Radiohead, Jeff Buckley, Beck, Early Coldplay, Pedro the Lion, Nina Simone, Bob Dylan, Pete Yorn, Wilco, Whiskeytown, Richard Buckner, U2, Patty Griffin, Tom Petty, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, The Smiths, Morrisey, Sigur Ros, Bjork, Bright Eyes, Esthero, Elliott Smith, Leonard Cohen, Bruce Springsteen, Flaming Lips, Johnny Cash, Lyle Lovett, Elvis Costello, Ray Charles, Aimee Mann, Travis, Anything Stephen Malkmus has had to do with, Calexico, Superdrag, The Clinic, Nick Drake, Cornelius, Roy Orbison, Pink Floyd, The Band.....
simulacrum n 1: an insubstantial or vague semblance 2: a representation of a person (especially in the form of sculpture);
Twenty-five year old Philip Bell doesn’t sound like he’s from Maine. The former Missouri resident’s My Simulacrum EP is a ethereal, brilliant, hi-fi indie rock gem – a rare find in the bigger cities, nevermind the sticks of New England where he grew up. But, the seven songs on 'Simulacrum are tailor made for fans of Jeff Buckley’s otherworldly voice, Coldplay’s pop sense and Radiohead ‘s dense, dreamy arrangements. Bell’s work is clearly informed by those bands, but he’s not aping them - Bell has the goods. The emotional complexity of his songs and well thought out arrangements belie his youth, and damn if he doesn’t have an amazing voice. Whatever experiences he had living in Missouri for a few years before returing to Miane have benefitted him. Heartbreak is a bitch, but it sure makes for some great songs.
The songs were recorded, at the fortuitous suggestion of a friend, at Tuscon’s hip Wavelab studio under the watchful eye of Craig Schumacher. Wavelab might as well be Calexico’s living room for all the material they have recorded there. It’s hosted other indie greats as well – Neko Case, Richard Buckner, and Giant Sand among others. That history and desert vibe made it’s way into the feel of this excellent recording. Gorgeous guitar work – lush pads of feedback and melancholy chord voicings fill in behind Bell’s acoustic strumming and warm layers of keys and piano. Strings, provided by members of Tuscon Symphony Orchestra and drums from Gary Bruzzese and Winston Watson (Dylan, Zevon) round out the pieces with gorgeous effect.
Even through the loud beery crowd, through the din of a million people trying to get wrecked or hook up – Philip’s amazing voice shone through on the night I met him. It was an open mic, and from the first notes of his silky, room-filling voice, my head perked up and my conversation stopped. “Wow,” I thought, “This guy doesn’t suck!” Granted this might not seem like high praise, but those who have been to a few open mic’s can appreciate an oasis of true talent amidst the desert of badly played Creed covers and white guy “blues.” But there he was, singing his ass off in the corner of that smoky bar. Wow. I’m glad I was there to hear him. You’ll be hearing more from Bell in the future. Count on it.
~Jon Nolan
Hey Buuddy. Miss the shit out of you. Email me your number. Im gonna be driving to Toronto this Summer. Thats just about east enough to make a road trip out of. Been Braggin about you. love Joey
hey... i just got myself a free apple iphone, just by entering my zipcode at this website..IT REALLLY WORKED! it came today. you should get yours before the giveaway is over. i saved the web address for you.. just goto http://grooviniphones.com to get yours, i'm going to get another one right now :)
ill be home from ohio tomorrow morning you should stop by tomorrow night ....... the room is set kinda so you can judge the space better also theres some opportunity for some work over the next few months
