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Need a little ‘80s in your Christmas? Meet Jon Cohen Ex

Jon Cohen Ex wants to make things a little better.

Between the madness of the holidays, the ridiculousness of politics in the US and Canada, long waits for legal weed delivery, the sadness of the Indonesian tsunami, the long winter ahead and another year just around the corner and the inevitable list of resolutions that will be gone by mid-January, sometimes you just need something a little happy.

So here comes “Baby Life,” a happy little ditty that combines street skating, ball hockey, the faintest touch of Wayne and Garth and a really catchy beat.  The video is pure ‘80s, down to the VCR feel and graphics, minus the neon glare of some other bands of that era. The video is also slightly reminiscent of Kevin Smith’s still outstanding Clerks – the viewer will keep waiting for someone to say they’re not even supposed to BE here today.

“Baby Life” is the first single from a new collection called “Songs Only a Mother Could Love,” filled with tunes that didn’t make any of JCE’s previous albums. Consider it an Island of Misfit Toys for your ears.

“Baby Life” is the first single from a new collection called “Songs Only a Mother Could Love,” filled with tunes that didn’t make any of JCE’s previous albums. Consider it an Island of Misfit Toys for your ears.

As the band puts it, “This is playful yet moody music,“Baby Life” is a high-energy intersection of Ween and The Strokes, while album closer “Go-Getters” bounces effortlessly from George Harrison to Lightfoot to Pavement in a single measure. “33rd Floor” channels Beatles, Blur and Jefferson Airplane. At times orchestral or grungy, the E.L.O vs. the 90’s vibe is raw and unapologetic. In the end, JCEX’s earnest songs and dynamic high-energy live shows are what shine through – the band has vested emotional strength into this album and live performances.”

Amber Healy

I write about music policy and lawsuits because they're endlessly fascinating.

Amber Healy has 517 posts and counting. See all posts by Amber Healy

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