Album Notes

Upside Downer, the debut album for singer and songwriter Jaime Garamella, is an upbeat and eclectic mix of guitar-driven power-pop, ‘70s vocal harmonies, and retro folk ballads. Standout tracks include the high-energy The Wishing, Devil’s Advocate, and the title track, Upside Downer. Jaime makes quiet acoustic statements with A Weak Heart and Me & You. The careful songcraft has been compared to that of Ben Folds and Elvis Costello, and stylistically the songs are reminiscent of Fountains of Wayne, Foo Fighters, Weezer, and Ryan Adams.

The album was recorded over the course of a year. Basic tracks were recorded by Jaime’s band at the time, The Spanish Channel, in a studio just outside Boston, Massachusetts. Jaime then moved to New York City and finished the tracks in his Brooklyn apartment. He overdubbed guitars, vocals, percussion and a reviled alarm clock with a little help from his friends from Berklee College of Music. The futon mattress from the living room was propped up on the bed to deaden the room during mixing, despite protests. Vermont artist Graham Keegan created the layout and artwork, including the winged beings, or whatever they are.

Jaime has regrouped The Spanish Channel in Brooklyn and the band is currently performing in support of Upside Downer.