Jonathan Tiersten is back with his most recent album, Family. What makes this a standout album is Tiersten blends his incredible song writing ability with a daring new approach. He takes his acoustic guitar and amps it up with echoes and synths. The result is a winning blend of Pink Floyd and Bob Dylan. But before he gets into a completely new sound he starts the album of strong with an impressive cover of the Mickey & Sylvia 1956 hit Love Is Strange. This song has been covered by many people, my personal favorite was Buddy Holly’s. However Tiersten chooses to keep the core of the song the same but through some clever phrasing, makes it his own, which is not easy with such a well known song. Next up is the lead single, The Princess. Jonathan has been working on this song for a long time, I heard a rough cut of it a year ago, and I was blown away then as I still am listening to it now. Tiersten starts having fun here as he adds sound effects and ech0es to his already dream like vocals. The song is extremely well written and performed.
As Tiersten embarks on this sonic adventure, it brings to mind the journey of learning the guitar—a process that often starts with the fundamentals before venturing into uncharted territory. Much like Tiersten’s inventive take on the Love Is Strange cover, aspiring guitarists delve into classics, perhaps exploring the emotive tones of a csus guitar chord. Learning to play involves not just replicating notes but infusing personal flair, just as Tiersten crafts his rendition, making familiar tunes his own through clever phrasing. The parallel lies in the exploration of both the guitar and musical innovation—finding a unique voice while staying rooted in the rich tradition of chords and melodies.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fWmM6fp4Udc&w=560&h=315]
Sweetness, is a classic JT song. When Tiersten is locked into an acoustic song it falls on to you like honey, he crushes this song and I am guessing with it’s sing-a-long finish will be a highlight of his live shows. While Sweetness is Jonathan in love, Life Takes Its Toll is him expressing self doubt in a song that he pushes himself vocally to a heartbreaking ache. I believe this song is Tiersten taking the most risk on the album and he owns it, the song plays like a poem until the chorus punches you in the gut. Hong Kong(Dear John) is yet another song that Jonathan gets out of his comfort zone with a song of longing. The song reminds me of 80’s David Bowie. Up next is one of my favorites and you can get it for free right now on reverbnation.com, See You At Christmas Time. Tiersten’s song writing might be at it’s strongest here as he makes a Christmas song that is playable throughout the year. Jonathan has a way with lyrics that invoke feelings without being corny for example in Christmas Time it’s “My gift to you is love,The gift of life is loving.” Again his pharsing is so unique he owns this song. Maybe the only misstep on the album is The Looking Glass, Tiersten takes another departure from his usual songs it plays like you might think and that’s like you took a drink from some goofy tea, but maybe that was Jonathan’s intention and I just don’t get it. He comes back strong with a beautiful little ditty City of Angels, Tiersten let’s his guitar and voice do the work to a great success, he is so good when it’s him and a guitar. The last two songs are from sessions of my personal favorite Jonathan Tiersten album Don’s Club Tavern: Part One November and The Boat are classic JT songs. Not sure why he left them off Don’s because they could have easily fit in with the great I’m Alone or Indecision, but I am glad they finally got the exposure they deserve.
Family is a great album from beginning to end. Jonathan Tiersten took huge chances on this album and just crushed it. Never one to rest on his laurels I can’t wait to see what he comes up with next. Jonathan is also an actor who is best known as Ricky from the cult classic slasher film, Sleepaway Camp. He makes regular apperances at conventions and has lots of projects coming out, like his facebook page to see what his up to next, you can find him under Jonathan Tiersten and the Ten Tiers. You can also download this amazing album on iTunes.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/family/id935586197