Harper SimonHarper Simon
Tulsi/Vagrant/PIAS Records [2009/2010]
Fire Drill Review:
I am not sure how we missed this one when it released late last year in the States but the debut album from Harper Simon (Paul Simon's son) is an excellent indie record that has both a quiet prettiness and a folksy backbone to it, making for a pure 30 minutes of solid listening. It should be no surprise that Simon's vocals follow in his father's footsteps on the memorable soft closer "Berkeley Girl" that is right out of the Simon & Garfunkel songbook but the vibrant upbeat melodies in "Wishes And Stars" and the twangy and catchy "Shooting Star" separates Harper from the big shadow that looms over every celebrity offspring. The entire record balances this style as "The Audit" is supported by superb lush arrangements and "Tennessee" has a noticeable pedal steel running through it. This free flowing sound complemented by tons of talented help, that includes Petra Haden, Sean Lennon, Yuka Honda, Russell Simins, Marc Ribot, Lloyd Green, Aaron Espinoza (Earlimart), and Eleni Mandell, makes for a debut that should be enjoyed by everyone that picks this record up!
Key Tracks: "Berkeley Girl", "Wishes And Stars", "Shooting Star"
Band With Similar Fire: Elliott Smith
Harper Simon Website
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Tulsi Records
Vagrant Records
PIAS Records
-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony
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