Jesse Malin: New York Before The War

Jesse Malin
New York Before The War
(Velvet Elk)
3.5 out of 5 stars

It may not have been of Jesse Malin’s own making, but carrying around the mantle of “rock and roll poet” is a daunting task. Certainly there have been many legendary names attached to that moniker already, some such as Lou Reed, Patti Smith and Garland Jeffreys notably from his New York City home. But Malin has worn the title admirably over the years, first fronting the glammy D Generation then through a half dozen solo releases that have been remarkably consistent, if frustratingly under the radar.

Don’t be misled by the cryptically named New York Before the War or its opening track “The Dreamers.” Malin’s first album in five years kicks off with a lyrically dense, epic piano ballad about psychological alienation that traveling can bring and implies this is the beginning of a heavy, major statement. Thankfully things loosen up musically from there. The following dozen songs take us on a scrappy, diverse ride that explores an eclectic if always urban based musical landscape.

It’s always tough to combine intellectual words with just the right musical approach but that’s where Malin excels. “I’m addicted to the glory of a broken heart,” he sings on “Addicted” as the guitars chime, strum and collide behind him in a fiery combination of Tom Petty and Bruce Springsteen. From there it’s a rock and roll rollercoaster as Malin spits out his lyrics with gutsy honesty atop rollicking tunes that jump from the Jim Carroll style, spoken/sung “Deathstar” to the sweet, edgy backstreet R&B of “She Don’t Love Me Now.” Malin’s voice shifts effortlessly from gritty to soulful but maintains a swagger that feels natural and rootsy.

The occasional darker, edgier selections such as the nearly 6 minute “She’s So Dangerous” and especially the closing, self-explanatory, slightly strained “Bar Life” add gravitas but generally avoid sounding overly self-conscious even as their philosophical concepts reach for, and usually attain, impact.

Malin edited 40 songs down to these 13, most connected by the thread of holding onto something worthwhile (artistically, socially, conceptually, emotionally) as technology, internal and external forces try to thwart that. Thankfully the somewhat imposing concept never gets in the way of moving, often raw, always organic rock and roll as Malin adds another impressive entry into his already inspiring resume.