author: Chris White, PartyInKingston.com
The first cut on Darker Than Blue is That Last Page First takes command of your senses with a great blend of guitars and keyboards. Can I Count On You is a lovely ballad with Maria Kelly and Laura Tanod on cello.
Simon, born in Sarnia now living in the Gatineau Hills, delivers a fusion of musical genres including folk, ska, and reggae with influences from the world of rock and jazz. Simon's vocals remind me of Chris Rea and vintage Robbie Robertson. Powerfully passionate as a campfire singer with the haunting intensity of a freight train rolling by under the midnight sky.
Onya is my favourite selection from Darker Than Blue. Simon plays both electrified acoustic 12-sting and classical guitar. Bass, bongos, and drums flow together.
I Don't Wanna Bring You Down is another powerful ballad, accompanied by Cara Griffin on vocals, that draws on his outer perspective of life and love. Shades of Simon and Garfunkel are also evident in this wonderfully produced album, and inspiration to Simon going back to 1972.
With refreshing ease of vocals and strings blending magically together with the distant sounds from a cowbell, I Can't Reach Someone is one of the best toe-tappers from Simon's never ending cache of suprises in this album.
Darker Than Blue sounds big and bold from his exclusive use of analogue recording techniques, the way music is meant to be heard. 12-tracks in all published and produced by Purplerivermusic.
Love it!
Read more...
As easy to listen to as it is hard to describe.
author: bloom oon Canadian Surrealist Journal
The melodic, guitar-driven psychedelic folk/rock/whatnot exemplified by this recording is as easy to listen to as it is hard to describe. This CD places Craig Simon and co. rightly in the canon of Canada's indie best, and, as such, popular music's best hope for an eventual reprieve from the onslaught of heartless, money mongering crap. Participate in the revolution! Support hard-working, underpaid indie mavericks like Craig Simon by ordering the CD and catching his excellent live shows. - Laurie Fuhr
Read more...