In between Foo's tours, winning a Grammy, other band commitments and babies being born, Jackson United enlisted the help of producer Chad Blinman (Face to Face, Viva Death, Get Up Kids) and recorded 21 "a little bit rock, a little bit punk" tracks from the thousands Chris had written that he couldn't convince anyone else to sing. Fourteen of those are on "Western Ballads".
Confessing a love for "way down in kokomo" era Beach Boys ahead of the often cited and trendier "Pet Sounds", Shiflett says "... it's guitar pop. Not as heavy as Foo Fighters stuff. And there's some stuff that's pretty mellow and vibey". We prefer to think of it as flawless.
Six months later the release of "Western Ballads" marked not only a new name, but new band mates too! Cary Lascala (also of Vue) took over the drumsticks and Doug Sangalang (ex Screw 32/Limp) became the new guitarist. Both of them had toured a bunch with Chris' old band No Use For A Name). Also Omen Starr was added to the line-up, replacing Scott on bass.
In 2006 Scott was called back in after Omen's departure, and along with Jose Mendeles on drums, they began work on their second record. Unfortunately Jose didn't stay with the band, and 'guest drummers' were drafted in for recording.
Jackson United's second album Harmony and Dissidence was released in Australia and Japan on April 14th 2008, and set to be available on itunes. This album sees the return of Scott Shiflett to the band, and 'guest drummers' were revealed to be Dave Grohl and Taylor Hawkins of Chris' "day band" Foo Fighters, Harmony and Dissidence also features Rami Jaffee (of The Wallflowers, and currently a touring member of Foo Fighters) on keyboards and Drew Hester (also a touring member of Foo Fighters, and also produced and mixed the 2006 debut self-titled album from Taylor Hawkins & The Coattail Riders) on percussion.
The video for "21st Century Fight Song" can be seen here
Pure
Jackson United Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The way you look at me
The questions that frame your insecurity
You're hiding from me
You're missing, dismissing
Clues left in your way
I'm open, I'm hoping
Guilt exhumed, bury me
You're insecure, nothing's pure
Nothing's free
The lyrics of the song "Pure" by Jackson United seem to explore the theme of insecurity in a relationship. The singer seems to be addressing his partner, saying that he is starting to understand the way she looks at him and the questions that arise from her insecurity. The partner seems to be hiding something from the singer, and she seems to be dismissing the clues that he has left in her way.
The singer, on the other hand, is open and hoping for a chance to prove himself. He seems to be feeling guilty about some of his actions that have possibly led to his partner's insecurity. The line "Guilt exhumed, bury me" could imply that he is willing to take the blame for the things that have gone wrong in the relationship. The chorus, "You're insecure, nothing's pure, nothing's free" could suggest that the partner's insecurity is preventing the couple from having a pure and free relationship.
In conclusion, the song "Pure" by Jackson United seems to be about the challenges of insecurity and lack of trust in a relationship. It is about the struggle to prove oneself and to gain the trust of a partner who is struggling with their insecurities. The song challenges the listener to think about the importance of trust and honesty in any relationship, and how these qualities are essential for a pure and free relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
Beginning to see
Starting to understand
The way you look at me
The facial expressions that you show towards me
The questions that frame your insecurity
The doubts that create your lack of self-confidence
You're hiding from me
You're avoiding me
You're missing, dismissing
You're not paying attention to, or you're ignoring
Clues left in your way
Hints that are given to you along your path
I'm open, I'm hoping
I'm willing to listen and wanting to help
For a chance to prove
To get an opportunity to show
Guilt exhumed, bury me
Feelings of remorse brought to the surface, causing me distress
You're insecure, nothing's pure
You lack confidence, and nothing is entirely genuine
Nothing's free
Everything comes with a cost
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind