Album Review – “Seems Like Tears Ago” by Jason James
Boy howdy. It takes all of 12 seconds to fly by in this new Jason James record before you decisively know that you made the smartest of all country music decisions by giving this young man your time and attention. Where have all those true sounds of country music gone? Straight into the lungs of Texas City’s Jason James to be crooned back out in one classic-sounding country song after another, presenting themselves like a parade of forgotten hits from the 50’s and 60’s. In short, a swim through Seems Like Tears Ago by Jason James is like a trip to country music Heaven.
George Jones once famously asked, “Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes?” Well you’d be hard pressed to find somebody who sounds more similar to The Possum than Jason James does on this record, and he also happens to hail from the outskirts of Houston just like ol’ No Show did. And not just the voice, but the style and music is also spot on for revitalizing all those feelings that actual country music affords. But this is no impersonation act. Jason’s songs are all originals, and written by his own hand, while shades of Hank and others help make Jason James a complete package when it comes to paying the traditions of country music forward.
It’s fair to say that Seems Like Tears Ago is more of an interpretive work than an original one, even if all the songs are new. Jason James is not trying to “evolve” the country genre by making it endure some blending with other influences. In fact Jason’s vocal phrasing is unabashedly an attempt to capture those same styles and inflections his country music heroes and forefathers employed in their heyday. His approach is to adhere to the roots of country with a reverence and authenticity unmatched in most of today’s country music, and evolve country by taking it backwards to a time when it sounded better and held more meaning.
Previously signed the New West Records, Jason James was given the greatest compliment when they tried to criticize him by saying he wrote “too much like Hank Williams Sr.” and sounded “too much like George Jones.” Of course, that’s exactly what Jason James is going for, and so the relationship didn’t last. Releasing Seems Like Tears Ago through his own Melodyville Records, this is the record Jason James has always wanted to make, with no concessions to anyone, and every song penned by James exclusively.
There’s no holes to poke in the ten songs of Seems Like Tears Ago, with each one reinvigorating those timeless themes that never grow old in country. And though the general era this music looks to capture is consistent, Jason James does shake up styles just enough to keep things interesting. “Seems Like Tears Ago” is every bit of Golden Era George Jones, but “We’re Gonna Honky Tonk Tonight” is the Hank Williams influence through and through. “Move A Little Closer” is more Bakersfield honky tonk, while “Cry On The Bayou” calls upon country music’s Cajun roots.
Jason James may draw some criticism for shape shifting his voice to fit the various styles he works with here as opposed to sticking to one specific cadence, but it’s hard to not be stunned in the haunting way he pulls it all off. You find yourself checking to make sure it isn’t George or Hank you’re listening to, while you’d swear these songs must have been written 60 years ago. But Jason James doesn’t consider what he does a retro style of country, he considers it the only type of country that has ever really been, or that ever needs to be by illustrating its timeless and everlasting appeal.
Close your eyes and put yourself back into a simpler time and a more enriching era of country music by piping up Seems Like Tears Ago by Jason James.
1 3/4 Guns Up
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Brian
October 4, 2019 @ 9:16 am
Shout out to John Evans for producing this gem.
Lori Folse
October 4, 2019 @ 11:24 pm
John Evans did a fantastic job producing this album and I’m am proud of them both!
OlaR
October 4, 2019 @ 9:24 am
What an album!
I love it. Every track.
Texas Stuff:
Mike Ryan – “Dear Country Music” – Track – Released
A future #1 (in Texas). Radio-friendly midtempo track.
Cody Hibbard – “Half Whiskey, Half Lonely” – Track – Released
New artist. Should be a hit in Texas too. More edgy than the Mike Ryan track.
Briana Adams – “Dancehalls Are Dead” – Track – Released
So far Briana Adams reached the lower part of the Texas Top 100 with a couple of songs. Honky tonk track. Should go higher than #85.
Braxton Keith – “Honky Tonk Crowd” – Track – Released
Second single after “Make Up Your Mind”. Uptempo honky tonk (crowd pleaser).
Grant Gilbert – Loud & Clear – EP (5 Tracks) – Released (09/19)
New artist. Reached the Texas Top 100 with his first single “Denying Desires” a couple of weeks ago. Melodic country-rock. Kolby Cooper fans should try him out.
Wynn Williams – Wynn Williams – EP (5 Tracks) – Released (09/26)
Next top star in Texas? His uptempo single “Yeah Buddy” is #9 this week & rising. A full album is in the pipeline (01/23/2020). Traditional leaning tracks. Not only for Cody Johnson fans.
Moe
October 5, 2019 @ 5:24 am
I really liked the Cody Hibbard and Wynn Williams. Thanks for the heads up OlaR!!
Blake
October 4, 2019 @ 9:29 am
Getting away from the music…. I’m really into these retro album covers that seem to be making a bit of a Comeback. Joshua Hedley, Zephaniah Ohora, and many others are doing it and I really enjoy adding these Vinyls to the growing collection.
Bill Goodman
October 6, 2019 @ 11:32 am
I’m glad I’m not the only one who noticed that too.
Marc
October 4, 2019 @ 10:09 am
Love his music….side note, he’s looking a bit like Rick Astley.
Tracy
October 4, 2019 @ 12:14 pm
I also love his music, and I think he looks like the Bob’s Big Boy mascot. I think it’s the hair.
Bill Goodman
October 6, 2019 @ 11:31 am
Hope he doesn’t give it up and let us down.
Andrew
October 4, 2019 @ 10:27 am
I can’t find a place to buy a vinyl copy. Anyone have a lead there?
Lori Folse
October 4, 2019 @ 1:33 pm
Vinyls are coming hopefully by Christmas! I will let y’all know as soon as they are available
Thanks
JJ mom
Sir Adam the Great
October 4, 2019 @ 10:30 am
Writes too much like Hank Sr.? Sings too much like George Jones? Oh no, don’t throw me in the briar patch! Seriously, I may drive an hour to Grimey’s in Nashville just to purchase this. Oh, and Trig, it only took me 10 seconds to be sold on this one.
Craig
October 4, 2019 @ 11:24 am
I’m not sure why you would listen to this when you can listen to the originals. If he took a style, say George Jones, and then worked it into something just a little different and unique ala Dwight and Buck, then OK. But although he’s incredible – I mean really, really, incredible – this is basically Karaoke. I like it a lot. But I can just turn on Willie’s Roadhouse and get the real thing.
Kevin Smith
October 4, 2019 @ 1:58 pm
Here’s a reason. Because if you like supporting live music, here’s a guy to go see. Jones and Haggard and Owens are dead. But, I would take my gal out to a honky tonk and see this guy unhesitatingly. And we would two-step all over the joint. That would be a great night out for us. There ain’t nothin’ better than live honky tonk music, two -steppin’ and ice cold Lonestar, no sir, nothin!
Big Cat
October 4, 2019 @ 5:49 pm
Could not agree more Kevin. The new world is too hard to please. This kid is a stud
Benny Lee
October 4, 2019 @ 11:51 am
I laughed at the “12 seconds” thing. Then I started listening. This is fantastic!
The George Jones vocal imitation should be an issue, but his voice sounds so good I just can’t help but love it.
Todd Villars
October 4, 2019 @ 12:03 pm
I will definitely purchase this one. This comment is for Craig, yes you’re right you can turn on Roadhouse and here these type of songs. But, how many times in your life have you heard those songs? Literally 1k times at least for me. It is nice to have new music that sounds timeless. I really admire this man for sticking to his passion and giving us a gem of a record. Todd Villars
Kross
October 4, 2019 @ 12:42 pm
sounds like the kind of music Beau Bennet would listen in his old Ford pickup truck with the volume turned low, while driving back to the house after a long day or working on the ranch.
Nick
October 4, 2019 @ 2:19 pm
Accurate assessment. As to your last point, the vocal style switch up, most notably on track #3, kind of ruin it for me. He’s obviously doing the Jones thing (and killing it) on most of these songs, and then there’s a couple that sound like guest vocals by comparison. A lot of good songs and sounds here but that sudden switch up is like a wet blanket on my listening experience.
JB-Chicago
October 4, 2019 @ 3:23 pm
Damn I love this! You did good mom. Right into the currently very crowded rotation. I don’t know how you all keep up with all this great new shit and Sturgill…….(kidding….err kind of). My ears are already exhausted from the last 3 weeks and I have to leave room for 2 Cody’s and a Marvel!!
Trigger
October 4, 2019 @ 4:27 pm
Busiest time for releases I’ve ever experienced, and it’s not slowing down any time soon. I’ve basically suspended most all other coverage that’s not album reviews, and still can’t keep up.
Matt
October 4, 2019 @ 9:06 pm
Kelsey Waldon just released the album of the year, beieve it or not.
The Original WTF Guy
October 8, 2019 @ 1:43 pm
Try Carson McHone.
BTW, thanks for the Kelsey Waldon mention – really good stuff.
Daniel
October 5, 2019 @ 12:44 pm
Thanks for reviewing this Trigger. I only had time to check the first two videos, but I’m going to purchase it, if there is a CD, right now.
JB–Need to get this guy to the Empty Bottle for a matinee. He’s a perfect fit.
albert
October 4, 2019 @ 4:39 pm
one of my pet peeves about where ‘ country’ music has gone is that there is such a heavy burden put upon the listener on so many fronts .
songs are at the mercy of drum/groove -driven but unnatural vocal phrasings, lack of instrument diversity ( and much congestion with what’s there ) lack of rhythm diversity , subject diversity , lack of a diversity with vocal character , buried vocals , poor enunciation , colloquialisms that aren’t even real ( ”get your country on ”….who the hell says that ..? )
fake twang , lack of emotional conviction , lack of freshness ( give us 5 more like the last one ) and ….well I could go on …i think my point’s been made
a great country song should wash over you like a warm wave of nostalgia …even a brand new never heard song or artist needs this element to show that he or she totally gets what we came to hear and feel . THAT’S what’s missing in most newer stuff. The ‘artists’ don’t get why COUNTRY fans listen to COUNTRY music .
but jason does .
this stuff ‘fits the bill ‘ on all counts . sure , it’s retro -sounding . but its like when they say to AC-DC ” this record sounds a lot like your last one ” and the band answers ( paraphrasing ) ” and the one before that and the one before that …..and so your point is ??? ”
why are we constantly going out of our way to fix something that ain’t broke ??? the kids we’re trying to sell this new stuff to won’t give a damn about it 20 years down the line CUZ IT HAS NONE OF THE ELEMENTS MENTIONED ABOVE . bill monroe said it best …” this ain’t no part of nuthin ”
I think he’d have liked jason james
the good stuff washes over you like a warm wave of familiarity
Greg Green
October 5, 2019 @ 6:21 am
When these tracks start out with a slide guitar intro or catchy old country guitar riff I know I’m in the right place.
Sam Cody
October 4, 2019 @ 5:14 pm
Probably good live, but man, that sound does not translate well into software’s ridiculous 1s and 0s.
Melissa W
October 4, 2019 @ 7:24 pm
Holy shit! Only a couple seconds in and all I need to check the entire record out. Thanks!
Matt
October 4, 2019 @ 9:10 pm
I’ve never seen such 100% diametrically opposed views. It’s fascinating that for half the commenters, it’s the first coming of the secod coming. For the other half, it’s a godawful mess of karaoke.
If you’re looking for album of the year, give yourself the gift of Kelsey Waldon’s album, White Noise/White Lines (released 24 hours ago). It’s a gem.
albert
October 5, 2019 @ 9:52 am
”I’ve never seen such 100% diametrically opposed views.”
just go and read the sturgil reveiw , matt .
bottom line …..jason gets it . he’s playing REAL country music for REAL country music fans . no compromise , no concessions , no ‘evolution’, no breeding with pop . seems pretty simple to do if you love and respect COUNTRY music .
Trigger
October 5, 2019 @ 10:38 am
Yeah, I think this has been generally positive, but like I said in the review, the changing of vocal styles will throw some off, and I think that’s understandable. The Sturgill Simpson review is the true realm of diametrically opposed views.
Matt
October 5, 2019 @ 1:59 pm
Good point about the differing perspectives on Sturgill.
EW in DFW
October 5, 2019 @ 4:08 am
I ordered both his albums. He’s playing all over north Texas the next two weeks!
Daniele
October 5, 2019 @ 4:22 am
The most incredible part is that an alt-country or country inclined record label like new-west can criticize an artist for sounding too much like Jones and writing too much like Williams!
I’d like to receive this kinda critic averyday!!
Moe
October 5, 2019 @ 5:33 am
If your gonna sound like someone, might as well be the greatest country singer ever (my opinion Lol) I really like it. If he came up to the Chicago area i would go see him.
Bill Goodman
October 5, 2019 @ 12:13 pm
When he does I’ll see you there. My guess either Space or Joe’s on Weed Street.
Greg Green
October 5, 2019 @ 6:13 am
Who wrote this? Your new family is behind swinging doors…you find more comfort in the warmth of the wine. Maybe it’s the delivery but those jumped out at me.
The title is a great twisting of a phrase that country used to be known for.
Good writing and great voice and band.
Terry
October 5, 2019 @ 6:53 am
I really like his music and love the traditional nature of it.
I find it funny that people have such an issue with artists emulating others, when after watching the Ken Burns documentary, that is such a part of Country Music, artists singing others songs, writing lyrics to the same or similar tunes, copying what works. If its good, just enjoy it!
Trigger
October 5, 2019 @ 10:37 am
Ernest Tubb started his career out as a Jimmie Rodgers tribute act.
Bill Goodman
October 5, 2019 @ 12:11 pm
I was looking forward to this when I discovered him last month. I was blown away by how good this album is, so much that I like it more than Kelsey Waldon’s new one (which is her best work yet IMO).
Truth5
October 5, 2019 @ 9:31 pm
This is the good stuff….
King Honky Of Crackershire
October 6, 2019 @ 5:39 pm
This is pretty corny. This kid loves George Jones, but I’m not going to pay to hear him do George Jones impressions.
Corncaster
October 7, 2019 @ 5:41 pm
I’m with you Honk, but it’s a damn good point of departure. This level of detail should be rewarded. Journeymen are fine as long as they’re on, you know, a real journey.
Would you rather the well-scrubbed boys take after Sam Hunt?
Kent
October 8, 2019 @ 8:14 am
I think he’s trying a bit to hard to sound like the 80s George Jones. He should take the same advise George got in the beginning of his career, to sing like him self, not his idols…
Nobodysoldlady
October 8, 2019 @ 1:21 pm
I love this guy. He has this song “Hot Mouth Mama” on his first record, I swear he must’ve written it about my sister.
Rooster Cruiser
October 9, 2019 @ 11:14 am
Maybe I’m missing something, but wasn’t Dee White knocked in his review because he sounded too much like a general subset of country music and wasn’t original enough?
And this cat just plays dress-up and tries to sound exactly like George Jones et al and its’ amazing?
Trigger
October 9, 2019 @ 11:32 am
As I said in the review, “It’s fair to say that ‘Seems Like Tears Ago’ is more of an interpretive work than an original one, even if all the songs are new.”
I would say this is a fair criticism of Jason James, as is the fact that he sort of changes his voice at times, and I did mention both of these things, and considered this in my rating. Overall I think this Jason James record is written and produced slightly better than the Dee White record. But I also think the Dee White record is quality and gave it a positive grade. I look forward to what Dee does in the future now that he has his legs under him a little bit more. He’s still very young.
kapam
October 15, 2019 @ 8:04 pm
Wow! This is really cool.
Another great review and another artist to look out for.
SCM delivers again!
Dustin
October 16, 2019 @ 9:35 am
I put this album on in my bar, Duke’s Indy. A lady came up and ask why we weren’t playing traditional country music. I about had a break down trying to explain to this woman that this album is EVERY bit as traditional country as the greats. She rolled her eyes and pouted until some Haggard came on.
Skuggs
November 16, 2019 @ 7:07 am
Reminds me of one of my favorite quotes: “When you do things right, people won’t be sure you’ve done anything at all.”