Below is a review of an acoustic show our lead singer man performed at, on 27th July, at Lestat's (San Diego), with a couple of his friends, Molly Jenson and Greg Laswell. The review is by Arpit Mehta, who writes for the 'mp3 of the week' column at switchfeed.com. Audio/video for 3 of the songs discussed in the review can be found at the bottom of this post. --
Molly: So Jon emailed me one day and was like, 'Hey let's write a song together!' And I peed in my pants. Jon: It was awkward. M: But you know, I was thinking he was just being nice and saying 'Oh yeah lets hang out!' and not really wanna hang out. J: Like when you sign yearbooks! M: Yeah, like that. J: Have a great summer! M: Call me! J: Yeah, like they leave they're number and no one even bothers to call it, stuff like that.... I actually called a person once. M: Really? J: Yeah, it was awkward. M: Hahahahaa! J: Like you write, 'This year was rad!' When it wasn't really rad at all. M: Yeah, I know how that goes. J: It's not supposed to be rad, ya know? It's the 7th grade! [laughter] M: So anyways, a couple of weeks later he emailed me again... so we wrote this song! J: Now THIS is rad! (Thanks, Gabby, for transcribing that. Disclaimer: the quotes above may not be exact, but as best as could be recollected.)
So started out Jon's set last Friday at LeStat's in San Diego. The dialogue between Molly Jenson and Jon occurred as they explained about writing a couple songs earlier this year. There's always something magical that happens when two talented songwriters join to write music together, and the very same happened with Jon and Molly. Both songs they played were beautiful to say the least. They followed a similar theme of relationships that aren't meant to be. They ask the greater question of motives, and I for one thought they were wonderfully written. The chorus that stuck in my head is from the song currently dubbed as 'Dreamer':
Am I in love with the dreamer, Or am I just in love with the dream? After the couple songs they played, Molly stepped off the stage, and left Jon to play the rest of his set. It'd been a fantastic night thus far, with Travis Oberg, Greg Laswell, and Molly playing their individual sets. But you could tell that, for better or for worse, the anticipation was to see Jon play. I'm not sure how much of the crowd expected him to play Switchfoot songs, but I was there to really hear Jon's music, which is what he primarily played. He did throw in a couple SF tunes here and there, but he declined to play Chem 6A, which I was really glad about :D ...since I wanted to hear more of his solo material.
He started out his solo set with 'Moon Is A Magnet'. This is probably the funkiest song that Jon's ever written. No, I'm not talking James Brown funk. It's in this weird time signature that I can't figure out for the life of me - it's like 9/4 or 9/5 or something (don't quote me on that). Like I said, weird. It's an interesting song (no, it doesn't suck) in that it reminds me of Arcade Fire's 'My Body Is A Cage', albeit more hopeful, despite the melancholy that's obviously there.
Now one thing that began to show as the songs kept coming is what we know to be true. There is a heartfelt emotion and honesty about Jon's writing that is very attractive. It is why we enjoy Switchfoot as much as we do. In what Jon's been writing lately, there's an even greater amount of that, and comes through in inordinate amounts on songs such as 'Somebody's Baby'. I'd seen the video of that several months ago while SF was on tour, and was immediately taken aback by the nature of the lyrics. When I saw Jon play it the other night, it was an entirely different experience. He introduced the song by saying it was a 'sad, sad song'. To date, it has to be one of the most beautiful, though heart wrenching, songs that Jon's ever written (at least to me). I don't think much of the room was ready for it, and other than Jon's vocals and the accompanying guitar and percussion, you could not hear a sound if you tried.
'Southbound Train' was a first for me. I hadn't heard it, nor heard of it. What really attracts me to this song is the realism of it. Don't get me wrong - I'm not saying the other songs aren't 'real', but hear me out. He sings about reaching Oceanside, which, to anyone around San Diego, is as real as it gets. I've driven past Oceanside on several occasions, and now when I drive past it again, I'm going to be thinking of that song. And that's not all either. I can just imagine sitting in that train with my head against the cold window pane, every breath fogging it up, just lost in thought. It's simply beautiful.
Another song that I enjoyed when I first heard it, and really came to life as I heard it played that night was 'Lord, Save Me From Myself'. In this song, Jon seems to tackle the issues of self and identity. Popular culture and the media throws stuff in our faces daily, trying to tell us who we are, how we should behave and how we should respond to circumstances. But who are we, truly? Living the modern life with no brakes will leave us "hollow modern shell[s]". It's songs like these that, in their simplicity, convey volumes, and that's why I believe music like this ought to be in the forefront of culture today.
Jon's collaboration with a team of doctors led him to the finding 'The Cure For Pain'. Of course, Jon's quite a jest, and admittedly, not always great at delivering his jokes, which is probably why the room was unsure as to where Jon was going with this. "No, not really, I'm just joking. But that's what the song's called, the Cure for Pain." The song seemed to be about emptiness, and the cure thereof. He sings about broken cisterns never being filled even when the water keeps pouring. We are those broken cisterns, and the water is love. Love is the cure, but it doesn't stay in there long enough, because of the "fire pulsing through our veins". The contrasting image of water and fire is beautifully portrayed in this song, and reminded me of why I enjoy Jon's songwriting. :)
Next came the story of 'A Man Named Pride'. This song is truly "a long, dark story". I don't think I need to really talk about what this song might be about... I'd say it's pretty obvious, wouldn't you? Perhaps Jon was inspired by Johnny Cash into writing this one. It's got this great country sound to it with lyrics like old folk songs. It reminds me of 'Hung My Head' a little, but obviously a lot faster. I wonder what would happen if he got a blues pianist to accompany him if he ever records this track. I think it would be sick!
The last song that night (that Jon played instead of Chem6A) was 'Running From Me'. Another fast song in similar vein to 'A Man Named Pride', this was a first for me as well. The one word that accurately describes this song is 'catchy'. It's right up there with 'Moon Is A Magnet' - the chorus just gets stuck in your head:
Well all that's true That I was running from you, Turns out I was running from me...
Just hear it, and you'll agree. The lyrics somewhat mirror those of 'Lord, Save Me From Myself' in light of the honesty that Jon writes with, about who he really is (well, unless the speaker is someone else). Is violence and sex all that our history is meant to be made up of, or were we "meant to live for something more?" (Sorry, I just had to throw that in there). The audience was clapping along to the song, and even singing along on Jon's request. It was a high note to end the night on, and though I could not walk right for the next several minutes, it'd been just a great experience.
I will say that I was disappointed when I saw Jon's potential setlist. He wanted to play a couple new songs, one that's never been played before - 'Learning How To Die'. He also was hoping to play 'War In My Blood', but ended up swapping those out for a couple SF tunes that people requested. :( Now, I know that we enjoy Switchfoot, but when it's just Jon playing, encourage him to play new songs. We all want new songs, but if we keep asking for 'Chem 6A' and 'Company Car', those aren't going to surface. So yeah, please keep that in mind if you get a chance to go see him.
Oh, I nearly forgot. Jon's already mentioned on his blog that he let the cat out of the bag, but the guys are in studio this week to start recording the follow-up to 'Oh! Gravity.' They're going in to record only five tunes for now, but it's exciting nonetheless, because that may mean a new Switchfoot album next year, hopefully!
Setlist: Moon Is A Magnet Somebody's Baby Company Car Southbound Train Lord, Save Me From Myself The Cure for Pain A Man Named Pride There There (Radiohead Cover) Amy's Song Running From Me
Other images from the night:
The birthday girl, Darla, for whom this was all thrown together
Jon observing the show from the side of the stage
Jon holding up a cupcake Molly made for the birthday girl
A few people enjoying and clapping their hands to 'Running From Me'
Thanks to Gabby, one of our readers who was at the show, we have a few videos (AND mp3 rips of them! To download those you'll need an esnips account, though.)
Jon and Molly performing 'Dreamer', which they wrote together (download mp3):
this was an awesome review, I usually skip parts from reviews (lol) but I read this one and it was captivating, almost like I was there :) thanks for sharing! what you said about Jon not playing what he planned, made me think about this: if Jon is making a solo project is because he wants to do something APPART from Switchfoot and asking him to play sf songs is kind of ridiculous, because you can go to a sf show for that! I cant wait to hear his material, I'm sure it will be full of honesty, questions and hope :)
awesome review arpit. yeah that line about the dreamers really caught my attention too. It seems so simple, but it's almost as if it's so obvious that their ability to put it into words is just amazing. I keep hearing it over and over again. Love the pictures, you've got talent
Southbound train is my absolute favorite. Everything works in that song...the meter, the lyrics, the melody...it's communicates. I actually get a vibe that's not necessarily emotional when i hear it. More like actually being there. Gorgeous song. So, I wait patiently for my turn to hear this stuff in a live setting...
Sounds like such an awesome night and a pretty good setlist, even if he didn't end up playing Learning How To Die.
Where can I find an mp3 of Moon Is A Magnet? I've looked in a few places a while back but couldn't find one but I know there's at least one out there...
okay so i was the one that requested Company Car but only because Jon said "lets play an oldies but goodies song." so i said "Company Car." and he seemed to think it was a good idea because he said something like "you totally just read my mind." so i dont really think he minded that much, but i see where youre coming from and i totally agree. i actually feel kinda bad for requesting it now :/
anyways it was an amazinggg show and i definately want to hear his new stuff :)
amazing review Arpit! i love seeing jon perform w/ just him and a guitar and a small crowd...hearing his raw, emotional lyrics. awesome stuff.. emily - SF back in studio...?? i think this has been my fav. post thus far ha, thx again arpit!
@ Mukta - thank you! And yeah, that song is great! Molly's awesome - I think I get to see her and Jon play again this Friday!
@ Susie - I totally agree - it's what I was talking about - the realism of it - being there in that moment!
@ Gabby - haha, yeup - yeah, my friend was sitting probably right next to you.
@ Nat - from what I know, there isn't an mp3 (unless anyone else knows about one) - there's a video on youtube though (but it cuts off towards the end)
@ Shawn - don't sweat it, man - I'm not blaming anyone - he wanted to play something for the audience, but I'm just letting people know that they should encourage him to play his stuff. Heck, if you hadn't said Company Car, I was gonna say Learning To Breathe :D
I have to agree with you Arpit. I'm kind of tired of people shouting for Chem6A. Not that it isn't a great song. But come on, do they request it to make it seem as if they've been a fan since The legend of Chin?! Oy...time for more orignality if your in that boat. Shout for Ben Hur or something.... As for Jon's original stuff it's wonderful. And Running from me does get stuck in your head!!! Once again I'm wishing I lived somewhere close to where Jon does solo performances. That would be wonderful to see!!
Nice review Arpit. Thanks for sharing it with us. I love "Southbound Train". Sounds like a great evening with some very talented singer/songwriters. I hope Jon gets out across the country with some of these songs before the fall tour, only in a place with great air conditioning of course.haha
@ Brittany - haha, yeah - it definitely is nice to be close enough to make some of his shows, even if that means sitting in traffic for 2 hours to get there!
@ Lori - yeah, that would be nice, but I don't know if that's going to happen - there's only a stretch of 3 weeks in September that he could possibly do so, and my guess is that SF would probably be getting ready for the fall tour. But it would be nice :)
Actually, you don't need to have an esnips account... on the page where the streamer plays, right click on the device, select "Properties," and then copy and paste the file's location into your browser. I was able to download all of the songs this way without an account.
Yeah, it's nice to hear old songs here and there. It was cool hearing Amy's Song. Even though he forgot half of the song ^_^
Arpit - That's so cool! I remember you, then. And your friend was super nice; tell him thanks for letting me have some leg space. ;D I was seriously having major toe cramps, haha.
first of all... does any1 know how many people use this site and comment frequently? and how do i sign up? im using my google acount for this but do i keep using it?
second:
those lestats recordings are class. lovin the somebodys baby and the one with molly jenson. her voice is quality.
hey could anyone give me the tabs to any of the songs. These songs are so awesome. whoever filmed i give them credit. my e-mail is mikeyconnnway@yahoo.com. So if someone could give me the yabs thanx. peace mike
could u gusy pleeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaase make these downloadable without having to have esnips. like on the newer post of another acoustic set. there are a bunch of mp3 links at the bottom so that u can jsut save them on ur computer. pleaaassse. i love these songs and i really wanna have them on my comp thanks
That sounds like that was an amazing night! I wish that i could have been there! Thanks for the post Arpit Mehta!