All vocals and instruments by Ira Merrill (except bass by Bob Sluys) on the new album, The Handshake and the Heartbreak.
Influences
Elvis Costello, Juliana Hatfield, Chad Hanson, Soul Asylum / Dave Pirner, The Cure, Patrick Porter, Bjork, The Innocence Mission, Cowboy Junkies, Susan Carr, Hey Mercedes, Kate Bush, Crowded House, Maria McKee, Stephen Merritt, Queen Adreena, Daisy Chainsaw, Prince, Silverchair / Daniel Johns, Late Tuesday, Sade, Black Flag / Henry Rollins, Simon & Garfunkel, Jen Wood, Soul Coughing, Judas Priest, Louis O'Callaghan, Tom Petty, XTC, Beck, Zao, Unearth, Dinosaur Jr., Verbena, King's X, Johnny Cash, Joan Jett, Jeremy Enigk, Milemarker, Nobstreater (R.I.P.), Stavesacre, They Might Be Giants, That Dog, The March Violets, The Eels, The Gits, Skin Yard, Jack Endino, Martin Feveyear, Helium / Mary Timony, Rickie Lee Jones, Ween, Jonatha Brooke, Joni Mitchell, Iron Maiden, The Distillers, Catherine Wheel, The Pretenders, Accept, Molly McCue, tons more...
Sounds Like
Seasoned, mature folk-rock with jangle choruses reminiscent of America, the structure of the Beatles, the mournfully upbeat juxtapositions of Elliot Smith and a slight nuance of Jeff Lynne’s penchant for harmonies.
Ira Merrill has at least eight musical endeavors under his belt o'rock, with number nine up for your listening pleasure. The new solo album "The Handshake and the Heartbreak" comes with ample singer-songwriter merits in the form of a professional, seasoned pop album. It is a chocolate truffle with a filling reminiscent of America, Elliot Smith and – believe it or not- a slight nuance of Jeff Lynne. He personally feels indebted to Juliana Hatfield, Elvis Costello and Dave Pirner, Guided By Voices, and Neutral Milk Hotel.
His most prominent prior work was the five plus years he spent fronting the Seattle-based rock band Common Heroes, but Merrill finds that being alone allows him to "write without a band or particular sound in mind." Shedding the skins down to the bare bones of song-writing also gives Merrill more focus. "The music still has similar qualities to earlier songs I've written, but it's more confident. Lyrically I'm a bit more caustic and even esoteric than I once was. It reflects my surroundings, state of mind and things I'm going through."
So, where did Merrill come by 'The Handshake and the Heartbreak?' "The phrase is a line from the song 'When I Was Innocent' (track two on the album). It describes the feeling and theme of the album – and my life- the ups and downs, the starts and stops of relationships, the building then the breaking down of dreams." And what about the songs specifically? "These songs are personal as well as manufactured diary entries - documents of certain spots I've been in this weird life, and a bit of fiction thrown in for good measure. They spill a frustrated sort of melancholy...but, there is always another handshake around the corner. Right?" In the end it's clear that Ira Merrill – and the songs- certainly hope so.
Sorry I couldn't attend this evening's rock extravaganza, Mr I. I'm just laying low with the girlies after a long week. I'd love to catch your next show...let's make some living room recordings in the meantime. Much love, C&L Music Factory
So are there actual RFM cd's did I miss it? I hope all is well with you! We will be in your state next month and the bambino would love to see her Ira. She also seems to think she is marrying you though... just a heads up ;)
Ira Merrill has at least eight musical endeavors under his belt o'rock, with number nine up for your listening pleasure. The new solo album "The Handshake and the Heartbreak" comes with ample singer-songwriter merits in the form of a professional, seasoned pop album. It is a chocolate truffle with a filling reminiscent of America, Elliot Smith and – believe it or not- a slight nuance of Jeff Lynne. He personally feels indebted to Juliana Hatfield, Elvis Costello and Dave Pirner, Guided By Voices, and Neutral Milk Hotel.
So, where did Merrill come by 'The Handshake and the Heartbreak?' "The phrase is a line from the song 'When I Was Innocent' (track two on the album). It describes the feeling and theme of the album – and my life- the ups and downs, the starts and stops of relationships, the building then the breaking down of dreams." And what about the songs specifically? "These songs are personal as well as manufactured diary entries - documents of certain spots I've been in this weird life, and a bit of fiction thrown in for good measure. They spill a frustrated sort of melancholy...but, there is always another handshake around the corner. Right?" In the end it's clear that Ira Merrill – and the songs- certainly hope so.
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