JACK JOHNSON >> ON AND ON. THE MOONSHINE CONSPIRACY/UNIVERSAL 2003

Jack Johnson’s one of us. He’s that cat in your crew who does everything better than you, but you can’t get mad at him ‘cause he’s your boy. Hate da game not da player, na’ mean? He caught everyone off guard (except us) with Brushfire Fairytales, which to date has sold over ONE MILLION copies. The crazy thing is, his sophomore follow up is better... much better.

Like his debut release, On And On is bare bones and soulful. And with a little guidance from Beastie Boys producer, Mario Caldato, Jr., this just may be one of the best records of the year. No bullshit. “Times Like These” is the perfect remedy for ailing global citizens. “The Horizon Has Been Defeated” is about the oil derricks off Southern California, and the environmental threat they pose due to consumerism. Our man Jack has grown leaps and bounds with his songwriting, evident on “Traffic In the Sky.” Live staples “Taylor,” “Holes To Heaven,” and “Rodeo Clowns” finally see the light of day. “Cookie Jar” and “Symbols in My Driveway” are stunning and sincere looks at our actions as a society and the ramifications for such.

And yes, Jack is still charging Backdoor these days while rocking the mike the way only he can. Most of these so-called “singer/ songwriters” out there today (Hello John Mayer!) need a map and binoculars just to find the road to mediocrity. Our boy Jack, on the other hand, is well on the path to greatness. -By Tim Donnelly