Two-Song Single Review: Jimmy Lee Morris – “When I’m Gone”/”Temptation”

Jimmy Lee Morris

photo courtesy of Jimmy Lee Morris

Jimmy Lee Morris – “When I’m Gone”/“Temptation”

The Backstory

I reviewed Jimmy Lee Morris‘ full-length album Wilderness Wood here on the blog this spring.  This is his newest recording, a two-sided single that’s available as a single-file digital download. Its official release date was yesterday, September 16th. Like Wilderness Wood, this double-single was produced by Simon Scardanelli.

Review of Jimmy Lee Morris: “When I’m Gone”/“Temptation”

Jimmy Lee Morris - When I'm Gone/Temptation

image courtesy of Jimmy Lee Morris

Is folkabilly a word? Jimmy Lee Morris’ “When I’m Gone” puts a bit of a ‘50s rock spin on pop-folk with a bit of a hillbilly edge. And some nice jazz/blues horns. With a happy, upbeat energy that’ll have you swaying to the rhythm by the middle of the song.

It’s followed by “Temptation,” whose lower register gives it a dark edge when you hear it directly following “When I’m Gone,” though it rattles and shakes pleasantly enough. The twang in “Temptation,” though, is decidedly more bluesy.

These two songs are, indeed, a well-matched pair, ideal for a two-sided single release.

Single Review: Bethan Lees – “Post Festival Blues”

 

Bethan Lees

photo courtesy of Bethan Lees

by James Morris, Contributing Blogger

Debut Single from young English singer-songwriter Bethan Lees: “Post Festival Blues”

Just heard this single get its first play on a UK radio station. I loved it and so quickly got down to writing this review to share it with the world. “Post Festival Blues” is the debut single from Bethan Lees released 10th September as a digital download on Folkstock Records’ Bandcamp page. I believe there is an EP to follow, which I look forward to reviewing for you, but for now I’m excited with this first chance to hear a new and rare talent.

Bethan Lee - Post Festival Blues

image courtesy of Folkstock Records

This is a very well-timed release as the summer draws to a close and all the many festival goers have to wend their weary ways home. Away from the fun and frivolity, the music and the mud, it’s easy to feel down once you hit the mundane routine of normal life.

Bethan has obviously been there and taps into that mood with her engaging and inspired song.

The songwriting is highly unique, and her use of imagery and words belies her young 20 years. The song is genuinely uplifting and also rather fun. Her voice is also captivating. It is, in fact, beautiful and vulnerable all in one. She seems to effortlessly mesmerise with her voice and songwriting.

Bethan Lee

photo courtesy of Folkstock Records

There is a quaint Englishness in her lyrics, rather like Ray Davies or Lily Allen but with a unique style all of her own. The song is written from a personal perspective, trying to lift the rather disconsolate mood of a friend suffering from the end of summer post-festival blues. It starts with a rather laid-back feel, “I’m sitting on the coffee table, cup of tea upon my knee, you’re singing me those silly songs it’s a life of luxury”. Relaxed, simple, and acoustic, it draws you in with its gentle storytelling brushstrokes before grabbing you with both hands and jumping you up on your feet to swing you around the room to its gypsy folk/ska beats. All-in-all an infectious and uplifting dance of joy.

That’s it in a nutshell, a small glimpse of Bethan Lees and her enchanting talent. I am really looking forward to her full-release EP and to hear that lovely voice again and see what stories and journeys she will take me on. A fantastic new singer songwriter to listen out for. Watch this space.