Adventurous and prolific aptly describe Jeremy Morris. Actively involved in music since he was a teenager in the ’70s, the Portage, Michigan-based singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, producer and owner of the JAM label has spawned dozens upon dozens of albums covering a mercurial array of genres.
Dividing his time between solo work, appearing on compilation albums and holding membership in groups such as the Lemon Clocks and the Jeremy Band, Jeremy also keeps busy performing local gigs and touring the world.
On Pop Overflow, his latest endeavor for JAM Records, Jeremy handles vocals, guitars, bass, piano, Mellotron, synthesizers and drums. Drummer Dave Dietrich, bassist Peter Morris and bassist Todd Borsch play on the album, as well. (Borsch now resides in pop-rock heaven; Pop Overflow is dedicated to him.)
Pop Overflow is perhaps Jeremy Morris’ most fully-realized album to date, which is a statement that should not be taken lightly because his track record is already so impressive. Containing tight and focused songs that have a snappy beginning, a snappy end and mounds of melody to spare, here’s an album just humming with a hit-parade vibe.
Chosen as the opening number, the title track surges forth with richocheting Cheap Trick-inspired guitars and a warm and cheery invitation to join Jeremy and his friends on their musical mission.
Dominated by a stabbing riff and snorting vocals, “X-Ray Vision” and the comparably tough and toxic “Down and Out” lean towards the heavier edge of the pop field, where the dreamy John Lennon-styled “Sail Away” floats atop serene waves of bright and twinkly piano figures.
A bit of a rockabilly bite is inserted into the jittery “Boomerang” and a rendition of the Risk’s “Doing Them Wrong” bounces and pounces with crisp and crackling guitar pop movements. Bluesy George Harrison flavored licks, compounded by a Byrds-ian chime, illustrate “It Matters To Me” and the accurately christened “Happy Every Day” glows with grinning grooves.
Power and heft, balanced by deftly defined hooks and harmonies are additional accessories Pop Overflow offers. Jeremy Morris really has a talent for restoring classic pop rock sounds into a contemporary context, and Pop Overflow effectively emphasizes his slew of skills. Once again, Jeremy has created a catchy collection of songs primed for eternal spins.
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