Jim Noir’s quirky first album of pinky plonky, psychedelic electronica with naïve lyrics and pop sensibilities oozed charm and won plenty of plaudits, so it is no surprise that his sophomore effort – which again he played every instrument on - continues in a similar vein.
That’s not to say Jim Noir offers nothing new. Far from it. While this album does not digress hugely from its predecessor, it does show a natural musical progression and is generally lusher and more ambitious in its production. Alright demonstrates this well, with layers of electronica and vocals rounded off with a harmony which could almost have been lifted from Pet Sounds.
The leftfield, madcap and often frivolous lyrical content from his first record remains and, though sometimes his wordplay is a little banal (Good Old Vinyl is about him accidentally breaking his favourite CDs), overall the songs have a wonderful sense of sweetness and quintessential Britishness. Same Place Holiday is a good example of this, with its nostalgic tale of childhood summers spent in English resorts. Noir’s choruses are insanely catchy too; and are often the same line repeated over and over, making them almost impossible not to sing along to.
It’s all incredibly cheerful stuff; and sounds like Super Furry Animals having a big old cuddle with The Beach Boys. Yes, it’s really that cute, and deserves much more recognition that it probably will get. Both for its sense of unabated sanguinity and the quality of the music on offer here, Jim Noir is utterly irresistible.
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