The Jack Rubies

Clocks Are Out Of Time

Big Stir Records

This is their first album since 1990’s See the Money In My Smile. That and their first album, 1988’s Fascinatin’ Vacation, are great, as is this new one.

The band still has the knack for writing dark, disturbing lyrics, but which are so sensible that they put everything in a balanced perspective. That makes them insightful, not overly dramatic, and that’s welcome. It’s so easy to go the other way, as so many bands have. The Jack Rubies are wise not to.

There’s a bit less jangle on the new album, but the guitar playing is as sharp as ever, so it’s not missed. It's just a more updated sound, while the band has still stayed true to their roots.

College rock/pop still has a lot to say and play, and if you want to hear what the scene sounded like, if you’re new to the genre, this band is a good place to start. Old fans will welcome them back too, making for a band that landed on their feet after years of silence.

Andrea Wessi