Music

After the release of five albums, two side project albums, two singles, one double album, and one solo EP, ranging from 1999 to 2020, The Ones That Got Away (Rare & Remixed) has been officially released on December 1st 2020, as the second compilation from Blue Mountains musician Jimmi Carr. It builds on the variety of his discography from his first compilation, First Story: Early Years (2004-2016), and is comprised of previously released songs which were remixed, unreleased songs, and one live track. Its eight varied tracks date from Jimmi's second album release, Bright Black Sky (2006) to the present day, and were mixed and mastered by Jimmi himself. The eighth track on the album is a hard-funking live room recording by Tyson Fuzzman from the studio of Radio Blue Mountains in Katoomba TAFE, for a popular past program called Retro Rehash.

This new release follows in the wake of the second album to be credited to the Jimmi Carr Band, Second Story, which was released in September 2019 to widespread praise and airplay of two of its singles from the likes of Triple J, FBI, and ABC Radio. The majority of Second Story is described as “thoughtful, relatable songs with big hooks, funky grooves, and a touch of country twang”. In comparison, The Ones That Got Away ranges from “alt-country and roots to funk/soul and heavier rock”. Along with featuring the two other core members of the Jimmi Carr Band, drummer Lachlan McEwen and bassist Tom Pilgrim, the lengthy musical personnel of The Ones That Got Away also includes members of acts such as Hermitude (keyboardist Luke Dubber), and The catholics (drummer Hamish Stuart).

Focusing on standout tracks from the album, opening song ‘Halo’ immediately delivers this aforementioned rock kick, and is driven forward by a dry, heavy riff, somewhat reminiscent of Queens Of The Stone Age. “Your halo’s fallen down to the ground”, sings Jimmi, “cos I been messing around”. ‘Chemical Rain’ is the third track and second single from the compilation, which was recorded during 2011’s Upstream sessions. While warning of chemical dreams, streams, floods, and rivers of blood, Jimmi embodies a cool and eerie vocal presence as the song shuffles ominously along, underpinned with vintage overdriven organ. Interestingly, the music for ‘Chemical Rain’ was recorded nine years ago in 2011, but the track was completed with lead vocals and a guitar solo that were both recorded this year. Fourth track ‘All The Pieces’ is a reggae-tinged piece of dark, woozy funk. In contrast, the downtempo, semi-acoustic ballad vibes of ‘Early In The Morning’ serve as a comfortable respite from Jimmi’s sweaty dance floor rhythms. The song offers a sense of meditative calm that’s masterfully maintained by ‘Black Feathers’, a slow-burning musing infused with tranquil nature, that takes one to a distant place of faint tunes resonating over sand dunes. Named primarily after a popular phrase heard by musicians playing at pubs, ‘Got Any Chisel? / Khe Sanh’ is a satirical alt-country track that offers another bold contrast while nodding slyly to a song from of one of Australia’s most iconic rock acts.

With the release of The Ones That Got Away, Jimmi Carr has presented a rich musical tapestry, woven with a well-loved assortment of endearing, homemade songs.

Words by Corin Shearston

Pictures courtesy of Jimmi Carr's Bandcamp page and website