Jackson Jackson are like a brand new girlfriend. Having only been ‘involved’ for a short while, I’m still caught up in the euphoric early stages of our relationship, admiring everything that comes my way and boring friends with heart-warming anecdotes and long sighs. Will this relationship end up being just a brief fling as so many are, or will my new-found love turn out to be ‘the one’?

As we feel each other out, the signs are pretty good. I’ve met the parents (OK, so the Cat Empire are not my cup of tea, but I respect them and have no problem pretending I agree with everything they say when I’m in their company) and we’ve even been out on a date at the Corner Hotel which was mind-blowing, despite leaving me with a rather sizable headache.

And so now comes the album. Despite it only hitting the streets a week or two ago, the self-titled collection of songs from Harry Angus and Jan Skubiszewski has enjoyed a better reception than Keith and Nicole, with the music press so far up  Jackson Jackson’s collective arse it needs a torch.

The disc kicks off with a simple dirge that begins in the company of John Lee Hooker and ends somewhere in the suburbs of Bollywood. It’s pretty indicative or what to expect, as we are then taken on a journey through drum and bass, skiffle, funk, gabba (of sorts), hip hop, dub, ragtime, rock and even roll.  Purists beware, there is no stone left unturned here, as the protagonists lay out a veritable smorgasbord of tempting treats, littered with clever references and hilarious lyrics. Here are just a few of the gems from Chairman Harry….

“I’m just another bad dancer who won’t take no for an answer”
“Before I started eating brie, I always ate cheddar”
“Mastercard can’t change the past, can it?”
“I’m inspired to write rhymes or die trying”

In a nutshell, this album is fucking great and I think I’m getting married. She’s complicated but simple, friendly yet abrasive and both exciting and chilled out at the same time. Basically all the traits that keep you interested and ensure you continue handing over the cash.

Lots of stars.

Read interview with Jan