JANE CHILD - HERE NOT THERE

Jane Child came on the scene like a bullet. She arrived and caused all kinds of controversy. Mainly because of her unique appearance. Her record label gushed about her production skills and songwriting abilities. Jane plays all her own instruments, arranges, produces, etc. etc. While that might have been true, they missed the most important aspect of the disc. She wrote excellent music. It took a long time for Jane to follow up that first disc. When 'Here Not There' finally came out, I was living in Europe. I missed it initially, but picked it up after I got home. I think the biggest shock to me was how much a departure this disc is from her freshman effort. It's also the reason the disc failed to make as great an impact. Props to her for taking such an awesome artistic leap, but sad in that it didn't achieve the same success as her self-titled disc.

From the outset, Jane lets you know this is something completely different. 'Mona Lisa Smiles' is about bisexual flirtation and desire. It keeps a mischievous tongue-n-cheek word play throughout. Still, the implication is obvious. In a certain way, it sounds like the previous effort, but the music is more complex and challenging, incorporating a harpsichord sound with an Indian flare. It's like watching a child grow older through musical progression. That being said, 'Do Whatcha Do' sounds like a track from the first disc rather than something from 'Here Not There'. Irregardless, it is easily one of the most accessible and exciting tracks on the disc. An obvious single pick. Some guys named Ricky Hyslop and Brian Hyslop contribute two tracks to the disc. 'Monument' and 'Step Out Of Time'. Both tracks are fueled with power guitars and have a hard American rock edge to them. Sadly, both have a generic quality not even the vocals of Child can disguise. The ideas are sound and interesting, but the musical progression is mundane. Jane could have saved herself some difficulty by not including these numbers. Their presence on the disc serves to disrupt the musical continuation as a whole. It's a major part of the reason the disc as a whole sounds all over the board.

'All I Do' is more typical Jane material. It's closer to her style and brings us back to the unusual tone of the 'Here Not There' material without sacrificing the integrity of her solid songwriting. 'Sshhh' also follows in this fashion. 'Here Not There' seems to have classical music influencing it's direction. The more complicated musical progressions seem heavily based on classical themes. 'Perfect Love' is another song that would have been right at home on her first disc. The difference here is in the rhythm section and the instrumental motifs. They fit more in with popular music at the time even though they maintained that signature JC sound. 'I Do Not Feel As You Do' is interesting and has a waltz-like quality to it.

'Heavy Smile' is another throwback of sorts. Except she incorporates some rhythmic changes more in line with the classical style with changes happening on a third count rather than a fourth. It's funky, but thoughtful at the same time. And highly unusual. 'Calling' is more bubbly and fun. Like 'Perfect Love', it falls in line with then current pop sounds yet still has that offbeat vocal delivery.

Both 'Sarasvati' and 'Here Not There' are amazing pieces of music. 'Sarasvati' is based on Buddhist scripture and is extremely challenging musically. The transformation from musical powerhouse to ethnic rhythm segment is incredible and thoroughly enjoyable. It's the biggest departure of the entire album and completely changes everything. It's simply brilliant. 'Here Not There' is a haunting number with lyrics that are vague and open enough to invite speculation and interpretation. To me, the ultimate message of the song is finding satisfaction where you are. In other words, finding a way to see the greener grass on your own side of the fence.

Ultimately, I find this record extremely satisfying. I got more music from Jane... Heard a new direction... Expanded my own appreciation for sound and balked at the lack of response to an artist that should have gained more recognition and appreciation for her work.

I've heard she's continued to release music on her own label. I'm gonna have to check that out and see if I can find any of it. I'm interested in hearing more from her. She certainly is worth listening to. My final word: EXTREMELY SATISFYING.

JANE CHILD - HERE NOT THERE
01. Mona Lisa Smiles
02. Do Whatcha Do
03. Monument
04. All I Do
05. Sshhh
06. Perfect Love
07. I Do Not Feel As You Do
08. Heavy Smile
09. Calling
10. Step Out Of Time
11. Sarasvati
12. Here Not There