An introduction to Jim Pearson. From the rugged moors of North England comes a fresh and truly original singer-songwriter. This is a quirky, sensitive, witty, quintessencially British sound that grows on one with each listen. And lurking behind the eccentric trappings are some highly infectious grooves, amber guitar tones, and wickedly clever arrangements that George Martin would be proud of. But then what would you expect from an artist that cites British Army bands, Black Sabbath, and Charlie Brown as influences?
Jim's music is like a rich, peaty, single-malt Scotch. No it isn't for everyone - it takes quite a bit of living before you learn to savour that slow, burning taste. That voice... so world-weary, ancient, sincere, playful, ironic, cheerful, wistful, innocent, and hopeful within just a few bars. Reviewers have compared it to Bowie, Richard Butler (Psychedelic Furs), Johnny Cash, Morrissey, and Ray Davies. But it's both older and younger than any of these - like some grey-haired British uncle that dons a military jacket and begins to sing old songs from the war then capers and leaps higher than the young ones can.
Jim's songs range from the whimsical to some of the most bitter and somber themes, yet always with a paradoxical childlike spirit that meets them head-on, wide-eyed and full of hopeful energy. With unabashed sincerity and an almost perceptible smirk Jim Pearson celebrates the fullness and complexity of the human experience in his debut CD Some Songs by Jim Pearson. Written by Jeff Roberts.
Chat room // "I've got a duel personality and this one's just for you" A whimsical take on chat room romance. All goes well for the singer endulging his second life until a meeting is suggested: "Why Don't you come and visit in real life?" He panics: "And in that chilling moment I knew that I had gone too far/And how would I explain you to my wife?" The song has a bouncy beat with acoustic guitar, piano, beatle bass and gentle drumming that build as the singer muses about possible encounters. The vocals are mellow with a slightly world weary rasp to them, a little like John Cale, but the melody and playfull lyrics make me think more of Neil Innes and the Bonzo Dog Band. Good Stuff! Reviewed by: teffnut from Boston, Massachusetts on 5Aug2007
OVER TO YOU BOB! // This is a great song! I love the sort of whimsical nature about it - the lyrics are excellent, a perfect suburbia picture. The guitar suits the lyrics really well - it's light, simple and repetitive, which only really works if your subject matter is something light, simple and repetitive. Reviewed by: PaperStrangers from Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada on 27Mar2008
There must be something wrong with the world // Smart, offbeat tone is established immediately by spare instrumentation (casio bass, single note keyboard, drum), oddball beat and dissonant harmony. Voice comes in and confirms that we're in a world without 90-degree angles or straight lines or predictable ticks of the metronome - phrasing is rigorously 'off', syllables fall where they shouldn't, etc. Which is appropriate once you start listening to the lyrics, which intelligently lament the completely disjointed logic of the world itself ('my food doesn't cost as much as its packaging'). Nice buildup throughout, such that the finale is full and rich, all the oddities layered perfectly atop one another to make a lovely whole. If only we could do that with the world... Stylistically it belongs to that evolutionary branch that's right near Eno but that really starts with Todd Rundgren and includes Guided By Voices and the like. Reviewed by: BADGNUS from Milan, Italy on 26Mar2007
Keep ahead of the Joneses // Finally a song that gets to the point quickly... This vocalist is delivering these words/melody/point very well. Bass is fat and meaty. Is that a banjo? This just keeps getting better. Perfect length. This is a really good song, without all the screeching and yelling I hear in so many other songs... Sit down with a cup of tea, stare out the window at the rainy clouds and wear out the rewind button on your iPod listening to this gem. LanceCampeau from Montreal, Quebec, Canada on 31May2008
How can I live without you? // If I don't hear "How Can I Live Without You" in a film someday, well, then there's just no justice in this world! Dirt Farmer 13 Apr 2008
Long way home // This song is a classic troubadour ballad of the oldest of old school; Irish and rolling like the hills. Great piano work and the perfect reedy voice let you follow the singer’s tale of war and love without missing a single syllable. The lyrics are poetic, neither too high in concept nor too low in vocabulary. The epilogue is perfect, just perfect. jef_rouner from Houston, Texas on 5Feb2008
Everybody wants // Like the groovy environmentally conscious lyrical masterpiece of everybody want to drive. This song is about everybody wanting to do things that are normal but actual if you look at what we do... it's easy to see that we're just building walls and polluting the landscape. This song ironically points out the inconsistencies in modern (or not even modern) day man. Catchy music and message done in a smart a cool manner with heart. Excellent! groovyalien from Area 51, Nevada on 11Sep2007
Storm // The bass line catches me at once, draws me in. This is a very tight composition, full of held back energy. The pianofigure mimicking the bass. There is something "uneasy" about this song that is underlined by the raw production. Then at about 2´10 you get pads and strings and it sounds beautiful. The intensity is growing, the drums picking up, energy released. Suddenly you are in the middle of the storm from the title. The best music paints pictures in your head and this does exactly that. onesadhorse from Sweden on 2Feb2007
I'm happy You're sorry // A very moody and sombre intro and track...really liked the vocals on this...deep and dark and brooding. Very depressing sound...cleverly created by some nice musical arrangement and production. Lyrically a nice juxtaposition...creates a bitter and heartfelt song. A very impressive track that creates a relentless mood. Good work. Short and not sweet....very bitter! TheSwank from Southcoast, United Kingdom on 27Oct2006
Bucket of tears // Bucket of Tears is maybe the most flawed and yet the most wonderful song that you've done. This song aches in such a beautiful way. Yet another tune that I will listen again and again long after the "friendly listen". Where the hell is Peel? Jeff Roberts 17 Apr 2008
Sinking ship // Wow.. I often find it hard to say something good about so many songs on here. This is just the opposite. I liked it from the opening 10 seconds, and it never let me down. Great production. Nice alt-country flair, but with a College radio/alternative bent. It sounds like Johnny Cash meets the Wedding Present. I really like the vocalist.. and the lyrics. Very nice. This is good music...finally :) spollk from Seattle, Washington on 2May2007
