There are many quirky songwriters trying to do what Jason does – especially in his current home of Seattle, WA – which is writing non-threateningly poignant underground pop songs, much like 60s folk singers. The words do the cutting, the music does the soothing, and the listener smiles, taps, and even laughs while subliminally being provoked and challenged. Jason accomplishes his passive pop aggression through songs that could almost be called ditties, if they weren't so steeped in a sense of metaphorically literal storytelling. Dry wit, no, just by virtue of an overriding amusement and glee with his own cleverness and wordplay, but not necessarily wet either.
"Holy Water" uses backing organ and a popping drum machine synchronized with acoustic guitar to craft a serene melody that feels sarcastic and sincere. "Ginseng High School March" bubbles through a lot of big words and an emphasized chorus. "Deliver the Stuff" is manic rock 'n' roll with a grudge against minimum wage jobs. We could go on, but the bottom line is that Jason gives each of his songs their own character, sonically and intellectually. And who doesn't enjoy a well rounded smart-alec?
