There's a warmth to this collection; every song produces a broad smile. It's evident that a lot of effort and forethought went into each track, and with it an enormous amount of happiness and satisfaction. Hats off!

WOW. What can I say? I got Jim's CD on Christmas Eve, which was a lovely gift, just at the right time! I'm knocked out by this album! I love the gentle, "back to basics" approach on the record - lovely warm, simple production, and very memorable, catchy, direct tunes. It's still got the quirkiness of "Painton A Picture," but Jim has dispensed with the Queen/ELO-type production! (I love that sort of stuff, but this new approach was a breath of fresh air.) Jim's career path seems to be following the Brits' XTC's to the letter: "Painton Place" is the crisp, clear and uncluttered "Wasp Star" as follow-up to the monumental and over-the-top "Apple Venus." My clear favourite on this platter is that beautiful bit of Dr Seuss. It is quite simply GORGEOUS, and probably unique. "Sparky's Magic Piano and the a capella After the Goldrush are perhaps the only ones that come close. Beautiful stuff.

Taking a risk on an original music CD by a person you have never heard before is a big step in faith. Music reviewers often speak so abstractly that they leave most of us dazed and confused or they are so biased that one can never take anything they say at face value. Well, I am not a reviewer, just a music fan. I'm a fan of beautiful music and of vocal harmonies. Plus, I like things a little off the main stream. I know you're reading this hoping I'll tell you Jim's music is just like somebody else's so you can feel comfortable buying it. Well, I can shed a little light by making comparisons. I'd say that Jim has the humor and fun of the Bare Naked Ladies, melodies that remind me of the Beatles (you can tell Jim is a big fan) and occasional harmonies that bring the Beach Boys to mind. But you really can't say that Jim's music is like anyone in particular. So with that being said here's my perceptions of the CD. When I pop in any CD for the first time my original feelings are gut feelings. Does the music hook me and draw me in? Is it worth a second listen? The answer to "Painton Place" is a resounding YES! In fact, it's been the most listened to CD in my player since I received my copy! So what's this CD about? The CD is about 1/3 Love songs and when I say that don't think of sappy ballads. Most of these songs are so toe tapping that you'll most likely have a hard time keeping in your seat! My immediate stand out favorite on the CD was LAST NIGHT I SAW LENNON. It's a wonderful tribute song that every Beatles fan should hear (and I am not a big Beatles fan BTW). It's loaded with references to various Beatles songs and a melody that will keep you hooked all day long. THE GENERAL'S SON is another favorite. It's a tune about what it's like living in your father's shadow. Both sad and sweet, it's a song that takes on the issue head on but ends with a message that any father would appreciate. MIXED MESSAGES is a song with such a memorable hook that you'll be grabbed within the first few seconds of the track! It's a great upbeat bee bopping type of "love song" that most people can identify with. WE'LL SEE, is another great up tempo love song done in Jim's own style. I LOVE YOU SO features some fantastic vocals and a guitar rift that is quite infectious. It's haunting and strangely familiar! I could go on and on track by track but there's no need. BUY THIS CD! With 16 tracks you are sure to be delighted! Any one of the songs I mentioned above is worth the price of the CD alone! Support Jim and other independent artists. These folks keep our music world interesting and fresh!