A genre-spanning collaboration
Jason Simon of Dead Meadow fame has teamed up with the likes of Mark Matos and Dave Mihaly to create an album that spans genres and features songs written by each of the writers. This is how Old Mexico came to be, and it’s an impressive album that shows off each individual’s talents very well. The album features just six songs, however “Past The Western Wall,” the collaborative song that inspired the album, is 13:55, making Old Mexico feel much longer. The album features traditional rock styles, some folk/country inspiration, a bit of psychedelia and some jazz influence. Hopefully, Old Mexico is just the first of the group’s collaboration.
Old Mexico begins with “Black Matador,” the beginning of which combines a catchy guitar riff and a saxophone. It’s a very low key song, one that would work well as easy listening music at a coffee shop or something. The saxophone from the middle of the song onwards is what makes it so memorable, however, as it practically sings itself. The second song on the album is “Madeline Kahn,” which begins with a whimsical-sounding intro, with instruments that include a tambourine and what sounds like a cowbell. It’s an instrumental song, and it’s absolutely beautiful.
“Neon Tree” is the folk sounding song on the album. It has a catchy guitar riff and a drumbeat that comes straight out of the folk genre. The lyrics tell a story as well, “They have taken you / Dressed you with a fashion suit / I hope they pay you well / Lose yourself and give them hell.” It’s arguably the best song on the album, besides the magnificent “Past The Western Wall.”
“Past The Western Wall” was the first song that Simon brought to Mihaly as something they could collaborate on. It’s a song that’s both trippy and beautiful, thanks to the George Harrison-esque vocals and the saxophone throughout. It may sound like an odd combo, but it works perfectly, creating one of the best songs of the year so far.
The album ends with “Stellar Jay,” another country influenced song featuring fantastic acoustic guitar and poetic lyrics. “Looking out to space / Singing stellar jay on this rocking place.”
Old Mexico is a small album, and though the members have big names on their own, as a group they are new the scene. However, it’s a beautiful album, and will hopefully be the first of many for the group. Old Mexico is available for purchase now on Jason Simon’s Bandcamp.
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