(This
introduction was written for both the launch of 'Night Music' and JJ's
website in 1994).
Around mid -' 94 when I learned that Joe Jackson would have a new record
out by the end of the year, I knowingly left open a slot in my annual
"Critic's Top Ten Albums" list. In fact, Joe's "Night Music"was my No.
1 Album of the Year for 1994. Every album Joe makes merits honors. But
while each has its own distinct rewards, "Night Music" stood out in
its lustrous musical beauty and bold but brilliantly executed vision.
Indeed, if I thought I could get away with it, I'd make it my No.1 Album
this year too. And why not? I haven't heard anything better, and besides,
it's not like "Night Music" got so much airplay that there are many
people besides us JJ fanatics who even know the album came out last
year - sad but true.
For even Joe felt "Night Music" was right up there with "Night and Day"
and "Blaze of Glory," both, of course, Top Ten albums for me in their
time, too. But "Night Music" didn't produce a 'hit single.' Then again,
'hit singles' were not what "Night Music" was about. As Joe said in
an interview following the release of the album, " 'Commercially,' I
have absolutely no expectations. In fact, I think that having commercial
expectations is a dangerous trap. . . to me, ("Night Music") was a success
before it was even released, because I'm proud of it."
No question, "Night Music" was, and is, a masterpiece. It just didn't
fit into any obvious radio or record business categories, not to mention
the long outdated misconceptions that a lot of people have about Joe
- that he's still the angry young New Wave rocker of "Look Sharp" fame.
Which brings us to this, Joe Jackson's new Web-site. Thanks to the new
interactive technology, there's finally a place to learn about Joe for
those of us who've been left out by the traditional mass-market-driven
media.
Central to Joe's Web-site is a compilation of interview
excerpts, which he's culled from interviews he's
given around the world during the last year or so, answering the questions
he's most frequently asked. These interviews are especially enlightening,
in that they afford this complex artist a rare opportunity to expound
on his true intentions and inner workings.
JJ's Web-site finally offers us a way to stay in touch, instead of in
the dark. And what's best - in my view - is that it provides everyone
who missed out on last year's Album of the Year a second chance to discover
it . . . over and over again.
Jim
Bessman, Special Correspondent, BILLBOARD
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