David Craig Simpson - Shiver
Well known already as the creator of the popular webcomic Ozy and Millie as well as the political
comic I Drew This, David Craig Simpson
has released a CD featuring twelve songs. The CD is completely downloadable here; but is also available
for purchase here,
for those of you who want to support a fine man.
First off, I'd like to say I am really impressed with this album. I was surprised to find that I liked every song on it. It has a good mix of progressive, jazz, folk, and easy listening. If you like mellow music, take some time and check it out.
Okay, it starts off with 'If I Can't Get to London', one of the jazzier songs, that features a short, though very nice sax solo. (Mmmm sax.) Based on a book apparently, it’s about being alone. A typical subject for a song, but the lyrics are decieving, as I was fooled by the meaning at first.
The next two tracks are 'Impression of You' and 'From the Rain'. They both remind me of Blackfield, which is a good thing. Very soft and mellow stuff there. From the Rain especially, the vocals remind me of Aviv and Steven.
'I See', the fourth track. Very apparent brit-pop sound. Early Beatles, Oasis, etc. It’s just a simple love song, with acoustic guitar, and a bit of sax. Nothing outstanding; but it sounds nice.
Mr. Simpson said it best himself when he described 'Mockingbird Song' as either having no meaning, or it being too subtle. I've listened to it at least 10 times now and the lyrics don't scream out anything obvious. Regardless, it's a nice little tune.
'California', just a sad song about missing a friend. It's very touching song, even for somebody like me who's never lost somebody close to him. It's one of my favorite songs on the album.
'We All Fall Down' is a song, from what I have interpreted, about the facts of life. People mess up from time to time, get weak, do things they regret. It's surprisingly upbeat compared to the rest of the album; but doesn't make it any less enjoyable.
'Turn Away' is a song filled with pain. Some indulgances we can't get away from, addictions to strong to break. That's what this song conveys. You want to get away; but you just can't, and it kills you on the inside.
'Warm' another simple song with a simple premise. Something that almost everybody wants. To feel safe. To feel like everything will be okay, turn out right. To feel protected by somebody they love. To feel warm.
'Tin Heart' is another pain-filled song, though not like Turn Away. This pain is not an angry one; but more of a helpless one. Like the subject wants to just give up, because everything seems so useless and futile.
The album wraps up with 'Hey Abandon' and 'Still Nina', two of the more reflective songs on Shiver. They are best listened to through headphones, so you can block out any outside noise. Both of them, though Still Nina moreso, are good for taking a break and just clearing your mind.
Conclusion, this album is wonderful. Mr. Simpson did a wonderful job on it, and I recommend if you can spare the price, buy the album, even though it's free. He has brought many wonderful things to the internet, and he should be supported.
Final Score: 84/100
First off, I'd like to say I am really impressed with this album. I was surprised to find that I liked every song on it. It has a good mix of progressive, jazz, folk, and easy listening. If you like mellow music, take some time and check it out.
Okay, it starts off with 'If I Can't Get to London', one of the jazzier songs, that features a short, though very nice sax solo. (Mmmm sax.) Based on a book apparently, it’s about being alone. A typical subject for a song, but the lyrics are decieving, as I was fooled by the meaning at first.
The next two tracks are 'Impression of You' and 'From the Rain'. They both remind me of Blackfield, which is a good thing. Very soft and mellow stuff there. From the Rain especially, the vocals remind me of Aviv and Steven.
'I See', the fourth track. Very apparent brit-pop sound. Early Beatles, Oasis, etc. It’s just a simple love song, with acoustic guitar, and a bit of sax. Nothing outstanding; but it sounds nice.
Mr. Simpson said it best himself when he described 'Mockingbird Song' as either having no meaning, or it being too subtle. I've listened to it at least 10 times now and the lyrics don't scream out anything obvious. Regardless, it's a nice little tune.
'California', just a sad song about missing a friend. It's very touching song, even for somebody like me who's never lost somebody close to him. It's one of my favorite songs on the album.
'We All Fall Down' is a song, from what I have interpreted, about the facts of life. People mess up from time to time, get weak, do things they regret. It's surprisingly upbeat compared to the rest of the album; but doesn't make it any less enjoyable.
'Turn Away' is a song filled with pain. Some indulgances we can't get away from, addictions to strong to break. That's what this song conveys. You want to get away; but you just can't, and it kills you on the inside.
'Warm' another simple song with a simple premise. Something that almost everybody wants. To feel safe. To feel like everything will be okay, turn out right. To feel protected by somebody they love. To feel warm.
'Tin Heart' is another pain-filled song, though not like Turn Away. This pain is not an angry one; but more of a helpless one. Like the subject wants to just give up, because everything seems so useless and futile.
The album wraps up with 'Hey Abandon' and 'Still Nina', two of the more reflective songs on Shiver. They are best listened to through headphones, so you can block out any outside noise. Both of them, though Still Nina moreso, are good for taking a break and just clearing your mind.
Conclusion, this album is wonderful. Mr. Simpson did a wonderful job on it, and I recommend if you can spare the price, buy the album, even though it's free. He has brought many wonderful things to the internet, and he should be supported.
Final Score: 84/100