With a name as plain as James Moore, I don’t quite know why I clicked on the link to play the sample song. But when I did, I was struck by the power of the melodies. Even with relatively simple arrangements, Moore has managed to pull together some affecting heart-rending tunes.
Crows is not Moore’s first release, his other is an even more stripped down affair called “Past Miles.†That name seems to more truly encompass Moore’s sound. The long railroad tracks and solitude seem much more closely connected to the images and sounds. The first song I listened to from Crows certainly expanded on the old sound. The percussion, bass and layered guitars propels the title track forward. In front the instruments, Moore’s subtle tenor leads the way. The country electric guitar gives the song a true western feel. A promising start.
The final track on the EP “One Way to You†seems a bit more like a fragment. The stripped vocal and guitar approach seems much more comfortable. The poignant vocals once again take hold not for the lyrics but for their simple and affecting approach.
While the new record is an expansion, if you want the best way in to Moore it may be the acoustic route. “Past Miles†brims with moving tunes and lyrics that are both thoughtful and erudite. The strongest track and opener “On the Mend,†begins it’s second verse with “You were shaking in my room / I didn’t know just what to do / Maybe we should try again / Knock my head around the bend.†While the record occasionally slips into cliché, the tunes are memorable the best moments of lyric brilliance certainly challenge the more traditional singer-songwriters. Both records prove that Moore deserves a shot.
About the author: Jeff is a teacher in the Boston area. When not buried correcting papers, Jeff can be found plucking various stringed instruments and listening to all types of americana music.