Jeremy: Made in France

Jeremy Morris is power pop. If you looked up in the dictionary for the term you would see him. Known primarily by his first name, Jeremy recorded most of these gems while in France. Culled from radio shows and other live appearances and performances, songs such as “It’s Getting Better” shine thanks to the pared down arrangements and terribly sweet harmonies from April Morris. Think of the likes of Tom Petty or The Byrds and these songs come clearly into focus. The softer, melodic “Where Were You?” is Jeremy left to his own strengths. The songs stand up quite well, including “Come Clean” that is just vocal and guitar jangles and the tender “Time Is Running Out”. The album contains several instrumentals beginning with the folksy “Happy Song” and haunting “Magdala’s Theme”. The strangest yet best of the instrumental lot is the lengthy and heady “Pilgrimage to Montsegur”. The Beatles are also an obvious touchstone, with Jeremy nailing “You’ve Got to Hide Your Love Away”. More instrumentals and little gems follow, including “Today Is the Day” and the Syd Barrett-esque “Home”. It’s a very sweet pop album.