Joel Timmons – Psychedelic Surf Country
I’ve always encouraged artists to find a way to express themselves with more sharpened originality. Many do songs about things sung countless times. South Carolina’s Joel Timmons will probably do the same. However, because of his creativity, he crafts a showcase that’s innovative through his presentation.
Psychedelic Surf Country (Drops Feb 7/Independent/39:41) was produced by Maya De Vitry (synth/handclaps/harmony) in TN. Joel (lead vocals/guitars/jaw harp) has created an LP with references to his love of the sea. Joel’s coastal roots & strong Nashville country instincts create an interesting blend through 11 unique musical identities. It starts with “Just A Man” & is a bit folky, threaded with some saccharine-laced psychedelic sound effects. The additives with clever lyrics entwined between crafty words are sung with little country hokum.
It’s like when a cook gathers ingredients for a tasty recipe. There are things for the dish that will make a novice cringe, but they’ll never taste those unsavory flavors on the final plate. It’s the Joel Timmons totality that brings out his musical flavor.
With an Al Kooper-type organ swipe “Turbo” has a unified type of Irish pub sing-along thrust. But this is a rocker with a tall cool head on its brew. Typical stuff. Yes. But everything’s played well if not a little retro. As is the other rocker, the Loudon Wainwright III cover “The Swimming Song,” with its pre-Beatles cleverness & Duane Eddy-grade guitar is a delight.
“The Bullfighter” – an acoustic piece features a gritty female vocal that makes for an interesting listen. The contrast between voices is captivating. It has a lean country feel. There are moments when Joel drifts off into songs that are more like facsimiles. It’s not easy after decades to tap into songs that are original & come up with new strategies. However, Joel’s basic songs have merits. You can cruise through them or pull over & proceed to “End of the Empire.”
This piece is impressive. With his country drive, Joel adds his love of the water to the country breeze of “Cottage By the Sea.” Mr. Timmons has something several artists lack. A sense of humor without being silly. He gently seasons his melodies & though he’s not quite John Prine he has a Roger Miller sensibility.
Joel walks a tightrope of country & folk mixed with psychedelia on sure footing.
Highlights: “Just A Man,” “Turbo,” “The Bullfighter,” “End of the Empire,” “Cottage By the Sea,” “The Swimming Song” & “Say It To My Face.”
Musicians: Jason Carter (fiddle/harmony), Dominick Leslie (mandolin), Alex Wilder (handclaps/harmony), Brett Resnick (pedal steel guitar), De Marco Johnson (keys), Ethan Jodziewicz (upright & bass), Mark Raudabaugh (drums/percussion), Shelby Means, Cary Ann Hearst & Oliver Wood (harmony) & Casper (barks).
Cover photo courtesy of Scott Simontacchi. CD @ Bandcamp + Amazon & https://www.joeltimmons.com/
