Orgasms & Atom Bombs: Making a strong statement not the popular way to go
by: John Gardiner
Just B’s latest recording project, orgasms & atom bombs, is a richly-textured, many splendored piece of work that simply begs to be
listened to again and again. It is, however, not for the faint of heart. At times, it screams angrily and makes a serious political statement about life on planet earth in this day and age.
Tunes like Apocolypse Soon, McRaunch and Big Bully are fierce and hard-edged anthems to the injustice and stupidity in the world. McRaunch in particular, named for one specific company, but more pointing to the overall system we find ouselves living with the unfairness and injustice of the whole thing.
Just B has released a stream of consistently fine music over the years he is the consummate musician, carefully crafting the tunes and providing all of the musical ability necessary to make them soar. It is throwback music to some degree, reminding me of the golden age of rock when the music was honest and had a kind of stark reality that gave it integrity. There was no fluff all of the good music mattered and was about something that mattered.
I have many favourite tracks on the CD Kurt’s Cradle dedicated to the writings of counter culture come mainstream literary star Kurt Vonnegut Jr. and who better to get inspiration from is a terrific tune with well-turned lyrics and solid musical backing. Hollering Out to Heaven, though, is my favourite song on the CD. After hearing it for the first time, I found myself singing the chorus again and again over the next few days. It really reached into my soul and grabbed me. Dazzlingly powerful music really soaks into you and stays with you.
I have been a fan of Just B (who is in reality Justin Burgess) for many years and recognize that he represents all that is good about the music scene today, but reminds me that it is a scene fraught with unfairness and just plain silliness. Indeed, there is so much junk in the system that it’s almost impossible for the good stuff to be discovered and appreciated. Orgasms & Atom Bombs is a deliciously wonderful piece of recording and one that deserves to be given your full attention.
Releasing a CD that makes such a strong political statement is not the popular way to go not in the age of fluff, but Just B knows that art is not always about being popular, but rather about being honest and sincere to your audience and true to yourself. This is an enormously powerful statement and one that will move you to think and consider life on planet earth. It is a really good piece of work.
And for guys like me, who still like our rock ‘n’ roll straight-up and without a lot of flash and pizazz, this is the stuff I really enjoy. It puts my 18″ woofers through a real workout, driving, driving, driving making the point. Great writing, great playing, important message it’s what makes great music….