Customer Reviews

Out Into the Snow

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This is a beautiful work of art. Simon Joyner probably isn't going to be a songwriter for everyone,(as you can probably tell from some of the nasty reviews on here) but he definitely deserves a larger audience. I would compare him more to Leonard Cohen in mood and voice than Bob Dylan. And unlike one of the reviews says on here, he has his own voice. This isn't a recycled version of the artists he's often compared with. Over many albums you can trace his growth as a songwriter and musician. And he's a songwriter of remarkable talent and expression. 'Out In The Snow' is full of delicate songs full of beauty and depth. Overall, it feels a little more like 'Lost With The Lights On' than his last album 'Skeleton Blues' which had more of a full on rock band sound. Where Skeleton Blues had a loose swagger to it, that sometimes reminded me of Alex Chilton's 'Like Flies On Sherbert', this album is full of strings and careful arrangements. And finally, I LIKE his voice...it fits his music wonderfully. Simon Joyner is a great singer. Someday, I hope more people will realize this.

If you like singer-songwriters in the vein of Townes Van Zandt, Phil Ochs, and Leonard Cohen, then you will enjoy this album. Simon Joyner is often attacked for his singing, and if you like listening to polished vocals and pretty voices then skip this. It's not for you. You will not enjoy it.

But if your focus is more on the craft of songwriting and like your lyrics to have more meaning and depth than "sad," "mad," or "horny," then I suggest you give this album a try. Joyner's songs are sprawling stories. They are sculpted, dug up from the earth, and they have something to teach you if you are willing to listen.

If you are looking for a great songwriter, someone carrying on in the troubadour tradition, someone still trying to write a song that beats Dylan, then you have found him. Simon Joyner is that songwriter.

Every once and a while I'll hear an album that is so derivative that it is almost laughable. This CD is one of them. Mr. Joyner is obviously a decent and creative songwriter but his deadpan Townes Meets Leonard delivery is just too phoney to handle-especially on the nine+ minute opener. If you are looking for depth PLUS originality in a singer songwriter listen to Elvis Perkins, Joe Henry, Damien Jurado, Johnny Flynn, Laura Marling, Marissa Nadler. Or just buy the last two albums from The Felice Brothers.
Perhaps if Mr. Joyner can find his own voice his songs will stand on their own
and perhaps he will be revered like his obvious influences.

How this joker got a record deal is far beyond me. The guy couldn't carry a tune in a bucket. He has to be tone deaf because when he sings he is either sharp or flat and rarely in key. His songs are very irritating to listen to but I suppose you could put him on if you ever need to drive someone out of your house. Just awful! He and his label boss Conor Oberst have got to be the two worst singers I've ever heard in my life... Heck, William Hung could sing circles around those two. Ugggh!