Description
Oceanic is the sophomore and final full-length album by the American indie-rock band Raspberry Jam, released on Metro One Recordings in 1995, distributed by Diamante Music Group. The album was produced and arranged by John Andrew Schreiner.
Raspberry Jam bass player and songwriter Herb Grimaud would go on to collaborate frequently with members of The Prayer Chain over the next 20 years, playing in The Violet Burning with Andy Prickett and in Stranger Kings with Eric Campuzano.
To many, alternative music usually brings to mind guitar-driven bands that are focused more on energy and passion and less on musicianship and recording technique. For those who fall into that category, ‘Oceanic’ by California’s Raspberry Jam is a must listen.
The moody atmospherics of this project recall general area mined by Lush and especially the Cocteau Twins. While having a bit more bite than those, Raspberry Jam doesn’t so much structure its songs as gently guide them, aiming in a general direction and moving towards it. And one major difference between this project and projects by the aforementioned groups is that Raspberry Jam actually allows the lyrics to be heard, to be articulated. And that articulation is handled by singer Destiny, who uses a voice quite reminiscent of Aimee Mann (Til Tuesday), to sing lyrics that while not opaque, are less than three point sermons.
Yet the songs do have a message. One of the more interesting things on the album is the recitation of a medieval poem written by George Herbert (read by Niki Lanthis in a voice drenched in echo and reverb). Following the poem is a song by the same title which is rich in imagery and makes for an interesting contrast of cultures and concepts.
Clearly Raspberry Jam uses Christian themes and words as they try to share not so much concepts but emotions and feelings that are sensually guided by the music. ‘Oceanic’ is a refreshing album that shows it is possible to mix artistic sensibilities with substance without creating sermons set to music. Confessional and not propositional seems to be the credo of this wonderful band. [Devlin Donaldson, CCM, January 1996]
This is my first (and I hope not my last) encounter with Raspberry Jam. ‘Oceanic’ has some wonderful, atmospheric, moody and melodic songs with a little added overdrive. Fans of All About Eve, The Choir and possibly even the Cranberrys will get a lot of pleasure from this album. I have only one criticism and it’s a small one – it is in the production itself: it’s a little overbalanced at the top end and lacks a tight bottom (oo-er) and the mid range is a bit empty. The vocals (especially Destiny’s) are wonderful. This album is sure to get a lot of air time on my hi-fi! I even listened to it on Dolby Pro-Logic and it works well, although it doesn’t help the bass and mid range problems. I can with a clear conscience recommend this album. I honestly believe you will not regret it. Best played loud! [Andrew Privett, Cross Rhythms, February 1997]
CD tracklist:
01. Now Watch The Man – 5:08
02. Can I – 3:46
03. One More Time – 6:02
04. Easter – 1:08
05. Easter – 7:50
06. Oceanic – 7:17
07. Wonders Of Love – 7:19
08. Burns Like Fire – 5:32
09. Burden – 4:07
10. Black Box – 7:36
11. Surrender – 5:02
Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and CD by Metro One Recordings.
“Burden” (MUSIC VIDEO)
Raspberry Jam, Live at Cornerstone 1995
CREDITS. Produced and arranged by John Andrew Schreiner. Cover and Design by TRiBe! DeSiGN. Photography by Karen Mason, RBJ Photo. Executive Producer: Phillip Kim.
Musicians: Rasberry Jam is – Destiny (Vocals), Phillip Kim (Vocals and Noisy Guitar), Herb Grimaud (Bass Guitar and Subsonic Noise), Flames (Acoustic Guitar and Electric Guitar), Wes Faulk (Drums and Occasions of Percussion). Additional musicians: John Andrew Schreiner (Keyboards and Amazing Sounds), Leslie Dupre Grimaud (Wailing Wall on “Ocean”), Martin Resch (Guitar Consultant), Dave Spurr (Drum Consultant). Technical thanks: Andy Ito for use of his guitar and rig, Eric Aldinger for the 12 string.
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