Album Review

Mike Doughty – The Question Jar Show

• 4th Jul 2012

To produce a good quality live album has, for many artists, been a speed bump in the career. Live albums can give certain songs whole new meanings in their different format, or allow otherwise usually unheard-of songs to be heard, and when it’s done well these albums often become the prize possessions of fans due to having those extra special versions of songs on.

Mike Doughty is exactly the kind of artist that suits this type of album – although maybe playing stripped down version of his songs, he is clearly a veteran of this type of performance and it suits him down to the ground. The inclusion of Doughty’s stage banter adds a special personal element, and the obvious comedy factor, which could make the album slightly cheesy, really works in his favour. Reminiscent of other acoustic greats Doughty bring to mind Eddie Vedder on his solo album (soundtrack to “Into The Wild”). Slightly more upbeat it may be, but that aside he is very much playing his own style.

The Question Jar Show sounds like it’s probably the work of someone who is now a lot more comfortable with their songs and audience, and the air of confidence resounds around the record. The only qualm is the albums length; two cd’s is a lot for any album, but a collection of very similar songs (due to minimal instrumentation), is a lot to listen to just for the sake of it. This album serves as a good introduction to a clearly talented song writer and guitarist, and a compelling listen for at least most of the first disc, though the whole album had to be done in two sittings – it would make a very good companion for long journeys.