Jack Shirt
Jack Shirt

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What their label says...

This is the debut Album of Jack Shirt, a limited CDR version released by Jack Shirt’s home label Scratch My Back Records. All recordings were made within the domestic environment using one microphone and a cheap Personal Computer.

Bio

Jack Shirt is the name that I gave to my first solo project, a personal exploration of song craftsmanship and composition that started in 2005.

In January 2008 I released a limited edition of my first CD-R self titled album. Inspired by my recent move to a new flat in Stoke Newington, this album came as a result of my mood and my time spent within my new surroundings. Recorded at home, the acoustic guitar, the glockenspiel and an old mono synth were my main tools for composition. Guitar effects, some electronics, and live sampling of improvisations also managed to find their way into the final tunes. The music is idiosyncratic with a strong DIY character and at times nonsensical lyrics that are simply there for cadence and vocal harmony.

At the moment I have almost finished recording what is going to be my second album Silent Beef. This time there is a tendency to be more polystylistic, with abrupt mood shifts and even less straightforward song structures. Once again all the recordings are made at home and some of the songs are the result of trying to memorize my improvisations and re-record them partially, using different instruments.  

I have previously performed as a songwriter and instrumentalist in London band The Thinking People Society, while at the same time playing the drums for post-punk outfit, Do or Die. Other projects that I am currently involved with include Elsa Drake and domestic performance group The Tupperware Party. I perform regularly in London. I am also an animator and sound- designer.

Reviews:
Organ review on 4 tracks (Lonely way to celebrate, A hole in the Floor, They don’t care, Vox Arthritis):
DEMO OF THE WEEK, May 17 2007
JACK SHIRT – This is good, this is warm, minimal, different. Four fine tracks, mellow “orphaned soundtracks”. Refined whispered acoustic guitar and almost brushed glockenspiel are his main tools of composition, an undercurrent of humming samples and guitar effects. Lyrics that open doors and prick curiosity without really making that music sense – the whole thing makes for a rather beautiful and rather unique set of rewarding flowing delightful songs. Rather rewarding, rather special – go enjoy and bask in the warmth –
Rough Trade Shop: “Excellent self-released and ltd CDR debut. This is warm, minimal and different. Refined whispered acoustic guitar and almost brushed glockenspiel alongside hums and effects. Tripped-out songs and instrumentals that are easy on the ear, while saving space for the out-of-tune and the out-of-time. Lyrics that open doors and prick curiosity. The whole thing makes for a rather beautiful and unique set of flowing delightful songs.”

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