Jason Simon - Jason Simon

  by Carl Bookstein

published: 4 / 9 / 2010

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Jason Simon, guitarist and singer for the critically acclaimed Washington D.C. psych rock band Dead Meadow, is releasing his self titled debut solo album on Tee Pee Records. He creates here his own blend of acoustic folk music that calls to mind the masters, yet features his own unique take. 'Let’s Begin', the opening track, starts with gorgeous acoustic guitar and a vocal that possesses an easy mystic spiritual quality. The result is quite captivating as the lyrics are challenging and thoughtful: “Whether it be fate or chance that in the end must win/I’ve got no fear, no trembling/I’ll play and play again." 'Let It Go' carries a weary war torn disposition as the singer expresses that hope eternal did him no good at all. Next, 'Good Hope Road' is at once eerie and beautiful with guitar work that is simultaneously simple and intricate. The vocal is lovely: “I follow your sleepy stare/Yes I’ll meet you there to carry that load on Good Hope Road.” 'Jason Simon' is folk music with depth-stripped down and intimate. The lyrics are poignant and the guitar work is inspired. 'The Dust Does Blow' conjures images of desert sands and dust storms. The song possesses a hypnotic droning quality that is somehow soul stirring. Simon covers Bob Dylan’s 'As I Went Out One Morning', a song that recalls a traditional folk ballad. Simon’s version is well sung and played, utilizing a swirling wailing electric guitar that is unexpected and brilliant. 'What You Put Into Your Head…' brings to mind a barstool blues that philosophizes with an appealing vocal about friendship and loneliness: “Some friends they stay the course and some they get blown/I want you here with me/Can’t make it on my own.” On 'The Clear Light', the album’s finale, a hypnotic acoustic guitar meets a shimmering electric drone. The result is a rich sound that brings to mind an Indian mantra. The album ends on a lyrically poignant positive note: “Can you feel the clear light coming on, coming on?/All that came before- it’s now over.” With evocative lyrics and lovely guitar, Jason Simon takes the opportunity that is his first solo album, and capably delivers.

Track Listing:-

1 Let's Begin
2 I Let It Go
3 Good Hope Road
4 The Dust Does Blow
5 Hollow Eyed And Howling
6 As I Went Out One Morning
7 A House Up On A Hill
8 What You Put Into Your Head...
9 Strayin'
10 The Clear Light

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