JAY SPEARS: Boy Howdy

Jay Spears

Boy Howdy

© 2002 Jay Spears Music (634479107948)

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Here's a guy singing smart, fun, heartfelt love songs --- about other guys. Fun grooves, extra-crispy guitars, juicy harmonies -- and gay as a $3 bill. What's not to like?

tracks

1 My Ray
2 Nothin'
3 I'm Gonna Fall In Love
4 Positive
5 I Like Mike
6 Dismissed With the Quicks
7 You Will Love Again
8 Cryin' Over Brian
9 Lullaby for Bea
10 Oh Hell
11 House On Fire
12 Bougainvillea Waltz

notes

BOY HOWDY was nominated for OUTMUSIC's Award: "OUTSTANDING NEW RECORDING, MALE". (well, I AM, ain't I?)

"It's a joy, an absolute joy from the opening chords of the opening song it leaps out of the speakers. Fine songwriting, fine performances all fired with an unignorable joie de vivre and lifeaffirming exhuberance. Without hesitation I warmly recommend a recent discovery from my 6 Music Evening Sequence show: JAY SPEARS. I like Jay's album "Boy Howdy" so much that if you buy it from his website and don't agree, you can post it on to me at PO BOX 3185 London SW18 3JG and I'll refund your money personally!"
Tom Robinson, BBC6

REVIEWS:

The Other Spears
No relation to that other blond bombshell known as Britney, Los Angeles singer-songwriter JAY SPEARS IS JUST THE KIND OF TROUBADOR THAT THE GAY WORLD NEEDS. The comical slice-of-life pieces on Spears' acclaimed debut, "Boy Howdy", perfectly capture his easygoing West Coast sensibility, all the while making nods to the men he's loved and sometimes lost.
But don't think that these are merely sentimental romantic numbers. The classic guy's guy, Spears writes and sings from a jockish, happy-go-lucky perspective, though he's also skeptical about the macho-man mentality.
"My Ray" is the first in a string of tunes named after those special men whom Spears has encountered. Against a '50s doo-wop backdrop, he aims his arrow for the heart of a "big strong chango" in a love song that's like no other. The chanting sports anthem "I Like Mike" finds a hunky teammate at the center of Spears' affections, while "Cryin' over Brian" follows the path of a heartbreaking heartthrob right to Jay's bed.
Spears' musings aren't always so lighthearted, though. "Positive" takes a sobering look at how HIV status can affect potential relationships. Despite its honest resolution ("So now we're pals and I tell you no lie/ I hope he finds a beautiful positive guy"), the track has caused some controversy among listeners. Such is the dilemma of difficult themes that deal with volatile emotions, and Spears triumphs by inviting people to think about the issues in a way that's moving and real. (9 out of 10)
Jason Roush Aug 28 BAY WINDOWS, "New England's Largest Gay & Lesbian Newspaper"

NOT SINCE, MAYBE, RANDY NEWMAN, HAVE I HEARD A BODY OF WORK SO PACKED WITH UNIQUE SONGS. You certainly have a refreshing and knowing view on the world... and the talent to express it. And I'm amazed at the ease and fun with which you write about same sex love. It's usually treated as such a heavy thing. My personal favorite by far is "Nothin'". It's wonderful. And "I Like Mike" almost killed me when I started laughing out loud during a press at the gym (I brought along my Walkman that day).
Again, you've got an amazing mind. Thanks for letting us all inside it. -- MITCH GALLOB, Streeter Music

INTERNATIONAL KUDOS!!!
Hey Jay
I was one of the judges in Out Song Of The Year and YOUR WORK IS IN A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT LEAGUE FROM EVERYTHING ELSE I HEARD.
You have a wonderful sureness of touch: lines like "He's got an attitude bordering on bratitude, give the boy some latitude" or "I just dropped my wallet in the toilet" are as great as anything by Dylan or Eminem. In conception and execution your tracks had such huge exhuberance, originality and sheer joie de vivre I was grinning all over my face with enjoyment.
I present a new music show on 6 Music for BBC Digital Radio three hours a night, four nights a week. I could play a song of yours right alongside The Strokes or Busta Rhymes or Ani Di Franco without a word of explanation - and get listener e-mails clamouring to know who the hell you are.
In fact, as soon as your CD arrives I intend to.
All the best -- TOM ROBINSON

NEW REVIEW!!!
A Los Angeles singer/songwriter whose tongue is most definitely in cheek when it's not occupied with other pursuits, Jay Spears offers a unique, thoroughly delightful, and more than occasionally wry take on life. His brash presentation and go get 'em lyrics definitely push this disc to the top of the chart.
It's hard to pick favorites. "I Like Mike" ("What's not to like? He's the best darn thing to come down the pike") is more of a chant than a song, with a peanut gallery chorus echoing phrases such as "He's always playing hardball, that's my Mike". If Mike's got "an attitude bordering on brattitude," it reflects Spears' own, which adds to the fun. "Positive" is one of the finest songs about the stickiness of status disclosure yet written, while "You Will Love Again" and "Lullaby for Bea" are disarmingly tender. Ending with "Oh Hell!" and "House on Fire" (a great big beef-bo caught my eye, And soon the sparks began to fly), Boy Howdy is a cheering affirmation of gay love.
-- JASON VICTOR SERINUS (The New York Blade, North Carolina's Q-Notes, The Washington Blade, The Southern Voice, San Diego Update, The Gay Outlook)

ANOTHER NEW REVIEW!!!
From the beginning, you know this is different: irreverent, funny, in-your-face, and downright personal. Jay Spears hits many marks with his over-the-top lyrics and catchy-camp musical style. Dealing with everyday themes, some which are rarely discussed with any honesty, Spears shows us we can face the music so to speak and still maintain a sense of humor. Overall the entire CD is a rare listen, filled with good times and thought-provoking lyrics. Hmmm, can we really think and have fun at the same time??? You can when Jay Spears is guiding the train. -- LEN ROGERS, StoneWall Society

I receive an abundance of CDs and every once in a while, one stands out from the rest. Jay Spears sounds like a cross between Mark Weigle and Tom Yore on his album Boy Howdy (www.jayspears.com). "I Like Mike" is a quirky number about a baseball player boyfriend, the catchy "I'm Gonna Fall In Love" borders on silly, but is saved by the sincerity of Spears' delivery, and "You Will Love Again," sung by Annie Combs (with backing vocals by Spears), is the disc's best song. -- GREGG SHAPIRO, Windy City Times (Chicago)

reviews

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  • Everybody should like Jay.
    author: geobird

    Just when you're having fun - and believe me, the songs are fun - he sneaks in a beautiful, poignant piece. I love the way he plays with words - again, an element of fun. The musical styles are varied, and he works easily in all of them. And what can I say about the Bougainvillea Waltz? Does anyone write waltzes anymore? And then a song about flowers morphs into a metaphor for love. Amazing. It took a couple of listens for this to really grow on me, but it surely did. I liked it so much that within two weeks, I ordered "Playing on My Team." A welcome addition to my CD collection. Thanks, Jay!

  • We like Jay - What's not to like?
    author: Laura Plecki

    the CD is great and thanks for the bonus link to the video of I Like Mike - Way cool! then there's the song Crying Over Brian - truly addictive to listen to -- super CD, can't wait for the next

  • Amazingly great and super terrific !
    author: Ben

    This CD is excellent. It is real music with very smart and catchy tunes. It is very addicting. As Jay says about Mike, I say about Jay Spears "what's not to like!" Buy this CD. I can hardly wait until the new CD!

  • Great CD
    author: Wil

    I like Mike and I LOVE!!! Jay Spears!!! This CD is refreshing and quirky - it was a great pick-me-up and made me feel glad to be gay! Can't wait for the next one...

  • It's like an addiction!
    author: Guy

    This is not one of those cd's where there's one or two songs that are really good and the rest suck...out of the 12 tracks there's only 3 that I usually "skip" over. The addiction is that I can't get some of the songs out of my head and find myself humming them throughout the day. "Nothin" is one of those songs....probably because I can relate to it so well, can see me singin' it to my ex. "Lullaby for Bea" is another...a song that brings tears to my eye, very simple yet expressive and one that I hope I don't have to sing anytime soon. My favorites would have to be "I like Mike" and "House on Fire"...both have energy and wit that just gets ya bouncing and strumming your fingers on the car door.

  • Funny at times, heartfelt at others, but always entertaining.
    author: ME in OKC

    The style of Jay's music is his real success. Earthy, real and gutsy describe not only his wonderfully authentic voice, but his beautiful words and sentiment. Whether it's an ex-beau, his mom or a current squeeze, his words bring smiles and tears. His is the most real music I've heard in a long time. You'll love every melody, every word and every rhyme!

  • The Hills are alive!
    author: M. Ramsey

    Jay Spears Boy Howdy is simply good music that touches every gay man in the heart. Fun melodies, fabulous lyrics, and a voice you can fall in love with.

  • Its great, addictive, and rings true.
    author: Joe Cooley

    The songs are funny, poinient, and tell familiar stories. Keep up the good work. I LOVE MIKE is very catchy and once in your head sticks there. POSITIVE puts a humorus spin on an otherwise awkward situation. MY RAY tells a familiar tale that a few of my friends have experienced. The songs sound like they should be in a broadway musical. They tell a story and make you laugh.

  • Quirky. Funny. A lot like love.
    author: Lionel Lenoir

    Jay is a great word smith with good guitar skills and an okay voice. But.. it is ALL about the words! The songs on this CD have very hummable melodies wrapped around extremely clever and accesable lyrics. This is the thinking homos music straigt folks will totally enjoy it as well. Jay has loved and lost and loved again and manages to tell us about it with a smile and a wink, and we are all the richer for it. Buy this album. I'm glad I did and you will be too.

  • A fun romp through the foilbes of Gay life and Culture
    author: Jim alford

    Jay Spear's takes us on romp through the fads and foibles of Gay life and culture. Exposing our perchant for tunnel vision and superficiality Mr. Spear serves up such delights as Dimissed With the Quicks, My Ray, and Cryin' Over Brian. The heart felt compassion and simplictiy of Positive, Lullaby for Bea, and You Will Love Again create a wonderful juxtipostion with the lighter songs on Boy Howdy without being overly sentimental or maudlin.

  • Very original!
    author: Marvin

    I think this CD is very original, very enjoyable to listen to, glad that I had purchased it.... Thanks goes to Aaron-Carl for telling me about Jay Spears: Boy Howdy. :)

  • Fun and Upbeat
    author: Lane A.

    "I Like Mike" is a terrific song with a great video. Jay Spears is my new hero. He is upbeat and talented. His songs are about his life. He is a well grounded talented gay artist and musician.

  • BOY HOWDY is a cheering affirmation of gay love. -- JASON VICTOR SERINUS (The New York Blade, North Carolina's Q-Notes, The Washington Blade, The Southern Voice, San Diego Update, The Gay Outlook)

  • author: JASON ROUSH

    Los Angeles singer-songwriter Jay Spears is just the kind of troubadour that the gay world needs. -- JASON ROUSH, Aug 28 BAY WINDOWS, "New England's Largest Gay & Lesbian Newspaper"

  • author: MITCH GALLOB, Streeter Music

    Not since, maybe, Randy Newman, have I heard a body of work so packed with unique songs. -- MITCH GALLOB, Streeter Music

  • A deranged classic.
    author: Robert Farrar, East Sussex UK Jay Spears Fan Club President

    How many songwriters these days are actually witty? Boy Howdy is hilarious and has been glued to my CD players for a week. And not only do you get great lyrics, but also fabulous sax arrangements and back-up vocals. It's mostly euphoric but has some richly emotional moments, such as the unlisted last track – a deranged classic. This is something that I can play to my muso friends, my gay friends and my friends who appreciate quality and need to know that an insane homosexual pop star with a rough-and-ready voice and a drum machine is making some of the most interesting stuff around.

  • WARNING! Do not listen to this album if you insist on being in a bad mood!
    author: Mianek

    The music is varied and refreshingly unfashionable - clumsy hip-hop via 60s pop to Purcellian chant. Although each song is rather surprising, Boy Howdy is following a red thread - the songs are mainly about taking things as they are and making the best of life (and death). The lyrics are as ambivalent as the music is: A little tongue in cheek, a little self irony, high handedness, cruelty, sadness, sensibility and sheer bestial beauty filling up to three hankies (sniff...). Perfect for intensive listening and as perfect as background for sunday's breakfasts.

  • Fun and Funny
    author: Bryan

    This CD will make you smile, laugh, and even think about situations we all have been in at some point in our life. Jay is funny and his songs reflect a great since of adventure.

  • Perfect balance between fun and melancoly. Melodic geniality.Perfect balance bet
    author: Per Fredrik Larsson (Sweden)

    Not many artists manage to balance between seriousness and ironic fun the way Jay Spears does. At first some songs on Boy Howdy are just plain fun but underneath an ironic and sometimes downright tragic reality appears. Just like in life itself. But it is not forced in any way, which means that you can take it to you if you want or choose just to see the irony and laugh about it. Musically Boy Howdy is completed by the smart melodies and often unexpected harmonic turns. Jay Spears has a healthy disrespect for the conventional singer/songwriter-idiom. That in combination with interesting arrangements overshadows the occasionally lame and poor drum-programming, which I on the other hand know attracts some people. To sum it up. Boy Howdy is the best that has happened to the genre in a long time. Buy the record and help spread good music.

  • Fun, funny and at times wistful.
    author: Phil Thompson

    This Cd is a great mix of the funny and poignant and some of those tunes just will not get out of my head. I think this will go on to be one of my favorite all time CDs and is a perfect antidote to those miserable day at work blues. I love this CD!

  • Perfect balance between fun and melancoly. Melodic geniality.Perfect balance bet
    author: Per Fredrik Larsson (Sweden)

    Not many artists manage to balance between seriousness and ironic fun the way Jay Spears does. At first some songs on Boy Howdy are just plain fun but underneath an ironic and sometimes downright tragic reality appears. Just like in life itself. But it is not forced in any way, which means that you can take it to you if you want or choose just to see the irony and laugh about it. Musically Boy Howdy is completed by the smart melodies and often unexpected harmonic turns. Jay Spears has a healthy disrespect for the conventional singer/songwriter-idiom. That in combination with interesting arrangements overshadows the occasionally lame and poor drum-programming, which I on the other hand know attracts some people. To sum it up. Boy Howdy is the best that has happened to the genre in a long time. Buy the record and help spread good music.

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