24-Hour Flash Giveaway: JJAMZ CD – Ends at 12:00 AM 12/01 – US

I have another fabulous music giveaway for you: One lucky Contest Corner reader will win a copy of the debut album from JJAMZ, so read on!

JJAMZ is the collective effort of a number of your favorite bands. The band’s name is taken from the initials of its members: James Valentine, guitarist with Maroon 5; Jason Boesel, who has served as drummer for Rilo Kiley & Bright Eyes; Alex Greenwald, best known as lead singer of Phantom Planet, Michael Runion, a musician and artist; and vocalist Z Berg of The Like. As your resident Maroon 5 fanatic, I’ve been very much looking forward to hearing JJAMZ’s debut effort, so I was glad when I got a press release in my inbox with news on the release. However, I almost deleted it without opening because of the title: Suicide Pact. Yep, that’s what they named their album – if I hadn’t noticed the mention of James Valentine in the email preview I would have trashed that sucker without even looking. Maybe they will name their next record something less sad, like Happy bunnies and sunshine. 😉

Valentine is known for bringing a strong rock influence to Maroon 5, and I have so much respect and love for what he contributes to the band with his songwriting and guitar skills. Obviously, since I enjoy his work so much I was excited to hear this new project. Every great band has a unique chemistry that brings out the best in each player, and it’s always interesting to hear the members in other projects or solo work since it brings out different elements in what they do. And here’s a fun fact: There is a recurring Phantom Planet connection with Maroon 5 – in addition to this collaboration with JJAMZ, Phantom Planet’s Sam Farrar has written material with the band and has been performing on tour with them recently as an additional member and also as a stand-in for M5 bassist Mickey Madden.

Suicide Pact is a fantastic rock record – a solid 10-song effort that is consistent and compelling from start to finish. There’s a warm, retro-garage-band feel here, an indie effort harkening back to ’60s rock & roll in many ways; at moments it is reminiscent of Best Coast, without the surf. Some of my favorite songs on here include “Cleverly Disguised”, “Square One” and “Heartbeat”, although the whole album is fabulous. From the melodic songwriting to the excellent playing and Z Berg’s lovely vocals, this record is a breath of fresh air. Although I absolutely adore the hyperbolic pop anthems on Maroon 5’s Overexposed, my biggest issue with the 2012 Top 40 is the fact that talented guitarists such as Valentine are being Protooled out of the picture. It’s refreshing to hear JJAMZ and see that there is still an outlet for Valentine and company to write, produce, and rock out without hesitation. Although no one is enjoying Maroon 5’s recent megafame more than I am – well, besides the band themselves 😉 – I mentioned in my review of Overexposed that I do think it’s a waste to have these 5 incredibly talented musicians go underutilized just because record labels feel that guitars are out of vogue now.

JJAMZ’s Suicide Pact would make an excellent stocking stuffer for any music fan, especially the Maroon 5 lover on your list! Maybe I should add a category for “Maroon 5 Gifts” to next year’s Gift Guide…Maroon 5 Christmas ornament, anyone?!

Grab your copy of the album today on iTunes for $9.99. For news and updates, check out JJAMZMUSIC.com and follow the band on Facebook and Twitter.

Rules, regulations, and other important stuff: Giveaway is open to residents of the continental United States, 18+, and ends on December 1st 2012 at 12:00 AM PST. We are sorry, but P.O. boxes and APO/FPO addresses are not eligible to win. Winner will be chosen through Rafflecopter the same day and notified via email. Winner has 48 hours to respond to our notification email, or a new winner will be chosen in their place. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook. We hereby release Facebook of any liability. By entering this giveaway, you are releasing Facebook and understand that you are providing information to Contest Corner and the giveaway sponsor, not Facebook. Contest Corner is not responsible for late entries or entries lost due to technical malfunctions. Please see our Privacy Policy and Disclosure for further details on our site’s policies. A sample was received to facilitate this review.