click image to enlarge |
Through the
Walls, originally released by Skyscape Records, has developed quite
a niche following in the states as well as in the UK. Jon recorded
all the instruments and vocals in solitude. The outcome is astonishing.
In a time when popular music is about the quick hook, Jon Simons has
created a piece of work that is truly an experience. The album starts
out like a movie, with the sounds of a person coming home from a days
work, fixing a drink, starting up a record, and relaxing in the favorite
chair. The disk ends with the rumbling sounds of the sea. What lies
in-between is a surreal journey through Jon’s creative mind.
His lyrics are poetic and thought provoking and the music is mellow
and lush with dreamlike harmonies. |
From Liner Notes:
Written, produced, recorded, and performed by Jon Simons during a six week spell of isolation.
Created on an analog 8-track reel-to-reel recorder without assistance from drum machines, samplers, synthesizers, or MIDI.
Production:
All words and music written by Jon Simons
Engineered by Jon Simons
Mixed by Mark Hallman and Jon Simons at The
Congress House Studio
Mastered by Mark Hallman
Graphic Layout by Brook Sefton for Eclipse Communications
Photography by Julia Robinson |
Deep Fun [ July 16, 2001 ]
Jon Simons' "Through the Walls" is a deep draught.. Maybe it's because I picked this up at a Nick Drake tribute concert, but Jon's way with atmospheric song structure, sparse arrangement and obliquely intimate lyrics touches me like none more than ND. They also share a willingness to go deep and stay there, without obliging nods to rock traditions for which they have no apparent affinity. He's no Nick nicker, though. Original work, this. How did you even come to find this review? See it as the happy accident it is and buy this CD.
-Paul Sonnenburg (Amazon Review)
Editorial Review [July 5, 2001]
Through the Walls" is one of those CDs where it doesn't deserve to just be background music. This is a CD that absolutely needs to be listened to with the lights down low, and you just sit and listen to it. Don't do anything else. Don't read, don't talk to others, and don't play video games. Just enjoy! [ Click
to Read the Full Review ]
-Erik Deckers (Indie Music) |
