THICKER THAN WATER - Jack Johnson and The Malloys

Hello everyone! Welcome to a new idea! Every issue I intend to have a conversation about music; in general, talking about whatever CD or song is channeled through me for that month.

This month I'm talking about a soundtrack called

"Thicker Than Water", from a film by Jack Johnson and The Malloys. The talented Mr Johnson, along with being a surfer and a musician, is aso a film maker and this movie is the manifestation of the passionate and devoted affair of a group of friends, with surfing. The tale begins "...with the first time we stood on the deck of a surfboard..." (from CD) and culminates in a journey that encompasses the North Atlantic, South Pacific and the Bay of Bengal.

Now you don't have to be a surfer to appreciate this album; the music is joyful, melodic and real, inspiring you to "...follow your own bliss" (Joseph Campbell) as the creators of this offering have done. The opening track, "Moonshine", has Jack sharing his realisation that he was born to surf. From this epiphany we are gifted with G. Loves' uplifting "Rainbow", guaranteed to lighten you up and make you want to just go. The funky "Hobo Blues" (G. Love & Special Sauce) will have you bopping 'round the room and "Dark Water & Stars" (Natural Calamity) is a sensual swim in the sea on a timeless, sun drenched day. "Underwater Love" (Smoke City) will hypnotise you, taking you on a seductive plunge into the deep, deep blue, whilst

"Witchi Tai To" (Harpers Bizzare) is a celebration of the joy of water, and of being alive.

These songs, along with the remaining tracks, are varied in style and tempo, but what brings them to common ground is that woven thoughout the album is the Great Mother Ocean, Her oceanic tides reflected through the instruments and voices of the artists. Listen to this album when you want to feel good. It invites you to go outside and be in the SUN!; to throw off all of your worries, jump in the car and hit the open road - preferably the one that will lead you to the beach.