Meanwhile Back on the Asteroid: A fresh take on some well-known tunes

by: John Gardiner

Innovation and interpretation are two of the most important concepts in rock’n’ roll and, indeed, if there is a “spirit” of rock ‘n’ roll, both of them would make up a big part of it the ability to take the ordinary and make it extraordinary making the old sound new and fresh knowing when to stay the course and when a change in direction is needed. When you mess with someone else’s art, you better know what you’re doing.

Just B’s compilation CD, “Meanwhile Back on the Asteroid”, is a fresh take on some mostly well-known tunes collected from the last 40 years of rock ‘n’ roll certainly not the best-known tunes in the history of rock, but tunes the singer/songwriter obviously feels strongly about. Bob Dylan, the Ramones, Leonard Cohen, Jimmy Cliff, Blondie an ecelectic mix of music pulled together and connected by the passion of Just B.

With the exception of some keyboard work on one number (ably performed by pappa Andy B), Just B did everything on this CD, impressive stuff when you listen to some of the soaring guitar solos and know the guy playing them started out on the drums. Some great guitar breaks, clean, crisp bass work, outstanding rhythm and percussion work and well-produced a real treat to listen to…

This is straight ahead rock ‘n’ roll that reminds the listener where music should have gone all those years ago. Right from the opening two cuts, Springsteen’s Cadillac Ranch, and David Byrne’s Psycho Killer, this is a high energy disc that moves briskly from one end to the other. It has its tender moments, as well, but this is mostly good old fashioned rock ‘n’ roll that stays with you something that is rare in today’s throw-away and transitory world.

The range of tunes stretches from the sweetly melodic stylings of Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah to the Dylan’s bittersweet 60’s anthem Blowin’ in the Wind to the Tragically Hip’s Ahead by a Century and each is done with Just B’s distinctive and definitive style showing respect for the original work, but bringing a fresh, new approach to it something that is not easy to accomplish.

I’ve spent most of the last 30 years wandering in a rock ‘n’ roll desert it has been a difficult time to be a fan of the music that defined one generation and passed on a powerful legacy for future generations. But every once in a while in the middle of this musical desert, there comes an oasis and sometimes it is worth the struggle. Just B makes me remember something of what came before.

If you’ve been a fan of classic rock back in the old days, or you’re just finding your musical self, “Meanwhile Back on the Asteroid” is a wonderful listen where the integrity of the original pieces is maintained, but innovation and interpretation combine to make the tunes come alive again for a new time in rock history.

Just B has deep musical roots and brings a good part of that tradition to the table when he makes music, but there is a new feel to his music, whether he’s performing his own songs, or producing interpretations of some of his favourite songs from rock history there are even elements of rap, but given character by a talented musician.

Check it out! Know there’s still some great rock ‘n’ roll music being created and played. I’ve heard it myself, and I’m not an easy sell……

Click here to purchase Meanwhile Back on the Asteroid on CD Baby