Putting a break on its acoustic noise projects, crossed jazz and experimental electronics, Jim O’Rourke returned to a more conventional format, a pop album, but which is no less fascinating. After the huge Eureka (1999), we got bored of the man on the field of pop. As usual, he made his Simple Songs much more than “just” pop-folk parts, Jim O’Rourke easily deviating from the chorus-verse form with precise guitar playing, subtle arrangements, instrumental flights, the All for a soft rock ambitious and neat.
Jim O’Rourke’s contributions to music the past few decades is substantial, though difficult to pinpoint – mainly because the songwriter/producer has dabbled everywhere from electro-acoustic and ambient works to rock and jazz, and a lot of places in-between. Whether via his contribution to acts like Sonic Youth or Wilco, or O’Rourke’s own extensive discography since the early ’90s, become acquainted with O’Rourke can seem understandably daunting. Simple Songs actually isn’t a bad place to start, as one of his more rock-oriented albums in some time. Conventional song structures and easily identifiable hooks – even on the first listen – provide somewhat of a contrast to other experimental work, but O’Rourke’s orchestral additions and and grimly direct delivery maintain his lovable uniqueness even in the most standard moments. Starting the album in melodically curmudgeon form – “Nice to see you once again/ Been a long time my friends/ Since you crossed my mind at all” – simply adds to his enduring charm.
The Fat Angel Sings 