Jefferson Starship - Modern Times
#151
By Aaron Conte
April 2 1981
Jefferson Starship
Modern Times
Genre: Pop Rock done by Psychedelic 60's era Trail Blazers
Allen’s Rating: 4 out of 5
Aaron’s Rating: 2.5 out of 5 daisies
GODDAMN YOU FOR MAKING ME A JEFFERSON STARSHIP FAN.
I was psyched to get this album because I really don't know anything about Jefferson Starship, Starship or the Jefferson Airplane for that matter, but they have always followed me around somehow. Whether it was rock history, or rock docs (I'm a big fan of). or my relatives who would occasionally cite them, or for that matter Grace Slick herself and "herstory". I mean if you have a name like Grace Slick you're automatically famous and cool - not even to mention Earl Slick, but that's another album for another time.
What I know, or knew, about this band is the song "White Rabbit" and 1960's San Francisco. A perfect moment in time that was not my scene nor my place.
For me it was she, Grace, leading the charge and being the band. "Be the ball Danny. Be the ball."
Well what the f*@k did I know; Gen-X'er?! With all your rock history knowledge planted firmly in cheek with hours to burn between auditions or shifts at the bar!?
I swear to god I was ready to give my first rock-critic-condescending, snotty, "look what I know" review and I saw the cover and saw the first track and couldn't dial this up fast enough on my trusty Gen X iPhone. "Imagine what it sounds like on vinyl.." my mind said.
Holy shit, this first track has the most clear, crisp, catchy guitar picking - descending melodic line - guitar LICK man, it's called a "guitar LICK" that I have ignored since I became too cool for school and the smartest guy in the room.
There is a long and deep history to this band with all of their changes over the years. All of it fascinating, which has definitely bled into the music and songwriting. Yes this is the band that once was Jefferson Airplane ("Someone to Love"), and who eventually became simply Starship (building cities on rock and roll).
1. Find Your Way Back
Tears. I'm a sucker, and when I hear a song like this with a message like this, after being shut down in life for six months, with what feels like all humanity on the line, I end up shedding a tear. Which is to say, lend the ultimate kudos to the band because this thing hits you square in the chest. It could have been the tambourine. These are tubs for drums, splashes for cymbals, electric wires for guitars and keys, held up by thumping bass, recorded in a theater made of concrete I guess because it blasts out of the speakers. This album is LOUD and this song is good.
2. Stranger
Guessing everyone knew My Sharona had been a huge hit and figured maybe the key was a good 'ol pounding drum intro. Being a drummer, I know it's not the same beat but it's damned close enough for a couple of dummies to argue about it in court. Otherwise a forgettable tune.
3. Wild Eyes
Great middle part where they turn into the E. Street Band, replete with glockenspiel and right end of the piano.
4. Save Your Love
We all know filler when we hear it, even if it's the longest song on the record. Lead guitarist Craig Chaquico just really let's go on the guitar solo outro.
5. Modern Times
Starts off side two with a bit too much Jesus Christ Superstar energy. You all know how I feel about Broadway Rock. Co-written by the new lead singer; need I say more?
6. Mary
Who thought it was a good idea to have a song with the lyrics, "no I'll never marry Mary" ? Oh the wife of the bass player.
7. Free
Rock's missing link. Last of the jean jacket anthems. Wipes up the floor after the dance with memories of the great Heart, Boston, Journey, and Babys songs. They even record the built in crowd participation ending - this guy Craig Chaquico could really play rock and roll guitar.
8.Alien
It was 1981. You had to get in the game with something "outer space".
9. Stairway to Cleveland
Seems they had started listening to their critics at this point and wrote a retort to a bad review. True story and never a good idea.
So dear reader, this was the Jefferson Starship for the new decade. What once was an Airplane had evolved into a Starship. Fifteen plus years in from founding and they were standing with straight backs, full throats and tight pants. I think I have to admit I'm a fan. Even with all the hippie history, and parental guidance that comes along with the band, purely due to their generation, I feel like I will grant them The Dylan Pass. I could. Not. Stand. Bob Dylan. When I was thirteen in 1981, Bob Dylan, Captain Beefheart, and much of my parents' music was anathema. I hated it but I didn't know any better. So parents out there...with your Britney Spears, N'Sync and Spice Girls see-dee's that you keep in your family truckster, waiting for that trip to throw in the music of your youth, your kids will not, can not, and should not get it. But if you let them have a sip of your Bud Lite or more likely, micro-brew of some sort, and put on "Bringing it All Back Home" you will have a lot more to talk about.
https://open.spotify.com/album/2hq3mwvkJDvCziOfSOTrh6?si=JhG5blocRu-t6UriSVZ1vQ
