Jon Lindsay "Escape From Plaza-Midwood"

North Carolinian Jon Lindsay shines on his full length debut full of melodies and magic.  He’s a favorite of musicians Ken Stringfellow (The Posies), Britt Harper Uzzell(Ben Folds) and Caitlin Cary (Whiskeytown). Opening with “These Are The End Times” it’s a mini-symphony Brian Wilson would approve of, complete with a variety of instruments including steel drum and sleigh bells. The next track “Inside Prince Paul” is just as impressive, sounding like a combination of 10cc and Apples in Stereo in the chorus. Another highlight is the anthemic “My Blue Angels” which revels in the pleasures of rock and roll set to a infectious beat with a Chapel Hill touch.

More hooks than a fisherman’s tackle box are evidenced in the tracks “Number Every Summer” and “Bring The Old You Back” with a vocal that has a big range from indie (similar to Robert Scneider or Ben Kweller) to soaring soprano on ballads (“I Take Care Of You Now”). Most every tune here resonates, additional highlights include “Frequent Flyer” where he experiments with plenty of strange instrumental flourishes and rhythms. In fact the majority of the album is so richly packed with pop arrangement magic, that the last few tracks lose momentum by comparison. Overall an amazing debut that should not be missed.