Jim Noir

October 8, 2008

I discovered Jim Noir while I was perusing through rate your music a couple days ago and noticed his album on a few best of 2008 lists whose tastes aligned quite well with my own.  After discovering that he was on Barsuk Records (Mates of State, Nada Surf), I knew that I had to give him a listen, and I definitely liked what I heard.  The guys overflowing with 60’s-influenced melodies, harmonies, and overall grooviness with some modern digital touches.  There’s plenty of artists doing neo-psychedelia artists in today’s musical climate, but it’s rare you come along someone like Jim Noir who does it so well (I’d also throw Caribou and Panda Bear in that “doing it well” category).

The centerpiece of Jim’s self-titled album is the bright, summery “Happy Day Today”, with it’s playful trumpet-like synth, fuzzy electronica, and sunshine pop vocal harmonies (which sound strikingly similar to a certain 60’s California band, I won’t name any names).  About 2/3 of the way through the song, the bouncy pop sounds are replaced with emotive strings and an acoustic guitar which adds another superb layer to the song’s musical pallette, and futher bring out the pretty harmonies.  “Don’t You Worry” is a funky, stylish track that finds it’s foundation in a groovy bass line and a melody that could have been on Oracle and Odyssey.  Summertime is over, but if you want to relive those sunny days of yesterseason, Jim Noir will do the trick.

MP3 Don’t You Worry
MP3 Happy Day Today

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Posted by Taylor in Artist Spotlight