Lee Simmons
Antebellum
© 2000 Lee Simmons (634479046698)
CD IN STOCK. ORDER NOW. Will ship immediately.
Literate pop-rock with a nod to influences like Michael Penn, Freedy Johnston and Neil Finn.
tracks
- 1 Falling from the Sky
- 2 Mona's Ocean
- 3 Room Above
- 4 Flare
- 5 Sweet Nothings
- 6 Caroline's a Clown
- 7 Green
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notes
MEMO TO A&R
FROM: THE ASSOCIATE
OBJECTIVE: SELLING LEE SIMMONS
Everyone knows what a fabulously talented songwriter Lee Simmons is. Since living hither and thither across America, Lee's recent return to Austin has been chock full of mesmerizing performances that leave even the most cynical music aficionado scratching his head in wonderment. But even someone like Lee needs a hook. Thus, the following talking points comprise an outline that we hope will eventually become an official Lee Simmons marketing strategy. I look forward to your thoughts...
I. REINVENT LEE AS ANGRY WHITE RAPPER. This could be problematic, considering Lee's one less-than-successful attempt at breakdancing. Contact Adidas for possible wardrobe makeover. Must convince Lee to swear more often.
II. SECURE LEE A GUEST SPOT ON NEXT J-LO RECORD. Or Avril Lavigne's, for key rebel street cred.
III. START FEUD WITH OTHER MALE SONGWRITERS. David Gray? Duncan Sheik? Ryan Adams? Gallagher brothers at once?
IV. BREAK INTO JAM BAND MOVEMENT. We all know Lee takes guilty pleasure in extended bongo solos. Contact Matt McConaughey for fashion direction.
V. TELL THE TRUTH. That this literate songwriter and multi-instrumentalist hails from the classic mold that produced the likes of Neil Finn, Michael Penn and Aimee Mann. That he has returned to Austin with a sound that benefits from the diversity of places he's lived over the last three years. That he is in a league beyond the majority of records that saturate the general public.
Retraction. That would never work.
reviews
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- author: Indie Music Paper
Lee Simmons seems to be part of a growing legion, that of the pop musician artist which actually has some depth, with intelligent lyrics and non-melodramatic melodies. Listeners rejoice! The songs here are melodic, dreamy, wistful, sometimes sad and sometimes pert. But they are all well balanced, with a 'less is more' approach. For example, take the lyrics from "Flare": "We are talking round in circles, knowing we've been here before... If I had my wits about me, I would never play pretend." Maybe if the record label bigwigs get smart and their whole "girls with blonde hair and blue eyes who can't sing" schtick falls apart, they'll actually sign on a guy with some musical and lyrical talent like Lee here. Then the people who've been despairing over the state of the music industry will have something to get genuinely excited about.
- author: Performing Songwriter
The easygoing, literate songwriter rock on Antebellum should serve well to establish Lee Simmons as an up-and-coming force on the folk rock circuit. Calling to mind the breezy, smart pop of both the Finn brothers (he has the worldly-wise eye of Tim and the melodic breadth of Neil), Michael Penn and Glen Phillips, these songs are enjoyable and eminently listenable. Be it the Daniel Lanois-style guitar clattering in the background of "Caroline's a Clown" or the throaty acoustic on "Green," the playing and instrumentation here is both driving and unintrusive - always keeping the focus on Simmons' well-crafted melodies and lyrics. --Clay Steakley