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Andrew Jackson Jihad / Ghost Mice

Split (2007)
Plan-It-X Records

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Contributed by: Brian
(others by this writer | submit your own)

Published on August 31st 2007

Andrew Jackson Jihad and Ghost Mice team up for this split full-length on Plan-It-X. If ever there was documented proof of "the Plan-It-X sound," this is certainly it. Both bands personify the socially/politically passionate, jangly, upbeat folk-punk sound to an absolute 'T.'

Alright, well, not that upbeat. In the first two tracks alone, Andrew Jackson Jihad sing about hating everything in opener "Little Prince (El Principito)" and declares in the next track, "We Shall Die Alone Someday," that "bad things happen everyday; cancer and murder and herpes and AIDS." However, they sound damn near cheerful about it sometimes. The duo use their bare bones setup for pretty much all eight of their tracks, with haphazardly strummed acoustic guitar chords at the forefront (aside from slower tracks like their cover of Ghost Mice's "Lightning Bolt") and the thudded plucking of strings from a stand-up bass coating the bottom of the sound. Nothing here is quite as exciting as "No More Tears" (found on Plea for Peace Vol. 2), but their songs are well-done and decent enough.

Ghost Mice fare slightly better with a similar style on their side with eight tracks of their own. The self-professed "anarcho-hippy-punks" employ their signature male and female leads with nearly every song and more elaborate instrumentation (violin, mandolin, harmonica, kiddie xylophone) that makes their half a little more refreshing and listenable. The last few songs, "This Heart of Mine" and "Please Quit Smoking Mom" (the former sung primarily by Hannah) are so cute and earnest it's sort of nauseating.

Who are the best bands doing this style? I haven't really determined that yet, but as far as this split goes it's a decently done interpretation of it.

STREAM
Andrew Jackson Jihad - Power Plant
Ghost Mice - The Moon Will Rise

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Joke (June 29, 2011)

I dont underestand how people say that it is hard to listen to Ghost Mice, maybe they sound 'raw' at times, but they are still amazing, i love their songs, the voice and the instrumental are what makes it unique.

A_Lan (December 7, 2009)

An amazing album. Most splits are a little short maybe 4 songs from each band but this one does of a good job of keeping it even. Andrew Jackson Jihad is a little more stripped down on this record, I don't think there is any drumming. Only acoustic instruments, but it this isnt a bad thing, it really gives the songs more of a feeling. While ghost mice keeps it interesting with male and female vocals, and the songs are just so positive from Ghost Mice. A great CD, in my opinion a must have.

scientistrock (April 23, 2008)

I love Andrew Jackson Jihad's side more than almost anything that came out last year, but Ghost Mice is always so hit or miss for me. When they're good, they're really good, but when they're bad, they're one of the hardest bands to listen to.

matt_k (April 1, 2008)

I don't know what you're talking about. The AJJ half is fucking brilliant. The Ghost Mice side is still solid, but is a little overshadowed by AJJ in my opinion.

However, I played with Ghost Mice in Western Springs, IL a couple weeks ago and they are by far the nicest band I have ever met. Not to mention, PIX is the shitz.

... get your tickets now at falloutboy.com

ifyoumakeit (September 24, 2007)

Ghost Mice Videos at IYMI

"Boy Meets Girl" - at Stay True Paltz
http://www.ifyoumakeit.com/video/music/ghost-mice

"Figu re 8" at Stay True Paltz
http://www.ifyoumakeit.com/video/music/ghost-mice-2

tosen (September 5, 2007)

points deducted for using the word "jihad"

Vincent_M (September 3, 2007)

Saw Ghost Mice in the basement of the Danger Danger house in Philly (I know, punx, right?) and really enjoyed their sound. Nice bunch of guys too, I'll pick this up.

onegirlarmy (September 2, 2007)

Good split, I enjoy the songs from both bands.

theyounginfluential (September 2, 2007)

score is for andrew jackson jihad in general.

getadrink (September 2, 2007)

I really liked the AJJ side, but it's definitely not their best. Same with Ghost Mice, but the last three songs are easily three of my favorite Ghost Mice songs. I realy enjoyed this split though.

JakeSka (September 1, 2007)

I found this album in a record store the other day and picked it up. 16 songs for 5 bucks, Usually I don't listen to folk punk, or whatever you define it. But I really find Andrew Jackson Jihad very enjoyable.

rupertmurder (September 1, 2007)

the andrew jackson songs on this split are fantastic! the ghost mice songs make me lose my erection over and over again....

but then i get erect again thinking about andrew jackson naked!!!!

MikeStupid (September 1, 2007)

Who are the best bands doing this style? Defiance, Ohio is definitely the best. Score is for The Great Depression.

Anonymous (September 1, 2007)

I just picked up this CD when I saw Ghost Mice on Wednesday. The Ghost Mice tracks are far better than the Andrew Jackson Jihad songs. AJJ's cover of Lightning Bolt is weak. Very good split though.

Anonymous (August 31, 2007)

"Drunk punks is hippies"

Anonymous (August 31, 2007)

Janes Addiction gets 5 stars. Clipse gets 4.5 stars. Ghost Mice and Andrew Jackson Jihad get 3 stars. I hate this site.