Jim Noir (Jim Noir, 2008)

Jim Noir is a musician from Manchester (he can, therefore, be called Mancunian, a term I was not familiar before researching him) who dresses up in a cute albeit oddball way. This may prepare you for his musical sensibilities: 60's psychedelic rock with an irresistible dose of cheesy electro-pop undercurrents (similar to the French electronic music duo Air), and a vocal style heavily influenced by The Beatles, The Beach Boys, Beck and fellow Mancunian Badly Drawn Boy.

His self-entitled second album Jim Noir was an unexpected success with me, someone who pretends to be impenetrable to 'cute,' and likes his music sophisticated, aggressive and experimental. Jim Noir's breezy music disarmed me completely on the second listen. The album's cover has his caricature floating away in a pyschedelia of deep space, very much reminiscent of the poster from the classic Irwin Allen TV show, "Lost in Space." Intentional or not, it is an appropriate homage, instantly evoking the slightly kitsch and ironic wit of songs that mask, for what it's worth, a personal commentary (the track "Same Old Vinyl" deplores the quality of cassettes and CDs, and celebrates LPs. Hey, Noir, what about MP3s, man?)

Jim Noir found success in the States when songs from his earlier album Tower of Love began to be used in Adidas and Target ads. Yes, his music seems to be a natural fit for commercial exploitation, but why should we hold Jim Noir's broad appeal against his obvious talent? (The slightly morose five-minute opus "On A Different Day," with its David Bowie-esque vibe and soaring guitar riffs, is the least radio-friendly cut on Jim Noir; but musically and lyrically, the most accomplished.)

Favorite tracks: "On A Different Shelf," "Don't You Worry," "Happy Day Today," "All Right," "What U Gonna Do," "Look Around You," "Day by Day" and "Same Place Holiday."