September 1999 Pick of the Month
Blinding Bright
Artist: Stickman Jones
Label: Independent
Time: 11 tracks/40:00 minutes
To quote an overused cliché, Stickman Jones is the best band you've never heard of. those who were fortunate to catch their show at this year's Cornerstone Festival can testify to this. From the passionate vocals of Annie Quick to the incredible accordian playing of Rob Curto, that show was the highlight of the festival. Blinding Bright , the band's second CD, isn't quite as intense as the concert, but nearly as good.
The band describes their music as "art-pop," and that seems as good a label as any. They're a tad on the folky side, but not so much as, say, Vigilantes of Love. There's a strong mandolin presence on the album, as well as fiddles, accordions, and even an Irish wood flute.
Not interested yet? The lyrics just might do it for you. They're pure poetry, able to stand up to the likes of Bruce Cockburn and Bill Mallonee easily. Here's an excerpt from "First Light":
I've
gone this far to find you
To the edge of the continent and more
Still I am running far behind
And your shadow has already passed this shore
Black on the boats in their moorings
Grey on lee of the dawns
Pink in the sky's eastern corners
As the first light creeps over the town
Lead singer Quick's vocals could easily be compared to those of Alanis Morissette or Jefferson Airplane. They're dripping with emotion and match the music perfectly. There are reports of Stickman Jones talking to record labels. Here's hoping that they'll sign with one so their music can be shared on a national level.
Michial Farmer (8/11/99)
