Matthew Jameson is a solo artist on mission to win you over in more ways than one. Let me start by saying that the CD EP South Shore Girls… Jameson sent came in the most interesting package. In fact, I would say I have never received anything so clever in my twelve years writing reviews. He sent the CD in a homemade box that looks like a miniaturized version of the old 45 (vinyl 7”) records case. Outside the box is decorated with is an assimilated brass colored latch and on the top is a fender guitar pick. Inside was the CD with more decorations like an old piece of wallpaper, another pick, a Kennedy Half Dollar with arrow pointing to it that says “Bribe”. Now if that was you, wouldn’t you be smiling and already on this guys side? Well it worked for me and made me laugh. I usually don’t carry on like this about packaging of submittals for review but I was just so tickled by the entire presentation I just had to share it!
Ok so now the question; will the music live up to the packaging? Well this is an EP so there is not a lot of breathing room to make a big impression and you have to catch the ear quickly or your history. What always impresses me about indie artists like Jameson is their ability to do it all and produce a product that is actually quality and something that can cross over and reach a broad range of demographics. He wrote, recorded and produced the entire EP. The only criticisms I can offer is that the entire mix could have been better, particularly the drums, which sound thin and too far off in the background.
South Shore Girls… offers up five tracks that puts the artist in a good light. “Superhero” is about as catchy a track as the come, focusing on the pop-rock style that Jameson is capable of with layered guitars and emotive vocals that ring true and really bring the meaning of the song home. “Talk Me Down” really got my attention as well, all the pieces are in place on the track and you just cannot ignore it. Honestly I think that Jameson has the potential to release every track on this EP as a single. “Going Home” is perfectly placed to close out the recording as the title suggests.
If you like the singer/songwriter type that knows how to pen a lyric, sing it and then delivers it musically, this is your guy. I will look forward to a full length album some day from this up and coming artist.
Key Tracks: Superhero, Talk Me Down
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
June 19, 2010
