Another day, another way for me to (buh buh) open up to you

April 28, 2008

Jamie Lidell is one iPod commercial away from becoming the breakout artist of 2008, and with this amazing of a record that he’s putting out, he honestly deserves it even more than Feist did (not saying I’m not happy for the gal). Lidell’s follow up to 2005’s Multiply, simply entitled Jim, is one of my most consistently listened to records of the year and I don’t see that stopping anytime soon (especially with it’s very good-time summery feel). The man has been picking up comparisons left and right to Sam Cooke, Frank Sinatra, Otis Redding, you know all those 60’s/70’s soul artists that your parents probably love. Lidell has modernized his free-flowing melodies with a snazzy production and packed it with layers of pianos, horns, hand-clapping and gospel choirs, along with some subtle electronic beats (not to distract you from the retro feel).

The album starts off with “Another Day”, one of the breeziest and repeatedly listenable tracks I’ve heard of the year. Lidell’s soulful croon would put to shame any number of American Idol contestants. The breezy piano melody and the call-and-response with the backing gospel choir running through the song brings the song to the next level (and that’s not to mention the light spanish guitar, trumpets, and flute). “Where D’You Go” uses many of the same elements that make the man great, except this time it’s put to an upbeat jam. Jamie sings about how he’s “gonna have to get along without you” while the song bounces up and down the octave scale. I have no doubt that it’ll get you moving and put a smile on your face. Here’s a two-song sample of Jim. Make sure to pick it up tomorrow.

MP3 Jamie Lidell – Another Day
MP3 Jamie Lidell – Where D’You Go

“Another Day” Music Video
Stream Jim on Myspace

Posted by Taylor in Artist Spotlight