Automatic

• Artist: The Jesus and Mary Chain
• Rating:
• Release Date: 1989 10
• Total Time: 43:20
• Type: Lyrics are included with the album
• Genre: Rock

Review

The Jesus and Mary Chain's third studio album was a mixed bag, a touch rougher and more aggressive-sounding than Darklands, but still not the equivalent of Psychocandy for sheer kicks. Part of the problem was the actual studio setup; while soon-to-be superstar producer/engineer Alan Moulder did a great job on the sound, finding a way to mix thick guitar rumbles without sounding uncommercial, the fact was that the band was really just the brothers at this point. Like on Darklands, all drumming was courtesy of machines, and here the approach often felt monotonous; Bobby Gillespie's approach, for better or worse, really was distinct and individual, fitting with the style of the band beautifully. Meanwhile, much of the bass was also created via keyboards, another unusual switch. When Automatic was on, though, it was on, especially courtesy of another blazingly brilliant single. If "Sidewalking" was a T. Rex homage, "Head On" paid tribute to rock's eternal image of supercharged cool; one can almost smell the black leather as Jim Reid delivers the ultimate "Break on Through" lyric: "Makes you wanna feel/Makes you wanna try/Makes you wanna blow the stars from the sky." The music sure didn't hurt either; even the synth bass sounded perfectly right. Other songs, like the brawling "Blues From a Gun" and the aggro-sneer of "Her Way of Praying," suggest a new energy on the part of all involved, though likely enough they came across better live in the end with the Reids' then-touring band of the time. Meanwhile, there are definitely some sharp individual moments: the sudden massive feedback clang during the instrumental break on "Coast to Coast," the "Sweet Jane"-inspired melody on the nicely moving "Halfway to Crazy," and the hint of strings on the brief "Drop." ~ Ned Raggett, All Music Guide

Tracks

Track Title	Composers	Performers	Time
Here Comes Alice	Jim Reid, William Reid	The Jesus and Mary Chain	(3:53)
Coast to Coast	Jim Reid, William Reid	The Jesus and Mary Chain	(4:13)
Blues from a Gun	Jim Reid, William Reid	The Jesus and Mary Chain	(4:44)
Between Planets	Jim Reid, William Reid	The Jesus and Mary Chain	(3:27)
Uv Ray	Jim Reid, William Reid	The Jesus and Mary Chain	(4:06)
Her Way of Praying	Jim Reid, William Reid	The Jesus and Mary Chain	(3:46)
Head On	Jim Reid, William Reid	The Jesus and Mary Chain	(4:11)
Take It	Jim Reid, William Reid	The Jesus and Mary Chain	(4:34)
Halfway to Crazy	Jim Reid, William Reid	The Jesus and Mary Chain	(3:40)
Gimme Hell	Jim Reid, William Reid	The Jesus and Mary Chain	(3:20)
Drop	Jim Reid, William Reid	The Jesus and Mary Chain	(1:58)
Sunray	Jim Reid, William Reid	The Jesus and Mary Chain	(1:34)

Credits

Mason Williams (A&R), The Jesus and Mary Chain (Main Performer), Richard Thomas (Drums), Greg Allen (Art Direction), Jamie Harley (Assistant Engineer), Jamie Harley (Assistant), Dan Hersch (Mastering), Bill Inglot (Mastering), Steve Mitchell (Photography), Alan Moulder (Engineer), Alan Moulder (Mixing), Jim Reid (Vocals), Jim Reid (Producer), Jim Reid (Concept), Jim Reid (Cover Art Concept), William Reid (Vocals), William Reid (Producer), William Reid (Concept), William Reid (Cover Art Concept), Dick Meaney (Assistant Engineer), Dick Meaney (Assistant), Lee Curle (Assistant Engineer), Lee Curle (Assistant), Andrew Catlin (Photography), Andrew Catlin (Portraits), Vanessa Atkins (Editorial Supervision), Ryan Art (Design), Steve Woolard (Project Assistant), Kenny Nemes (Product Manager), Ginger Dettman (Project Assistant), Steve Mitchell (Photography), Raena Winscott (Project Assistant), Kieron Tyler (Liner Notes), Robin Hurley (Project Assistant), Julie Reid (Project Assistant)

• Formed: 1987, Victoria, Australia
• Genres: Rock
• Representative Albums: "Transmitter," "Get Together"

Biography

The alternative rock band Automatic was once known as the Spinouts. Bassist Matt Fenton, Alex Jarvis plays the guitar, drummer Leigh Marlow, who was replaced by drummer Danny Plant, and bassist Richard Taylor make up the post-grunge group. The band developed their unique sound by combining the styles of many different bands. The group was influenced by such 80s and 90s bands as the Pixies, Smashing Pumpkins and U2.

Automatic began as the band the Spinouts when Matt Fenton met up with Alex Jarvis as freshmen in high school in 1987. The two attended Queenscliff High School in Victoria, Australia. Their professional career included social school gatherings and beach parties in the beginning. Along with members of Automatic, several other influences graduated with the group including members of Magic Dirt and Seaweed Gorillas. With a pop-rock style, Automatic strived to move their band to Melbourne, Australia where their sound would be more widely accepted. After seven years the band settled on members Matt Fenton, Alex Jarvis, Leigh Marlow, who was eventually replaced by Danny Plant, and Richard Taylor.

In 1994 the band made their first album, Automatic, which they released independently. The album produced much success for the band and produced a new group of listeners. With their punk-rock sound of music the group signed with the Murmur record label in 1995. Their first album with the Murmur label was Sister K.

Under the guides of producer Nick Launay, Automatic released their second album Transmitter in 1997. Nick Launay produced such music legends as PiL, the Idiot Box soundtrack, Slits and Silverchair and changed the sound of Automatic. The group's sound changed from pop rock top a harder, louder sound and paid off for the group. The album includes such rock favorites as "Blown," "Does She Kiss Like You?" "What If..." and "Girl With A Million Minds." According to band members, the success of Automatic relies heavily upon the diversity of their songs. The group performs everything from hard rock to dance music.

Automatic took their sound from many different influences. The combination of all these sounds resulted in many favorite songs and albums that have made it on the music charts. The songs and sounds of Sister K and Transmitter have made Automatic an international success with loyal fans from Australia. With a determination to succeed, Matt Fenton and Alex Jarvis have turned a high school dream band into a 90s rock favorite. Automatic sound changes with the music scene which adds to the band's success. With tours worldwide, Automatic only adds to their notoriety. ~ Kim Summers, All Music Guide

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