“Women want him, and men just want to BE him“.
This is a phrase you will have heard attributed to many characters over the years, whether fictional or otherwise. James Bond definitely falls into this category. Perhaps you’ve heard it used to describe Johnny Depp, David Beckham or Brad Pitt too.
Meilyr Jones, however, is not your typical mix of brawn and bravado. That said, the truth is that the now rather clichéd quote that began this review is probably a more accurate description of the Welsh modern day poet/composer than it is of anybody. Here at God Is In The TV, we’ve all been smitten with Jones for some time, and 2013, his debut solo album, proves that it is with very good reason indeed.
‘How To Recognise A Work Of Art‘ is something of a misleading opener, sounding quite unfathomably like a Motown version of the Grandstand theme tune, but with lyrics that recall a peak era Jarvis Cocker. This is followed by the sneaky, but rather cheeky bastardisation of Carly Simon‘s ‘You’re So Vain‘ on the Morrissey like ‘Don Juan‘. We’re only two songs in, at the moment, but already it is abundantly clear – Meilyr Jones is in this for the long haul, and we, the listeners, are quite possibly witnessing the early evolution of a future superstar.
‘Passionate Friend‘ is not, as you might anticipate, given Jones’ rather striking (but feyer) similarity to Julian Cope circa 1981, a version of the old Teardrop Explodes classic. Instead it is awash with the charisma of an early Bowie number and the playful innocence of a Disney cartoon film score. ‘Rome‘ is both elegiac and Elizabethan sounding, whereas the synthesized voices of ‘Rain In Rome‘ set to the cool serenade of increased precipitation on the bedroom window is somehow choral, Christmas-like and comforting.
Despite all this, none of what I have said thus far should imply an immediate resonance. It took me quite a few listens to fully embrace the dramatic showmanship ensconced within, but the difference with Jones is that, deep down, you know it’s worth several repeats, and somehow, you are well aware that, when you’ve made sense of it all, it’s going to be one mighty colossus of a record.
It is not just the willingness of Jones to look beyond – WAY beyond – rock ‘n’ roll history to create his first masterpiece (it is, after all, tinged with both the classical and the baroque as much as it is theatrical pop); it is also the endearingly mischievous prose that infiltrates each composition. When, on ‘Featured Artist‘, he sings “It wasn’t just some cunning stunt“, it is so subtle that you barely notice the schoolboy smirk in his voice.
All this just adds to the charm of Meilyr Jones. Not only is he a handsome bastard; he’s also a major talent, and on this showing, he is ready to leap from the wings and take on all comers. But only in a peaceful, Gandhi-like way.
2013 is out on Moshi Moshi on 18th March 2016 but you can pre-order it NOW.
