Trading Snakeoil For Wolftickets

I was expecting to hear a collection of moody piano-based music, but apart from Mad World this is a guitar-based folk rock album. Don't let this put you off though, this is very good indeed. Jules is influenced by a variety of artists, from Bob Dylan (pretty much throughout) to Jethro Tull (the short, but very sweet 'Lucky') by way of Simon & Garfunkel (Broke Window and the stand-out 'Pills').

So, not what I was expecting, but if you like the Mad World cover it's probably because you appreciate good music and, if so, you'll definitely appreciate this. Buy it - it would be a crime if Gary Jules was forever known as 'the bloke off the Donnie Darko soundtrack'.

I had never heard of Gary Jules up until Christmas 2003. Whilst Channel hopping through the Music Channels on Television. I happened across the Video of Mad World – a retake of the Tears for Fears song. Gary Jules and Michael Andrews turned what was just a speedy tune into an absolutely fantastic song, which is sung with feeling, meaning and depth, to a tune, which has haunting connotations and stayed with me every day since I heard it. So much so I had to find out where I could get hold of it. My local CD store looked at me gone out when I asked for it, as they hadn’t heard of it. I knew at this point it was going to be a smash hit and would at least be number one for Christmas (which it was… but to my amazement it didn’t get too much air play on my local radio station. I did manage to hear an interview with Dr. Fox and Gary Jules one Sunday before Christmas and was thrilled to hear the song played LIVE which sounded just as fantastic as the Video version). After going online I was at least able to find out a little more about Gary Jules and his group. The next thing to do was find out where I could get hold of a copy of this single and in fact his forthcoming album “Trading Snake oil for Wolf tickets”. Amazon was able to provide this and so I had another dilemma, as it was only due out in January 19th 2004. I could order an import but the time that would take I may as well wait for the UK version. Well after weeks of anticipation it arrived today and I have played (nearly to death), the Mad World single “2” which has the Enhanced Video on it. I have also played over and over again the Album TSFW. And it is so well put together with lyrics from the heart and experience it has so touched me. Words so clearly sung from an artist who obviously cares about what he sings. Not like some of the artists nowadays who just pump out music to satisfy a lust for sales figures.

To summarise, I have to liken the singing style somewhere between Paul Simon and Bruce Springstein with a hint of light blues and blue grass. Sung with passion and tenderness. Not quite sure about “DTLA” being released as the next single as although it is a brilliant song, I feel that “Broke Window” would have more impact (no pun intended).
No Poetry has you thinking in a different dimension and makes you want to listen to it over and over again.
Like the surprise bonus track on the album too.

As for Mad World, which has to be my favourite song for 2003/2004 so far, you just have to take a look out of your office window at lunchtime to see what Gary means. Given me a different perspective on life. Lets have some more Brit airplay for this fantastic artist……Also quicker access to the music…Thanks Gary.