Album Review: Blind Jackson – Blind Jackson
Released in 2005 under the UK label Deadskool, Blind Jackson by Blind Jackson is one of those indie rock gems that sneaks up on you. It’s not trying too hard to be cool, but it ends up being exactly that—a raw, unfiltered ride through pop/rock and indie rock vibes. With Ed Deegan credited as the engineer, the album has a gritty yet polished sound that feels like it was made for late-night drives or moody afternoons.
The tracklist repeats itself a bit (Stop The Clock and Don’t Lose Your Mind show up twice), but somehow it works. Like an old jukebox stuck on your favorite songs, it gives you another chance to soak them in. Two tracks really stuck with me: Mess It Up and You Done Me Wrong.
Mess It Up grabs you from the start with its punchy guitar riffs and a chorus that’s impossible not to hum along to. It’s got this carefree energy, like breaking rules just for the hell of it. You can almost picture the band jamming it out in some dimly lit studio, laughing and messing around as they lay down the track. It’s messy in all the right ways—relatable, fun, and totally unforgettable.
Then there’s You Done Me Wrong, which hits harder emotionally. The lyrics are simple but hit the nail on the head about betrayal and moving on. There’s a rawness to the vocals here, like the singer’s spilling his guts without overthinking it. Paired with steady percussion and haunting melodies, it’s the kind of song that makes you want to scream along in your car or just sit quietly and feel everything.
What’s wild about Blind Jackson is how it blends upbeat tracks with more introspective moments. Songs like Keep On Running and In The Club bring the energy, while others slow things down just enough to keep you hooked. The repetition of certain tracks might throw some listeners off, but honestly? It kinda grows on you. Feels intentional, like the band knew which songs deserved another listen.
Looking back, this album came out at a time when indie rock was blowing up in the UK, yet Blind Jackson doesn’t feel like it’s chasing trends. It’s got its own thing going on—quirky, heartfelt, and refreshingly imperfect. If you’re into bands like Arctic Monkeys or early Franz Ferdinand, this one’s worth a spin.
Here’s the kicker though—what’s with the name? Blind Jackson? Is it a metaphor? A persona? Or just something they thought sounded cool? Either way, it fits. This album’s a bit of a mystery, but maybe that’s why it sticks with you.
