The Beautiful EP (©1999 Massive Groove Productions)

1: Let It Go 2: Do You Know 3: Beautiful 4: Amy (Demo) 5: Beautiful (Low-Fi-Loop Mix)

Jamie Rowe is a really solid singer. Probably best know for his tenure in Guardian, Jamie has also been a member of AdrianGale, and more recently London Calling, a band that features the talents of former members of The Frantics. When they finally get signed this will be a band to watch out for.

Anyway, enough of that …

The Beautiful e.p. is Jamie’s nod to power pop, and it’s a pretty good effort too. Let it Go is a pure pop song that is probably the best song on the disc. Beautiful gets solid treatment not once but twice. Amy is a fun homemade demo that does have a certain charm.

If you’re looking for Jamie the metal head you’re not going to find him on this one. But if you’re looking for straight ahead pop without the boy band silliness this is a good if all too short listen.

Note to Jamie: You’re pictured with a big ass archtop on the inside sleeve, it’s not a Birdland is it? Ted Nugent would be proud, even if it is the Gibson cousin. Nah, it's not a Birdland. (I just wanted to mention Ted) Hmmm. Questions questions questions, and no answers.

Reviewed May 12, 2003

e Peppermint Daisy Music (©2000 Millenium Eight)

1: Let It Go 2: Do You Know 3: Beautiful 4: Peppermint Daisy (Demo) 5: You're So Heavenly (Demo) 6: Out Of Love (Demo) 7: Amy (Demo) 8: He Is Exalted (Bonus Track) 9: I Adore You (Bonus Track) 10: Beautiful (Lo-Fi Version) 11: Where Do You Go (Live) 12: All Of Me (Live) 13: Jesus Bumper Sticker (Live)

It took me a couple of years to find a copy, but I recently snagged a copy of Peppermint Daisy Music. The first three songs were featured on The Beautiful e.p. and are the only "polished" songs on the disc. The rest aren't filler, but they aren't especially good either. Which may sound harsh, and unfair - and I'll grant you both points.

They are interesting glimpses into Jamie's creative process, and are rough homemade ideas more than they are songs. Which is cool. If you're looking for a Jamie Rowe solo album, this may be a disappointing experience.

However, if you're one of those who have a completist bent, you probably have this, or will get it regardless of what anyone says. To that all I can say is, "Good for you." Like I said, this isn't so much a solo album by Jamie as it is a guilty little peek into the man's creative process. And for that alone, it's worth a listen.

Reviewed November 3, 2004

Dios De Amor (©2004 Vida Music)

1: Dios De Amor 2: Cuando Hallas Perdón 3: Cantaré 4: La Canción De La Calcomanía 5: Sr. Héctor González 6: Aún Más Allá 7: Libérame 8: Me Esconderás 9: Junto A Ti 10: Ante Los Pies 11: Valentine 12: Goodbye's Going Away 13: I Will Sing 14: The Bumper Sticker Song 15: Benjamin Weber 16: Beyond The Blue 17: Deliver Me 18: Shelter Me 19: Runaway 20: We Fall Down

The English title is Songs for Heaven and Earth and full marks to the folks at Vida Music for the foresight to include both Spanish and English versions, not to mention all the extra goodies on the DVD. The videos are pretty straight forward, but shows a surprising commitment from the label. Kudos all the way.

Produced by Tim Bushong, who also played bass and guitar on the project, this is a really big budget sounding recording. For those who've been keeping score, this is the same guy who helped record London Calling as well.

The songs are pure unabashed pop, which will no doubt disappoint some of Jamie's Miracle Mile era Guardian fans (last time I looked at the calendar kids it's 2004 not 1989 - let the man grow up). I was expecting to fast forward through the Spanish songs, but I'm truly impressed by the vocal arrangements. Someone really took the time to rework the song so they worked. Anyone else here cringe at the memories of the old Jerusalem English language dubs from the early 80's?

Since my Spanish is limited to "more beer" and "where's the can" I'm partial to the English versions - which are really very good. I find it unbelievable that a guy this talented isn't on a major label. Speaks volumes to the state of music today.

Musically and lyrically Jamie is a strong writer - he tackles issues of faith deftly and with a soft hand. He's not beating people into the ground, he's stating his position and he's cool doing it. Among my favourites on the disc are The Bumper Sticker Song, Benjamin Weber, Beyond the Blue, Deliver Me ... okay, it looks like I'm just rewriting the song list. They aren't all perfect songs, but they are very good.

Worth hunting down. www.jamierowe.com if you can't find it elsewhere.

Reviewed September 21, 2004