Greenville Scene

Jacob Johnson
Est. 1986
4/5

by: Tiffany Anne Heuser

Don’t compare him to Jack Johnson. They share the name of Johnson and the medium of acoustic guitar, but Jacob’s sound is all his own. It’s not that he dislikes Jack Johnson, but more that it is a comparison that has become stale. After a series of five-song demo albums recorded in the comfort of his home, the Travelers Rest native has recently released his debut album. Both long-time aficionados and those new to the acoustic scene will find Est. 1986 that is pleasing to the ears.

When Jacob Johnson plays a show, the most requested song is “Try” a tongue-in-cheek song to an ex-girlfriend with lyrics that are guaranteed to make the listeners laugh…unless the one listening is the the ex herself, I suppose. Aptly, this is the first song on Est. 1986. The album has several favorites and many new songs previously unreleased on any of the demos he has sold at shows. Jacob Johnson is incredibly able when it comes to plucking, strumming, and shredding his favorite lady (his guitar), as evidenced by the guitar solos in every song. If that’s not enough, however—and it often isn’t for me—there are a few instrumentals sprinkled throughout the album: “Composition Book Pt.1″, Compositon Book Pt.2″, “8 O’clock Jive”. The album finishes off with a bonus song that is Jacob Johnson’s personal favorite: “2003 (Acoustic)”. It may seem a bit repetitive to have the acoustic recording of “2003 (Happy New Year)” only two songs after the original. Both songs convey the same memories and longing but hold their own so well in different ways, however, that one would hardly cite redundancy.

From the New York beat poet adventure “Me and Jack Kerouac” to the song that is sure to make most female listeners sigh wistfully, “Makeup”, each song on Est. 1986 has lyrics that pull you in and makes you a part of a unique story. But if you are looking for the covers of “Baby One More Time” or “Smooth Criminal” that Jacob does so well, you’ll have to wait for the next concert. All tracks on the album showcase Jacob’s own clever lyrics and effortless talent on the guitar.

The CD is available at Horizon Records in Greenville and you can download it from DigStation.

www.myspace.com/jacobjohnson