Long Beach Calling
Self-Released, 2019
9/10
And the winner for Best Cover Art Of The Year goes to Mike Jacoby, and, thankfully, the multi-instrumentalist can pen a tune you won’t forget anytime soon, too, as evidenced on this Americana influenced version of the classic album by The Clash.
The title track starts the listen with a raw energy not unlike Strummer and company, where swift strumming and melodic vocals flow with a timeless spirit, and “Here And Now” follows with a bouncy setting that just sounds like Southern California.
Near the middle, “Your Love Song” offers a country influenced, dance friendly affair, while “Know Right Away” has Jacoby channeling his inner Tom Petty with soulfulness and grace.
Deeper cuts gift us the more sparse “BBQ Pit”, and “Play Like Richards” puts a classic rock spin on the romper as raw guitar licks punctuate the mood. “Long Live The King” ends the formal record with a cautious exit before a bonus tune shows up 14 seconds after the album, a technique utilized by some of the legends that inspire Jacoby.
Previously a member in the long running outfit Haymaker, on this 3rd solo album Jacoby brings a varied, highly skilled and rugged rock’n’roll approach to his humble, sometimes humorous and always adventurous tunes that resonate long and far.
Travels well with: Todd Snider-Cash Cabin Sessions Vol. 3; The Rolling Stones- Some Girls