Album Reviews

Although reviews can lazily (and arguably) reference, say, the Stones, the Beatles, or Bowie in just about every other straightaway rock and/or pop record released in the past few decades, Jim Noir's self titled release seemingly begs comparisons to Sir David moreso than do most efforts; the Manchester native's latest is so packed with '70s inspired AM radio-ready melody and soft, electro, space-pop texture that the task of overlooking such influence is nearly impossible. Often, such Bowie-come-lately releases fall short of the highwater marks that will forever stunt the growth of diligent popsmiths of late, and this release is no real exception—except that Noir manages, over the course of thirteen offerings, to distance himself from such an easily drawn parallel by fixing hook and melody so firmly to the base of one's skull that an applied cranial shoehorn would do little to extricate them.

Trading in "Major Tom" for "Welcome Commander Jameson," the record opens with a big, one-minute bang of perma-choruses. However, the mood soon takes on Air-like qualities, with digitalizing vocals skipping along like a lost Sea and Cake outtake with "All Right." Here the album plays like an updated '60s British Invasion album, as is most of the melody of the record. Sprinkle in some latent stylings ala John Vanderslice (who is Noir's Barsuk labelmate) for sonic manipulation, and Noir has created a relatively easily-digestible sound fit for fans of bubbly, well paced (and spaced) modern pop.

Unafraid of delivering the schmaltziest pop melodies, tracks such as "Happy Day Today" make excellent use of tried and true formulaic compositions. But it is the soaring, five-minute-plus "On a Different Shelf" that both echoes the best of the Bowie anthem and the out-to-space soaring qualities that beg repeated listenings. Slowly building upon layers of sound (including background snippets of kids at play), the song—like the album—justifies idolatry, as the guitar solo lead-ins to quick drum breakdowns, sonic collages and excellent restraint/release dynamic band together to create a sound both familiar and welcoming. All young dudes need apply.

—William Morris
04.21.08