The Paul
& John is a San Francisco rock duo. That statement is
essentially accurate, but it ignores the previous work of both Paul Myers and
John Moremen, both of whom have been making music for at least two decades.
I first became
aware of Myers as a writer so I'm not very familiar with that history. However,
it would not be surprising for two experienced musicians (including one who has
done music journalism and commentary) to draw from a variety influences and
produce an album with depth and maturity. That is what we have with Inner
Sunset.
I suspect
something can be made of comparing "Inner Sunrise" with "Inner
Sunset" and "Inner Sundown", but I have not cracked it. After
listening several times, it's not so much that I have noticed a strong theme,
but there is an overall feeling of life experience. Maybe it's bittersweet at
times, but you keep going and it works out.
The sound
is generally mellow at first, almost like folk, but there is funk there too,
like the groove on "Inner Sunset". "Inner Sundown" is
strongly reminiscent of Seals & Crofts' "Summer Breeze", but my
strongest impression is that fans of The Byrds will like The Paul & John.
My personal
favorite is probably "Long Way Back", which rocks, but "Everything
Comes Together" has an almost psychedelic effect on me. Also, while
"Hungry Little Monkey" is not my favorite, I can imagine that there
are people for whom it will resonate deeply, and be exactly what they needed to
hear, and hear that way.
The Paul & John are worth checking out.
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