Audio Philanthropy - Part I

Because I love music and more so because it pains me to know that people listen to bad music, I'm starting something I hope to do weekly. This is, simply put, to introduce the two or so people that read this blog to excellent music they may or may not have ever heard. I have alway wanted to write about artists I felt were not getting the recognition they deserved. Though this is in no way going to bring them popular accord, it makes me feel good and thats always a nice thing. So with out further adieu:

Braden's
AUDIOPHILANTHROPY: Pt I

this week: Jeremy Fisher - Let it Shine

I picked up his CD (I belive he has a previous release, I haven't seen it yet though) not too long ago and I'm very happy the record store decided to do a little spot on him at their "Check out this CD and spend your money on it" booths. This guy jumped the ranks of artists I like and frankly is quickly becoming a new favorite. His lyrics and voice just have such an earnest quality to them. They make me want to listen, something I wish more music did. Something about Fishers down low, homey sounding songs illustrate that warm idyllic vision about childhood hometowns we all share, and how we interact with those memories, true or not.
The biggest reason I like Fisher's music is that it has actual substance, it has weight and reality to it. The lyrics are intelligent, (the graveyard is full, grandma used to say / if you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything) and the instrumentation, though not groundbreaking, fits his style prefectly. Plus he plays harmonica and the world needs more of those little metal music-makers. Bit of folk, touch of country, plain great acoustic rock. The album has the standard teenage/highschool ballad, oddly enough its named 'Highschool'. Nothing really great about it, its what you'd expect, no more no less. Thankfully the disc has many far more interesting songs. 'Living on the Moon' is a dark little song with what I think are great vocals and nice steady beat. "Lemon Meringue Pie" has fun quick lyrics and is simply great for singing along to.
The store compared him to Hayden or Jack Johnson, I don't know if I agree with that. I can think of a number of artists to draw similarities too, but I doubt you'll have heard of them. As far as mainstream goes...a rougher, less brighteyed and more realistic Jason Mraz; maybe the b-sides to some Nashville country bands.

Anyways, the album is fresh to me still, so my opinions are hastily formed. check out his website: www.jeremyfishermusic.com

Hope over to 'music' and have quick listen. Like him or not, it'll be a refreshing break from whatever the radio is playing.