Jandek is certainly one of the most interesting characters in music. For those who are familiar with him, this review and tidbit of information will be nothing new. For those who don't know who he is, get ready. Jandek is a reclusive character/person/musician/myth from Houston, Texas, who has been releasing albums under a secretive label for the past 25 years.
The address for Corwood Industries, in fact, is nothing more than a P.O. Box. The bizarre thing is that no one knows who this guy is or if he's even still alive. You'd think that someone in the process of releasing material and cutting the album would know something. But regardless of his whereabouts or validity, people can't help but be completely enthralled by him.
Now, regardless of what anyone tries to tell you, listening to one Jandek album is basically the same thing as hearing them all. Even if the instrument of choice changes, the basic concept is still the same. To date, Jandek has recorded about 35 albums, and only the true Jandek completists tend to buy all of his material. His album covers usually consist of pictures of himself (if it's really even him) or pictures of furniture, homes, instruments, etc. They've actually become one of the more interesting parts of his releases, because the music certainly is not of the highest caliber.
The main instrument played by Jandek in the past has been the acoustic guitar, but on Shadow of Leaves he opts for the bass again. And in normal form, the bass is detuned to the point of absurdity. There's absolutely nothing accessible about Jandek's music, only the haunting realization that this is a man who has a passion for messing with people's minds. The funny thing is that even though most people will give his music about two minutes before they leave him behind for good, it's been said that there are people who can actually sit around and listen to his music for days on end. I'm not one of them.
Do yourself a favor and find one of his albums for yourself. Actually, now that I think of it, this might be a good time for me to throw out the "download it" card so you can at least get an idea of what you'll be up against. It's gruesome. But if you find yourself becoming intrigued like the rest of us, be sure to keep an eye out for the Jandek documentary that is coming out soon. It should be an interesting documentation of the most underground musician in history.
1. Shadow of Leaves
2. Find Me Again
3. I Give You Me
More about: Jandek
