Pop/Review Jackie Moontan - The Dark Side Of The Tanning Bed

Jackie Moontan is a moon man, or so he claims. Other claims include that he crash-landed his spaceship into a Mississippi swamp in the mid-70s, that he was partially blinded by seeing Elvis perform in a glitzy rhinestone suit in Las Vegas, and that he taught James Brown how to do the funky chicken, the last claim being highly questionable.

“The Dark Side Of The Tanning Bed” by Jackie Moontan is a genre-bending, highly inventive album that creates a unique listening experience by combining comedy, sorrow, and groove-driven tunes. Moontan's trademark fusion of synth-pop, funk, and unconventional narrative results in a set of songs that are both humorously weird and intensely intimate.

Set in an irresistibly catchy, sun-drenched musical palette, the album tackles issues of self-image, transient celebrity, and existential dread from the very first track, setting an atmosphere that is equal parts ludicrous and contemplative. Moontan's ability to combine sarcasm and genuine passion is evident in the songwriting's subtle depth behind its humorous exterior.

The lively and varied production takes cues from indie electronica, psychedelic funk, and synth-pop from the 1980s. Songs like "Magic Pants" and "Starmaker" have mesmerizing beats, yet ballads like "Freak Kingdom" show the artist's vulnerability. His vocals contribute to the album's unique character by frequently alternating between dramatic spoken-word delivery and silky crooning.

“The Dark Side Of The Tanning Bed's” ability to balance poignancy with humor, having listeners laugh one minute and think the next, is what makes it so captivating. For people who enjoy music that doesn't take itself too seriously but still has a profound effect, Jackie Moontan creates an audio fever dream. Fans of the strange, the amazing, and the outrageously inventive should listen to this album.