Jim Jones Revue Rail Against 'Small-Mindedness' -- Top 100 Acts at SXSW 2011

Posted on Feb 28th 2011 6:05PM by Theo Bark
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Steve Gullick

Frequently compared to such legendary acts as the MC5, Jerry Lee Lewis and Little Richard, the Jim Jones Revue play '50s-influenced hot-rod rock 'n' roll that is best enjoyed live and loud. Having made its US debut at SXSW 2010, the British band heads back this year for an encore that's not to be missed. In interview with Spinner, the band's namesake and frontman discussed his influences and explained why good performances help him breathe easy.

What was it like growing up in London?

I was born in London, in Waltham Common. We lived there for a while and later moved to Streatham, but by the time I was 6 or 7, my folks moved us out to the west side of the commuter belt, and most of my memories of growing up are from Buckinghamshire, one of the so-called "home counties." As a youngster, I enjoyed elements of the countryside, but from the time I hit my teens, I was soon quite aware of -- although not able to understand or articulate -- the small-mindedness and provincial attitudes that were the general status quo. This definitely exacerbated the growing sense of feeling like an outsider, probably quite typical for a teenager, and also a yearning for the city and all things urban. I would say that it was probably being kept away from London that gave me an exotic view of of the place as somewhere more free and comfortable with rock 'n' roll.

Let's talk about the music you're inspired by. I know you're a fan of Little Richard, Elvis and Jerry Lee Lewis, but who else? Anyone we might not expect?

It was these aforementioned artists that set the standard -- they were the records my Dad had bought as a teenager. As a kid, I listened to that stuff in my bedroom, alone or with my sister.
Meanwhile, in the house, some of the records I would hear my folks playing made an impression on me. Deep Purple (Ian Gillan era), early Santana, Leonard Cohen, Jim Reeves and also Abba, who I hated and complained about but liked later in life.

Who are some of your heroes, contemporary or otherwise?

Muddy Waters, Elvis, Iggy, Lux, Little Richard, Mick and Keef, Captain Beefheart, Sly Stone, James Brown, Bill Hicks, Steven Wright, David Lynch, Charles Bukowski, Kurt Vonnegut, to name a few, all for different reasons, but all also have great charisma and undeniable style.

You're known for your live show. Do you guys have a favorite song you play out?

At the moment, I particularly enjoy 'Burning Your House Down.' That's a juicy number.

Can you tell us a bit about the story behind the song and why you like playing it?

I got the title from a friend, a mad Irish poet named Mark Newell. He got it from a dream he had of me. When I was getting ideas together for the album I thought it'd be cool to use it. It's a great one to perform. It's got plenty of room for maneuver.

Was there a moment when you decided music was going to be your life?

I still struggle with the idea that you can make a living doing something you love. I've always followed wherever music would take me, for better or for worse.

Thus far in your career, which achievements are you most proud of?

I'm not really ready to look back yet. I can tell you that at the end of a live show I either feel like, "That could've been better," which makes me more determined, or, "That was a good one; everything came together." That gives me a sense of pride, I guess, when I feel like it really connects. I can breathe easy for a minute.

Catch Jim Jones Revue's SXSW Set on Friday, March 18 at Emo's Jr (603 Red River St.) 1AM, and Sunday, March 20 at Emo's Jr (603 Red River St.) 9PM.

Watch Jim Jones Revue's Video for 'Shoot First'