There is going to be a big difference in the quality from the 64 KBs MP3s and the VBR MP3's. VBR is Variable Bit Rate which simply means when the music is quiet it takes up less space then when it is loud. It is just an encyption method that gives you quality sound at less of a bit rate making them take up less space.

The 64 KBs files are just a straight 64 KB thruout the music - I have yet to sample these but I would expect them to be the worse soudning of all of them.

In reference to other shows I would highly recommend the KFOG show from 2/13/02 as it is LIVE in studio right off of the soundboard. The fact that it is a VERY small audience helps matters and you don't have to deal with the idiot college chick talking to her girlfrind thru the whole recording like a lot of other shows. It is quiet thruout the recording as people attending proabably actually wanted to hear his music rather than going to a concert to 'hang out'.

Has anybody picked this one up yet? How does it rank against J.J.'s previous releases?

Weakest thus far. It's not that much of a "stylistic change" that everyone predicted, but lyrically its about politics & war. Not what you'd expect from him. Very quiet too for some reason.

I got it yesterday from Best Buy ($9.99!) and am going to give it a listen. I'm not thrilled that it's more of a political album, but I'm looking forward to it.

I think it's no coincidence that Jack Johnson released an album on a day that turned out to be sunny and 77 degrees in February (even if this album isn't his breeziest). :)

Pre-ordered it a month or so ago on iTunes. Should be downloading as we speak.

I've only listened to it once, but my initial reaction is that I'm a bit underwhelmed.

I don't think that it's a bad album at all, but I just think it's a bit bland compared to Brushfire Fairytales, On and On, and In Between Dreams.

It's not bad...but it is a lot slower, quieter and depressing than the majority of his other records...it's like the antithesis to the 'Curious George' soundtrack. It's growing on me, but my favourites are the more upbeat 'classic JJ' songs like "If I Had Eyes", "What You Thought You Need", "Sleep Through The Static" and my current fave song is easily "Hope".

So it's good, but it's February release date now makes perfect sense. This is not a Jack Johnson summer record...this is Jack Johnson's cold winter album.

wow. that's totally spot on.

I'm disappointed so far, its very slow and the least favorite of his albums. I'm hoping it will grow on me with future listenings. JJ usually puts me in a good mood but this one is so blah!

Not as good as previous, but still much better than a lot of other music out there.

I still don't have the Brushfire CD. Maybe I should purchase it first instead of his latest outing. Reviews for Sleep Through The Static seem lukewarm.

Considering most places have his back catalogue on sale (3 for $25 up here) I'd say get BOTH.

The Brushfire CD is a MUST.

Hi everybody,
I'm looking for one information : do you know the name of Jack's friend whose death "inspired" the first song of JJ new album, 'All at once' ?
Thanks !!!

Danny Riley.

Hey guys,

I'm new to Jack Johnson. I just started listening to him at the beginning of March. So far I've downloaded 3 of his CD's from itunes (Brushfire fairytales, In Between dreams & Sleep through the static)
Sleep through the static is by far my favorite of the 3 and brushfire is BY FAR my least favorite. I think every song on static is AMAZING (my favorite being Monsoon) while there are only a few on brushfire that I really like. Looks like the only other CD I'm missing of his is "on and on". is it worth a purchase?

Yes. IMO "On and On" is his best cd by far.

Just heard my first Jack Johnson this weekend, jesus LOVE brushfire, will check out the rest soon. That first album is just pure greatness.

Just ordered mine off amazon : ) can´t wait!

I recently descovered Jack Johnson as well. AMAZING stuff. I have every album and love them all (with sleep through the static actually being my favorite)

for me, it all goes back to "flake". LOVE that song. i've liked a lot of hist stuff since, but that one song is his best, to me.

Saw him Friday night in Irvine...6th row...WOW, he was WAYYY better than I expected. My wife is the big fan, and this was one I had to get tickets for (else be divorced) and I was totally impressed...

My first "taper friendly" show, and I didn't tape!

I've seen him a few times and his shows are always good...just a great vibe and somehow the songs sound EVEN BETTER live. I saw him last month and am already hoping he comes back ASAP. Glad you liked it!