Jim Noir

Jim Noir
Jim Noir
(Barsuk)
On his second and self-titled album, Manchester’s Noir displays so many influences that it’s brash to call him an original. He is, though. More electronic toys than on his first, Tower of Love, results in a radiation of rococo rock Sensurround. “Ships and Clouds” has dreamy harmonies that would do Brian Wilson proud. “Oh Happy Day” rides one infectious, burbling synth riff that ELO never quite found. Music box and early Moog lead into “Good Old Vinyl,” a tune about sonics that leaves the door open for good old cassettes. Jim Noir grows with each listen to a degree that its pleasures become less guilty by the day.
Doug Taylor

This article appears in Jun 12-18, 2008.