I only became aware of The Jag when they featured in last week's Metro newspaper in a fashion feature and were described as "reluctantly handsome", which seemed a bit of a back handed compliment really. Still, it was enough for me to check out their myspace page and I'm glad I did. If you have read my theory on why The Ordinary Boys could be the biggest pop band in England if only they weren't so hung up on not being so, then you will know why I instantly love Jag. There is a cheeky irreverence in their music that filters witty lyrics through punk-pop and ska influences and comes out with a diamond of a track like debut single Lover In Handcuffs, which may have to win title of the year. I mean, who can't relate to or hasn't been in that situation ;) Full of kinkified lyrics ("I'm a lovely lover in handcuffs/never tire of being tied up"), the song is ridiculously catchy, boasts some accomplished guitar playing and at a mere 2 and a half minutes, is like a blast of fresh air in your face, blowing away the cobwebs of the dull boring pop music malingering round the charts at the moment. Just the sheer exuberance of the single makes you ache to see what could possibly be a very fine live show… Plus they have a brilliantly titled section of reviews on their myspace blog called Reviewers in Handcuffs, which could be quite an enticing invitation ;) Now we just need to get them into Jo Wiley's Live Lounge to cover hard-fi's Tied Up Too Tight...
