Jim Lesses
American Dream
© 2005 Jim Lesses (634479133046)
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Peace, social justice, trade unionism, and much more are canvassed by this Australian performer who is not afraid to wear his heart on his sleeve.
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In an industry full of manufactured pre-pubescent 'superstars', programmed to pout and preen on cue, the Adelaide based songwriter, Jim Lesses, presents his brand new album containing thirteen topical songs dealing with real issues that affect real people every day of the week.
The songs cover a wide range of subject matters: Peace and social justice; capital punishment; trade unionism; unemployment; the human condition; and a clutch of other songs including the title track, American Dream:
Man walks into a downtown store,
Waving a gun, people fall to the floor,
Fills up his bag then he waits for the cops,
Today is the day the rat race stops.
Chorus
Big Mac, heart attack, any time at all,
Sky high penthouse, see the body fall.
Wall Street broker, hanging on a beam,
They're all checking out of the American Dream.
In July, 2002, Jim Lesses released his debut CD, Sometimes I Wake Up Naked (also available through CD Baby). To his delight everyone who listened to the album liked it, which encouraged him to begin recording some more material.
However, since he didn't have enough money to go back into the studio and record the new songs, he decided to record and produce the album himself at home. Eighteen months, and countless hours later - this CD is the final result.
Talking about this remarkable journey, Jim says:
"It has been a huge learning curve for me getting these songs down over the past eighteen months. The experience has also been frustrating, challenging and immensely exhilarating at the same time.
The real joy has been translating the ideas and music in my head into real sounds that make sense when the listener hears them. To say I've surprised even myself is an understatement! It's amazing what you can do with a computer, a couple of secondhand keyboards, and countless hours of spare time."
Everything on the album has been performed, recorded, mixed and produced, by Jim Lesses*. A remarkable achievement by any standards.
"Jim is nothing if not 'surgically honest' in his writing and singing." ~ Geoff Hastwell, SCALA NEWS
*Note: some copyright free sound samples, taken from cover disks attached to the British magazines, Computer Music and Future Music, have been used extensively on Junk Yard Dog, and to a lesser extent on, The Future Is Theirs.
reviews
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Lyrical, powerful songs - highly recommended
author: Garry BrooksJime Lesses is an artist with strong political convictions that are reflected in his songs, but don't worry, this isn't "worthy but dull" stuff. The lyrics are strong throughout, powerfully sung with fine backing and a good dash of humour. If you're into lyrical, powerful songs, but this now.
Timely topics, well-articulated.
author: Joe JaccoI find it somewhat amazing that an Australian artist can be so tuned to the soft underbelly of American politics. I do a folk/protest song show on a community radio station and Jim Lesses has given me enough material for 2 - 3 shows. The songs are incredibly well-crafted. Jim's voice is strong and clear, and laced with emotion. I loved every song, but, if pressed for favorites would cite the humorous and satiric "A Modern Chief Executive" which captures the essence of Enron, Worldcom, et al, "American Dream" for it's glimpses of contemporary American society, and "No Blood for Oil" for it's raw emotionalism. I look forward to hearing more from Jim!!!