Jim Noir

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

His debut album Tower of Love set the bar pretty high for the one-chap band that is Jim Noir. The tunes were all super memorable and the sound was a bliss inducing mixture of burbling electronic beats, layered vocals reminiscent of '60s sunshine pop, trippy arrangements that harken back to the heyday of British psychedelia, goofy lyrics that always bring a smile, and instantly familiar melodies. Apparently, Noir liked the sound, too, since his second album replicates it, refines it and, in the best possible way, retreads it. It's easy to cut him and the album some slack since it's only the second one he's released. If it were his third, or fifth, record to have the same sound and feel, then it'd be a problem. On Jim Noir, it's like a second helping of a particularly good meal. Or more specifically, a second giant cupcake with a big glop of frosting on top. The songs are just as bubbly, the lyrics reach acceptable levels of silly (CDs vs. vinyl, going on a holiday, and having songs stuck in your head are some of the topics covered) and Noir generally sounds like he's having the time of his life making this album. The only problem with the record is that there are no stand-out tracks like Tower of Love's "My Patch" or "Eenie Meenie" to be found. As the stereotypical A&R weasel might say; "I don't hear a single." That could be a fatal flaw except that the overall quality of the record is so high and the sound is so perfect, you don't feel like there is something so terribly important missing. Songs like the lovely ballad "On a Different Shelf," the tough as nails rocker "What U Gonna Do" (which is sure to get played like crazy on Little Steven's Underground Garage) or the impossibly chipper and bouncy "Happy Day Today" are more than enough to salve any wounds and make the album a satisfying listening experience. If the third album comes out sounding exactly like this, we may need to re-examine Mr. Noir and his bubble machine, but for now it's enough to frolic giddily in the froth. ~ Tim Sendra, All Music Guide