SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: JON SPENCER – SONGS OF PERSONAL LOSS AND PROTEST

JON SPENCER
SONGS OF PERSONAL LOSS AND PROTEST
SHOVE RECORDS

Jon Spencer is back with his first album since 2024’s Sick Of Being Sick!. With this album, Songs Of Personal Loss And Protest, Spencer is joined by his touring trio, Kendall Wind (bass, vocals, guitar, piano organ) and Macky Spider Bowman (drums, vocals, percussion). And this is a powerhouse trio. They make a glorious noise, which is a combination of punk and straight rock. Spencer’s vocals are wonderful and entertaining. This is loud, in your face rock with attitude

Songs Of Personal Loss And Protest is not a concept album, but it does have a theme. This is an album about surviving in the crazy world of today, both on a personal note and as someone fighting for political freedom. It may sound heavy, but in Spencer’s hands, it is exciting and invigorating. “Give It Up 4 The Devil” is a great example of how the world’s ills can impact one, but it does not mean giving up. Or the bluesy “Mr. Lion.” Again, Spencer’s vocals win the listener over with his allegory. It is a brilliant song.

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Elsewhere, Spencer’s humour shines, with songs like “Hangover” or “Orange Slice Blues”. They add a great deal to the proceedings and the tales of woe keep the listener glued to Songs Of Personal Loss And Protest. After all, how many rock songs quote Kojak (‘who loves you baby’ in “Orange Slice Blues”). However, some songs are more serious, such as “Slip Away” and “No More,” both of which get messages across with a sense of humour but the messages are quite serious. “No More” is quite stark and the sound of an artist facing mortality. It is a brilliant way to end the album.

Songs Of Personal Loss And Protest pretty much sums it up. Is this punk infused blues? Blues infused rock? However you want to describe it, it is exciting rock ‘n’ roll with elements of humour but never becoming a joke, close to The Stooges, but not sounding like the Stooges. Jon Spencer has come up with an album of original sounds and thoughts and it is well worth investing your time with him.

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