Jim Guthrie – Now, More Than Ever

I’m not sure if it’s the current warm spell we’re experiencing here in Doha (not seen a cloud for over 3 months) has made me chill out more, or if it’s the sudden slow down of life here with most sane people leaving the country for cooler climates and well-earned holidays but I can’t remember enjoying an album so much, can’t remember playing an album so much for a very long time.

I reckon it’s been a good year, so far, with numerous new releases, re-releases, old albums rediscovered (Motorpsycho, Betty Steeles, Tindersticks, Colosseum to name but four) – and then when you think that it’s safe to surf MySpace, Amazon, etc and you promise yourself that you won’t spend any more money on new music… kerblaamm – you find this little gem of a record.

Jim Guthrie is a Canadian singer-songwriter (there must be something in their water the way they keep producing artists like this) and has recorded and toured both as a solo artist and as a member of the bands Islands, Royal City and Human Highway. These names probably won’t mean too much to you but are worth checking out if only for the album cover of Human Highway’s Moodys Motorcycle.

So why do I like the album so much? Good question, I’m not really sure – can’t really pinpoint what makes it so good. I love the strings (arranged by Owen Pallett) that take the songs to another level. I love the lyrics, very strong, very simple but strong that paint pictures in your mind, subtle dreams that you can take anywhere.

The songs here are good, very good – I hear a craftsman at work, someone who knows how to tell a story in 5 minutes, someone who can convey his emotions, someone with something to say. The production is very good, the band is very good, the whole bloody thing is very good – but what makes it so special?

I think it’s is the feel of the album – it all sounds just so right, reminds me of Midlake and their ‘Courage of Other’ album as there’s space and light in each song, there’s character and tone – a spirit that demands you sit down and listen. So, I’d better shut up and leave you to listen to the music.

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If you would like to order the album from 3syllablesrecords simply mention MFTM and you’ll receive a 20% discount – and don’t forget that you can win a copy of the album in our Ultimate BBQ Music Mix!