Jim Noir
< author: doctor phil > |
Jim Noir Tower of Love Label: Barsuk |
I don’t often get to use the word “rollicking”, but it describes “Tower of Love” perfectly. Most of the songs on the record are propelled by the most devastatingly bouncy bass this side of funk and that time long ago when rock and roll meant toe-tapping rhythm. It’s a wash of colorful sound, airy substance like whipped cream with rainbow sprinkles in a bowl by itself. It’s poppy mood music, that tries for nothing epic, and succeeds in providing the perfect soundtrack to fuel an afternoon stroll on an English lane- Saturday morning, Sunday noon, or whenever the company’s a life-loving blessing.
“Jim Noir” (NOT his real name, what’s he got to hide, anyway?) has painted a portrait of Proper bliss. The difference between this and say, an American offering would be the difference between the beauty of wildflowers on the side of the highway, giant fields of color and chaos, and a rooftop garden in the city, neatly trimmed, rows symmetrical, and loving care given to the arrangement of the colors. Tower of Love is like that rooftop garden, neatly arranged, beautiful, a pleasant place to relax with a friend, or say, honestly, take tea. Mr. Noir has a gardener’s green thumb in growing an organic and eclectic collection of sonic treats, and an interior designer’s eye for placing them in just the right place, at just the right time, to create a mood of cheery exuberance and total summer ease. He also happens to be able to play a hell of a solo, when the occasion arises, and I’m pretty sure he’s a fan of George Harrison. Always very tasteful.
In the event his tour ever happens through the Hampton Roads area, I’m sure I’ll find myself in the front row, eyes closed, and swaying in a free-form dance inspired by every Jefferson Airplane audience clip I’ve ever seen. And then I’ll get over my ironic self, lean back, and lean my head on a beautiful girl’s shoulder, and commence to tapping my foot and grooving with that perfect bouncing bass.