Tag: Jeremy Messersmith

Jeremy Messersmith and Hurry

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Jeremy Messersmith

Jeremy Messersmith “Fox/Coyote”

Jeremy Messersmith’s latest record, ‘Fox/Coyote,’ didn’t slip under my radar. Released in April, it has been sitting on my review list, waiting for its turn. Now that I’ve spent some time with it, I’m glad I did. This is a strong musical statement, an “easy listening” record on the surface, but underneath those inviting melodies are sharp observations, lyrical wit, and plenty of emotional defiance.

Messersmith has never been afraid to speak his mind. Following the invasion of ICE agents into Minneapolis, he unleashed the single “Fuck This.” ‘Fox/Coyote’ isn’t nearly as strident, but the record carries plenty of the same conviction. “Billionaires” rides a laconic beat while imagining a more equal society, while “Boomers” is a mid-tempo ballad seemingly designed to provoke a reaction. Messersmith knows exactly how much tension to build into a beautiful melody. “Stallions” is a standout, a surprisingly touching song about finding love in midlife. “Can’t Get Out of My Way” turns awkward self-reflection into something both funny and painfully relatable, while “I Don’t Trust That Boy” delivers a steady jangle wrapped around a father’s advice. It’s an thoughtful album without becoming ponderous, political without turning into a lecture, and melodic enough to make you want to come back for another listen. Highly Recommended.

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“Hurry"

Hurry “Zoned Out”

The Philadelphia power pop band, Hurry is back. Lead songwriter Matt Scottoline wears his early Teenage Fanclub influence proudly. Hurry kicks off “All Sunk In” with crunchy guitars and rich harmonies before the lead synth arrives to carry the melody. The title track “Zoned Out” is a another example of the laid-back melodic approach. “Moving After You” takes the connection even further, featuring Teenage Fanclub’s own Gerald Love on vocals. Notable tracks include “Just Fine” and “The Dumbest Person You’ve Ever Seen.”

Nostalgia has always been part of power pop, and there’s nothing wrong with leaning into your influences. Still, a little more variety in the songwriting and arrangements would have pushed ‘Zoned Out’ to another level. Even so, this is an easy recommendation for anyone who misses the fuzz guitars and Gerald Love’s influence from the current lineup of Teenage Fanclub. For some listeners, that’s all you need.

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March Singles & EPs: Ally Kerr, The Speedways, Pretty Rude, Slow Motion Film, Clean Lines, Jeremy Messersmith, The Cynz

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“Lucky Streak” is new smooth pop from Ally Kerr, and the only use of a child’s voice in a current song I didn’t find annoying. Nice video too, album out in April. I wish NYC winter would leave already! Next The Speedways have really gem with “Visiting Hours” and it’s like a lost Elvis Costello hit. NYC rockers Pretty Rude are pretty damn good. Some glam touches on “Who Do You Think You Are (I Am)” won me over, but the entire EP is brilliant. Slow Motion Film are some members of Amoeba Teen, and it’s a different sound from that band. Check out “Painting Tattoos” and “The Ba Ba Ba Song.” Clean Lines is a band from Madrid, Spain and they kick ass all over the place with “Nuisance.” Fans of The Buzzcocks, The Nerves, The Ramones will enjoy it. A new single from Jeremy Messersmith wishes we can all be “Billionaires.” That’s a really nice dream, but Elon isn’t giving away anything to me. Finally, The Cynz have a new single with “Heartbreak Time,” and it really rocks with those harmonies and guitar licks. Enjoy!

Jeremy Messersmith “Heart Murmurs”

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I’ve followed Minneapolis singer-songwriter Jeremy Messersmith’s musical career from way back, and each new album shows improvement and growth, but now with Heart Murmurs I can say he’s hit his stride. Like Elliot Smith, Messersmith’s always been a master of melancholy melodies. But here he gives us an album that’s thematically well rounded about every aspect of heartbreak, from beginning to end. The glorious sound is to imagine Paul Simon as the leader of Coldplay.

Starting with “It’s Only Dancing,” about the tension of that first dance at a prom, the dense chords echo through your head. Next the single “Tourniquet” is an awesome earworm that lingers long enough for you to sing along. Sung with wistful elegance, “Steve” is told from the perspective of the best friend with a secret crush. “Ghost” is another heavy beat gem about leaving the past behind, contrast that with the acoustic desperation of “I Want To Be Your One Night Stand.” Each song builds with great atmosphere, “Bubblin'” and “Hitman” are another perfect tandem of mature orchestrated pop (my favorites here).

Producer Andy Thompson helps keep the arrangements clean and crisp, and accented with orchestral instrumentation that rounds out each mini drama. Overall, a creative triumph that deserves a spot on my top ten album list for 2014. If this doesn’t get the name of Jeremy Messersmith out there to the ears of the hoi polloi I don’t know what will.

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