing, Under Your Skin, Take A Ride, and Why Do I Lie? But with that said, none of the songs here is really bad. The major issues deal with a tendency toward sameness. While Luscious Jackson is talented and the lyrics are at least moderately good, there’s only so much of the funky/electronica/rock sound that one can stomach. This album really should have been an exercise in brevity. Instead it is fourteen songs long with many of the tracks drawing upon melodies and ideas presented earlier. But as far as complaints go, that is the only obvious one.
Why Do I Lie? is a departure from the usual funk of other songs. With a folk-tinged lyrics and music and a light-handed melody, listeners will find themselves transported to a happy, rose-colored place. While the funky songs are fun and unforgettable, this is the kind of music that should have made Luscious Jackson famous. Unfortunately, it did not.
Electric and Mood Swing are similar in a lot of (good) ways. Mood Swing begins pensively with a groove not particularly dissimilar than U2’s Numb. As the song progresses, layers and attitude are added. In the end, Mood Swing sounds like a thoroughly modern lounge act. Smoky vocals, thumping beats, and electric guitars make it a stand-out. Electric on the other hand presents many of the same ideas with a less funky aura. The chorus is wonderful with the divinely sweet mixed vocal talents culled from all parts of the band.
Luscious Jackson once again impresses with Under Your Skin. The smooth, thick song is actually a precursor of the work that the band would later do on 1999’s Electric Honey, but even though it’s slightly different in tone to the other offerings here it is still amazing. In fact it ranks only second to Naked Eye as the album’s best track. The melody is catchy, the electronic elements are tidy and appealing yet strange, and the vocals are brilliant. Even the lyrics are worth mentioning:
Lie down underneath the breeze
can't cool down when you're down with me
If it don't feel good
when your first get in
wait 'til it gets under your skin
Take A Ride is also a rather unique entity in the context of this album. While it might not rank as the single best, the fact that it builds slowly and gently toward an apex rather than simply revolving around a consistent theme or fun melody is rewarding and refreshing and most certainly worth many listens.
Fever In Fever Out is by no means perfect, but as with all Luscious Jackson albums it is worth the purchase price of admission. Even with the band’s growing musical successes in the 1990’s they disbanded in 2000 following the release of their final album (as a trio following the departure of Trimble). But at least there are a few decent albums left to peruse, including Fever In Fever Out.
Rating: 4/5 stars
Track Listing:
01. Naked Eye | 02. Don’t Look Back | 03. Door | 04. Mood Swing | 05. Under Your Skin | 06. Electric | 07. Take a Ride | 08. Water Your Garden | 09. Soothe Yourself | 10. Why Do I Lie? | 11. One Thing | 12. Parade | 13. Faith | 14. Stardust
Interested in learning more about Luscious Jackson? Check out these reviews:
Epinions.com periodically updates pricing and product information from third-party sources, so some information may be slightly out-of-date. You should confirm all information before relying on it.
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.