The General Store is one Tam Johnstone, who will certainly become more familiar in the years to come as he`s a song-crafter that fills each note and space inside his songs with amazing nuance and character that fans of great songwriters will not be able to ignore. In fact, he was a key contributor to the stunning Orgone Box cd`s released in the past few years and was a member of the influential Green Tambourines. Here, though, as with Orgone Box and GT, the music is multi-varied and soul stirring. The gorgeous strains and influences of World Party, "Harvest"-era Neil Young, C,S,N & Y, Quiver and The Travelling Wilburys are present but filtered purely through Johnstone`s immense talents. He`s also worked with Orgone Box and Green Tambourines those bands` releases will find comfortable enjoyment here, as well. Like many timeless recordings, "Local Honey" was born out of a heartbreaking relationship breakdown. Seeking to express his despondency in a heart-ripping record, Tam rattled off this gem to make the world right. And "right" it clearly is; not a note or second is wasted. Inspired by Neil Young, The Byrds, The Beatles and the deeply absorbed early `70`s West Coast pop of his youth, Johnstone is now introduced to a proper and larger audience. "Filled with very pretty, langourous tunes...Songs like "Pretty Eyes" and "Stay" are absolutely gorgeous and the downhome, jangly "Airport Breakfast" has a chorus that will sneak up on you like a vulture stalking his prey. You`ll also love the Teenage Fanclub-esque "Coming Down" which features cool chord changes and striking interplay between vocals and guitar, as well as the ever-building pocket symphony "Somewhere In Between"...and excellent, charming disc of which the major labels ought to take quick note"-Bucketfull Of Brains
Airport Breakfast (full song download) - mp3
Listen - mp3
Listen - mp3
Listen - mp3
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