Jonathan Shue - Little City

 a kate west review

Bay Area/Seattle musician Jonathan Shue brings us another low-key folksy lyrical album, perfect for a casual beer night or to ease your traffic-congested commute. Like his previous albums, "In the Valley of Heart's Delight" (EP) / "Chasing Hurricanes" (a kate west review here), "Little City" also features that gentle guitar/harmonica combo. Sure it seeps into country, but only in that modern cool way so popular with the kids these days.

Some of the lyrics might be a bit simpler this time around: "it must feel like a crumbling ceiling, or paint that won't stop peeling, or as lonesome as a loaded gun" (The Story of Your Son) but profundity shows up too: "there's no home at the end of your road" (There's No Home) or "you're my new favorite read ... if you aren't yet through the complete works of you" (The Complete Works of You). Then there's the wistfulness of the traveler in Traveling Song, as if Shue himself were remembering his journey from San Francisco to Seattle. The title track (Little City) also has a few triumphant notes: "I'm just a man once again and you're just a town". 

And like his previous works, this is not a one-time listen. You'll want to play it a few times, easing into the nuances just a little differently each time. By the way, each song and each album shows a stronger and stronger voice. This guy is one to watch (and listen to).

Catch him on iTunes, CDBaby and Amazon.com.

Track Listing: 1) Valley of Heart’s Delight; 2) The Story of Your Son; 3) Traveling Song; 4) If Not Today; 5) Little City; 6) You Tell Me; 7) The Complete Works of You; 8) William, Old Man; 9) Grandpa Was A Mystery Man; 10) Super Moon; 11) Thick of It All; 12) There’s No Home; 13) First Night In San Francisco; 14) The Outlook (instrumental).

http://jonathanshue.com/ Read more!

Jonathan Shue - In The Valley of Heart's Delight

a kate west review

Local San Francisco artist Jonathan Shue knows his way around a guitar. And some compelling lyrics. With the album "In The Valley of Heart's Delight", he serenades us on relationship woes (to name one recurring theme), spun to lovely strumming on his guitar (and the occasional harmonica).

The songs here are definitely universally relatable and pretty enough to keep you listening. "Honesty Gets Me In Trouble" in particular, captures an amusing take on why some guys can't help saying the wrong thing at the wrong time. "Ballad of Rene Vallaincourt" adds some western mystique, with a tang of tolerable country. Echoes of folk music drift in and out of some of his work too, in the nicest way possible.

The best piece, however, is the softly subtle "Bartholomew", about the musings of a dreamer. Because it is so brimming with visual possibilities, Shue commissioned a local production company Two Plush Two (who also know their way around a good story), to showcase one of their adorably popular videos featuring "Bartholomew" (separate review here). The resulting collaboration is sweetly wistful and perfectly executed. Catch the magic below. And remember to pass on the good feelings!

SONGS
1. Honesty Gets Me In Trouble
2. Chasing Hurricanes
3. Cryin For That Kiss
4. Bartholomew
5. Orangecoat
6. Ballad of Rene Vallaincourt
http://jonathanshue.com/

To see true artistry at it's synergetic best, watch the new video by Two Plush Two Productions below:


VIDEO

Bartholomew.mov

This one is for the dreamers:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Brrrfw3baFc&feature=related 

All songs written by Jonathan Shue, Mike Schadell - drums, Jonathan Shue - vocals, rhythm & lead guitar, bass.

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