LEMON
Weight of the World (Self-released)
Reviewed by DJ Johnson

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This stuff is just plain dreamy. R&B at its core, the music of Lemon is for the most part down-to-mid tempo, laced with samples, not immune to momentary flights of funky jazz when the song calls for it, and, most importantly, it's enticing and instantly addictive. Roger Smith's voice is very strong and could easily overwhelm the recording, but the mix is absolutely perfect so that's never an issue. Thor Madsen handles guitar and keyboards, along with the business of programming the gizmos - drum machines, synths, samples and all manner of non-organic music making aids that, in the hands of so many in that business, can take over and get in the way of real creativity. Madsen makes it work, often by taking the uncluttered approach, letting the real instruments - including sax, trombones and trumpet from guest musicians - do their thing. The entire affair is extremely well done and well worth taking the time to kick back, put up your feet and listen to. The CD is self-recorded and self-released, so it's not going to be an impulse item at tower. You might want to check out www.lemoncentral.com.

© 2004 - DJ Johnson