LEMON: Weight of the World

Lemon

Weight of the World

© 2003 Roger Smith (783707776224)

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LEMON conjures the legendary vocal virtuosity Marvin Gaye, Al Green, and the emotional epicenter of 70's soul; poured over a bedrock of modern, radio-savvy R&B production, and held together by songcraft of the singer/songwriter era.

tracks

1 Smile in Your Eyes
2 Weight of the World
3 Daydreams
4 Hurt Inside
5 Landslide
6 Old Man
7 Nobody Lives Forever
8 You Say
9 My Baby Says
10 You've Got a Way
11 Too Late

notes

CD TITLE: "Weight of the World"
ARTIST: LEMON
WEBSITE: www.lemoncentral.com/
RELEASE DATE: September 2003


There is a particular moment in every artist's career when they arrive at a unique sound, where their creative output is confident in the messages it means to convey, and the tools it uses to deliver them. No matter how many influences or genres have served as blueprints in the past, something entirely new emerges. With the new album, "Weight of the World", the voice of LEMON has emerged.

LEMON is the result of the pairing of New York vocalist and songwriter Roger Smith, and Danish production guru Thor Madsen. Together they have crafted a sound which evokes the legendary soul virtuosity of the likes of Marvin Gaye, Al Green, and the expansive sound of 70's Motown, laid over modern R&B production, and held together by mature, intelligent songcraft. "I'm a songwriter, and I pay obsessive attention to melody, form, arrangement and lyric," says Smith. "Production value is key, but like a movie with special effects masquerading as the plot, it can leave you emotionless, and it definitely won't guarantee longevity. This is what I love about great pop of the last 30 years, it sounds as relevant today as it did the day it was recorded."

Central to the duo's sound is the vocal prowess of Smith. "I grew up on a collection of artists and groups where great vocals were just par for the course. People like Mick Hucknall of Simply Red, or Freddy Mercury of Queen, or George Michael. These were people who could ply an audience's emotions with the finesse of their voices, and their vocal talent allowed them to do nearly any kind of material, or at least incorporate any kind of material. That's what makes it interesting to me." True to form, LEMON's material incorporates pop, soul, dance, jazz, and rock, into a hybrid which is at once artistically credible and infectious for radio.

"It's encouraging to see the extraordinary success of a Norah Jones, or a John Mayer. It tends to make me believe that melodic, song-based pop can find an audience, regardless of trend, or corporate radio's chokehold on what new music sees the light of day. Something that sounds beautiful and fills the soul is never pedestrian or out of style."

NEW CD: WEIGHT OF THE WORLD

"I chose this title because that which constitutes the "weight of the world" for any one person is a relative reflection of their stage in life and the individual experiences and traumas that have led them to this point. 'The weight' as it related to my life came into focus in getting slightly older and realizing that life is not infinite -- that the choices we make, and people we choose to become, do matter. This collection of songs is ultimately about the emotional complexity of human interactions as you get older, and an attempt to come to peace with the fact that there are many more grays than absolutes in our relationships."

TRACK LIST:

1. SMILE IN YOUR EYES (4:37) by Roger Smith (BMI): A dance hall contemplation of the choices one makes to be famous, and what is gained and lost in the ensuing struggle.

2. WEIGHT OF THE WORLD (4:26) by Roger Smith (BMI): The title track is a haunting, soulful inquiry into the way two people grow apart, and lose the love that once bound them together.

3. DAYDREAMS (4:25) by Roger Smith (BMI): A metaphor for the unnerving ability of some people to create, believe, and live within realities which exist only in their heads.

4. HURT INSIDE (4:23) by Roger Smith (BMI): A pulsing, gritty admission that we see what we choose to see in regard to affairs of the heart, rarely learn from our mistakes, and consequently live private inner lives of significant pain.

5. LANDSLIDE (3:57) by Roger Smith (BMI): Captures the feelings of melancholy and disaffection that sometimes sets in, when everything around us loses vibrancy and real meaning, as if we were moderately anesthetized.

6. OLD MAN (5:01) by Roger Smith (BMI): A series of questions asked to an older man from a younger man attempting to avoid the pitfalls and missteps that he instinctually knows lie ahead.

7. NOBODY LIVES FOREVER (5:18) by Roger Smith (BMI): It has always been a closet desire of mine to write a JAMES BOND THEME that would incorporate the kitschy grandeur of the venerable themes from the series like "Thunderball", but also stand as a contemporary to some of the great modern themes like "View to a Kill" and "The Living Daylights". What has resulted is a kind of twisted love song produced on an epic scale, but a song that stands on it's own nonetheless.

8. YOU SAY (4:09) by Roger Smith (BMI): Sometimes what goes unsaid between people is crippling.

9. MY BABY SAYS (4:30) by Roger Smith (BMI): The recurring cycle of intimacy as a band-aid to a relationship that is slowly dying.

10. YOU'VE GOT A WAY (3:45) by Roger Smith (BMI): A love/hate song about how callous words and actions can simply cut through to the bone.

11. TOO LATE (4:10) by Roger Smith (BMI): Blissful freedom from the crippling judgments of others through the realization that, in the end, you cannot be other than who you are.

SONGWRITING AWARDS
Lemon has been collecting songwriting awards for the past two years including Semi-Finalist in 2002 Songlounge.com for "Daydreams", Finalist in the Hard Rock
Cafe's "Road to Town Fair IV, a Nationwide contest in Philadelphia and a current contender in the first round of the 2003 Coca Cola New Music Award.

HISTORY
Roger Smith, vocalist and songwriter for the band Lemon, started his music career in Boston with a well-loved pop group, Frankly Scarlett (http://www.mp3.com/franklyscarlett). Frankly Scarlett performed in venues throughout Boston, Cambridge, and greater New England, including Avalon, Venus De Milo, TT the bears, The Rathskellar, Local 186, Toad, The Plough and Stars. They also played extensively throughout the college circuit including Boston University, Emerson, Tufts, Brandeis, and Boston College.

Smith relocated to New York in the summer of 1995 and fronted several New York bands in the ensuing years, releasing two CDs of material from those efforts. In early 1999, Smith teamed with producer/arranger/guitarist Thor Madsen, and from these collaborations, LEMON was born. In addition to the new release, "Weight of the World", Lemon has released two volumes: The debut EP, "Strangedays", and the sophomore effort, "NUMB".

The members of LEMON have shared the stage with a far ranging collection of great artists including Morphine, Letters to Cleo, The Mighty Bosstones, and Wax Poetic to mention a few.

reviews

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  • Weight Of The World
    author: Ruthie Beardmore

    CD baby sent me an empty case first time around but immediately remedied this no problem. Another absolutely brilliant offering from a totally fantastic band, Lemon have an amazing talent. Just have to keep listening! Have both their available CD's in my car & also on my computer & mp3 player/cell phone so I can listen to it at home, in the Gym & basically everywhere. Don't think I'll ever get tired of listening. Cannot wait for the new CD which is due out shortly. Keep it coming!!!!!!

  • Wonderful!
    author: PearlRainbows

    Lemon found me on myspace, Meditated me with music, released my stress and put a little spring in my step.... No, I am not exaggerating!

  • great service from cdbaby, Lemon is awesome
    author: Liane

    Thank you cdbaby,for the great service, in getting my cd of Lemon to me! I love the cd, and I listen to lemon everyday im my car! I'm listening to it rite now, on my pc! Hey roger, don't lose the smile in your eyes! great song, and my fav is weight of the world! My freinds seem to think it rocks too! Thanks again cdbaby for your help! Liane

  • Awesome
    author: Stephanie

    All I have to say is incredible. I love the cd! Who wouldn't? I am a Lemon addict now, thanks Roger. As for CD Baby, well you rock as well. From the moment I bought it till weeks after. You made me laugh at purchase, when I got it and well even now! I would buy from here forever! Way to go!!!

  • excellent
    author: Ava of FindingYourMusic

    We hosted The music of The Lemon Band on our Radio Show here in Seattle. The CD has all the elements, great music, smooth vocals, This as well produced as any mainstream CD and all the talent shows up to boot. Keep it coming boys.

  • Lemon’s clear reverence for the old-school R&B sounds keeps this record fresh, l
    author: By Thomas Mitchell for Earcady Music Webzine

    Two years ago, I used to listen obsessively to an internet radio station called “Soul 24-7.” It was beamed out of London and featured nearly the entire spectrum of R&B music—from Ashford & Simpson to Zapp. During this intense period of listening, I heard plenty of up-tempo, groove-laden music. It was the kind of sound I never sought out because I only heard it in the wrong context (car commercial, trendy bar, etc.) But when I heard these songs side by side with more recognized soul classics, I was blown away. What was this forgotten R&B sound. Was it “house”? Was it simply “dance music”? Was it, on no, “disco”?!?!?!? No, it was soul music just like Marvin or Patti Labelle. And so is “Lemon.” Soul music crafted and spilled out passionately with minimal regard for R&B production “technique” du jour. (TR808 drums, anyone?) Lemon’s impeccably produced, carefully arranged, and flawlessly delivered sound may be a little glossy for deep soul aficionados. And their danceable rhythms achieved (in part) with electronic sequencer, synthesizer, and percussion tools may not immediately appeal to the Northern soul set. But Lemon’s clear reverence for the old-school R&B sounds keeps this record fresh, listenable, and relevant. You soul purists may be wondering what prevents “Weight of the World” from becoming Rick Astley or Bee Gees-caliber pseudo-soul. How can a record with very little obvious improvisation be so affecting? In short, the arrangements are fly. There is no era-specific snobbery happening here. Unlike some of the throwback soul happening today, “Weight of the World” doesn’t myopically focus on the 70s sound. Lemon, get ready for this, also borrows from the 80s production handbook—and it works. Sure, you have the standard-issue syncopation, vocal flourishes, and wah guitar. But you also get carefully placed cut-time drum sequences, synth bass lines, and trebled-out guitar. Once again, it’s a matter of context. These techniques utilized in isolation create an empty, soul-less sound. But they shine when combined with the tried-and-true formula of great singing and solid songwriting. Lemon even takes the variety a step further with inventive (and unusual) instrumentation flavors—a conga part here, an electric slide guitar there. Great horn charts too. While I would have liked to hear some different effects used on Roger Smith’s vocals (instead of just the same reverb setting over and over), the man turns a melody with flair and precision. The instrumental/vocal blend is righteous. Disgruntled R&B fans take notice.

  • A smooth, soulful voice likened to Marvin Gaye
    author: Laura Turner Lynch (for Kweevak.com)

    Weight of the World is the third release from the dynamic duo known as Lemon. They are joined by a number of other talented musicians who round out their sound with horns, bass and drum samples. Roger Smith is the singer and songwriter for the band. Thor Madsen is a Danish producer/arranger who also plays guitar and keyboards. Their sound is a hybrid of dance, jazz, pop, rock, soul and trance. Roger has a smooth, soulful voice likened to Marvin Gaye. Thor brings modern R & B stylings and contemporary production to this eleven-track collection. The lyrics are insightful and serious with a focus on melody. The arrangements are first rate on this original collection. The CD opens strong with 'Smile In Your Eyes', which combines subtle dance beats layered over rich, velvety vocals with keyboard accents. 'Hurt Inside' has an incredible hook line sung with pained passion. The beats and instrumentation are complex and well constructed adding depth to this personal song. 'Landslide' is a melancholy melody that melds unique sound effects for a textured tune. Weight of the World is heavy on quality vocals, instrumentation, production and lyrics, demonstrating that Lemon can make lemonade out of sour life topics! (USA/NY 2003) • Recommended Tracks: (1,4,5)

  • You don't have to be black to summon up one incredibly soulful voice
    author: From Minor 7th by Alan Fark

    There seems to be a common cultural bias that white guys just can't sing R&B. As evidence to the contrary, just look to Phil Collins, Paul Carrack (Mike & the Mechanics) and David Pack (Ambrosia). Lemon represents the collaborative creative talents of singer Roger Smith and guitarist Thor Madsen, and Roger Smith's balmy and oh-so-smooth vocals again debunk the myth that you don't have to be black to summon up one incredibly soulful voice from deep inside. Madsen has done something equally interesting - he's placed acoustic guitar in a syncopated R&B context where one doesn't usually hear this instrument - check out "Weight of the World" and "Daydreams". © Alan Fark

  • I found myself drawn to this disc again and again....
    author: NYROCK

    If you were to look at the picture on the liner, you'd think the music on the disc might be country, or perhaps instrumental layered like a wedding cake. Instead, you're greeted with a refreshing approach to soulful pop. Roger Smith's vocals are indeed soulful, and while he may not have the sheen of a Marvin Gaye or Al Green, he does embody the sounds of George Michael or Mick Hucknall (Simply Red) – vocalists who work with the music as music and not as vocal exercises. Complementing his delivery is Thor Madsen, who handles guitars, keys, and all the programming of the drum boxes, et al. The result is a pared-down sound, no extraneous guitar solos or belabored fills, more like a hip-hop soundtrack with vocals instead of rapping. And though I find it difficult to embrace techno, electronica, and hip hop, nevertheless I found myself drawn to this disc again and again. Why? Good question, and one I've been trying to answer. Perhaps it is the vocals, and the way that Smith attacks the lyrics. Perhaps it is the successful approach that Madsen took to the music and production. Maybe my mind is just becoming more accepting. All I can say is give it a listen at www.lemoncentral.com.

  • On your favorite radio station soon...
    author: Pork Tartare

    Roger Smith has the kind of voice that brings visions of soulful, pitch worthy jazz crooners from the soul foundations of groups such as Simply Red and Roxy Music; mixing a getting to know you vocal quality with smart songwriting. Lemon’s mix of feel good soul/pop should make any soul and/or jazz vocal enthusiast want to find out a little bit more. With Smith taking on a bit more of a neo soul, electronic feel on his upcoming unreleased CD, be ready for this up and coming semi solo group / artist to be on your favorite radio station soon. Favorite Track, "You've Got a Way", "Daydreams" Rubbing Elbows with: Simply Red, Aaron Neville, Hall n' Oates

  • This stuff is just plain dreamy.
    author: DJ Johnson, Cosmik Debris Magazine

    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 [Records]. You might want to check out http://www.lemoncentral.com/

  • Pop is not a dirty word.
    author: Todd Kennedy, Program Director, WFIT-FM, Florida

    Pop is not a dirty word. Roger Smith and Lemon have made a kind of soul pop album that seems to be missing in today's processed music. Notable jazz artists Sherman Irby on sax, Jeremy Pelt on trumpet and Eric Revis on bass add their considerable talents to make a smooth sounding record like brit popsters Jamiroquai, Paul Weller or Simply Red. Lemon doesn't need to smooch with Madonna to be legit.

  • Roger Smith and Thor Madsen together don’t waste one note to impress
    author: C|NET DOWNLOAD.COM

    Roger Smith and Thor Madsen together don’t waste one note to impress, but fill every measure to resonate long after the listener powers off their player. With empowering lyrics about everyday life obstacles to enduring songs about love and happiness this duo certainly knows how to whisk any pop-soul rhythm into zesty smooth urban sauce.

  • Good stuff
    author: David

    I was sent to hear this group by a friend. I am blown away by the uniqueness of each song. This CD is an interesting piece of work. It's just good. What a voice!

  • he has a diverse vocal range
    author: Kelly

    all the tracks are great on this CD none of the songs sound the same easy transition from track to track great voice great music.

  • Fantastic songwriting, brilliant voice, classic inovation!
    author: Jimmi London

    Roger is absolutly one of the finest song writers out there for sure. Great vocals, soooooo solid, sooooooo smooth!

  • This music is really good. The lead singer's voice is beautiful. This is the f
    author: pateve08096@yahoo.com

    We loved the lead singer's voice and the songs are really wonderful. They are not the same old thing. We're tired of paying for full CDs with one good song.

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