Artist:
Title:
Song Cycles
Type:
Album
Released:
05 Apr 2011 (US), 04 Apr 2011 (UK)
LTTM Rating:
Your Rating:
Review
When I heard Jason Gray was trying something different with the release of his EP Song Cycles it really intrigued me. Basically the project features 4 of his songs, with each track having a rough tape recording of the track which was recorded on Jason's laptop, the demo that got sent to his label, the final studio version of the track and a completely remixed version courtesy of Derek Webb all put onto this EP.
The four tracks that Jason decided to put on the EP and show their recording history are More Like Falling In Love, Blessed Be, I...
Read More When I heard Jason Gray was trying something different with the release of his EP Song Cycles it really intrigued me. Basically the project features 4 of his songs, with each track having a rough tape recording of the track which was recorded on Jason's laptop, the demo that got sent to his label, the final studio version of the track and a completely remixed version courtesy of Derek Webb all put onto this EP.
The four tracks that Jason decided to put on the EP and show their recording history are More Like Falling In Love, Blessed Be, I Am New & Jesus Use Me, I'm Yours. "This concept got me really excited", admits Jason. "As far as I know, this kind of project has never been done before. I fell in love with the uniqueness of the idea as well as the opportunity it gave me to let people have an up close and personal experience with my recording process."
This idea gives Jason's fans a big insight into the way his songs are put together, how they are recorded and it shows their progress into the songs that made it onto the album. In a way it's a very brave thing to do, yet a nice thing to do for his fans. With their being a 'worktape' version and a 'demo' you really do get to see the progress of the songs.
If you have never heard of Jason Gray before this probably will not be an EP you might want to explore as your first purchase, as the 'worktape' versions are very rough and poor recordings (but for fans that's what makes it so great). One of the most funny moments on the EP is during the first track More Like Falling In Love worktape version, you can hear Jason's 4 year old boy Gus singing along with his dad, well that is until he suddenly shouts "dang!". Jason said this is because he must of dropped a Lego creation on the floor, very funny, yet there is something really nice about being let into the Jason Gray songwriting world.
Great idea this EP is, and part of me wishes more bands would do this. I would have loved to hear some other bands showing the process of how some classic songs got to the stage they had before they became classics. What also makes this EP fresh is the 4 remixes of the tracks done by Derek Webb. The 'Jesus Use Me, I'm Yours' remix makes the sound much more powerful and full which adds an edge to it. I'll say it again, great concept Jason.
Review by Jono Davies
LTTM Rating 4 out of 5 Stars
Standout Tracks
I Am New (Demo)
More Like Falling In Love (Worktape)
Jesus Use Me, I'm Yours (Derek Webb Remix) Articles
Jason Gray has released a new album titled 'Song Cycles' featuring remixes by well known producer and musician Derek Webb from the band Caedmon's Call. A limited run of only 2500 physical copies has been produced, but the album…
