Jimmer’s solo debut The Would-Be Plans marks the return of a great American songwriter. As attested by The Rave-Ups’ brief ascendancy in the late 80s and early 90s, originality can be heaven and hell. But the world may be catching up to this talented Pennsylvanian who came to Los Angeles around the time Reagan went to Washington, and forged a style so distinct that labels like cowpunk never stuck.
If Jimmer’s voice has aged, it’s hard to hear except where it serves his subject. As before, his lyrics cut precise and deep, with lines like “And I have had as much of God/As I think that he has had of me.” His melodies, however, flare brighter than ever. Produced by Dwight Yoakam drummer Mitch Marine, Jimmer delivers his bitter with a sweetness that few songwriters attempt. He sings “I feel as empty as a gun,” over a melody as sunny and memorable as the sentiment’s dangerous. If another songwriter working today wears their gifts so lightly and uses them with such incisive power, they also deserve a better fate than Jimmer’s had to date.
There are songs on this record that could only be written by someone with decades of hard living behind him, like the title track, with its Crazy Horse stomp and themes of resignation and repair. But there are others that could be the work of a life-drunk twenty five year old, like “She Has Good Records. “ And that’s the truth that Jimmer’s music recalls for us, that all these people are in everyone, the old and young, the cynics and the starry-eyed. If encountering all this on one record seems an anachronism, I can’t explain why. Classics always sound out of date and ahead of the mark at once. And they seem to contain just what we couldn’t find on other records we’re hearing.
The Would-Be Plans‘ strengths include production that remains spare where the song requires it, and doesn’t shy away from a sweeping arrangement where that fits. The ten song whole, slated for release digitally on Tuesday March 4, raises questions about the world that has changed so much since Jimmer picked up a guitar.
As some will remember, other so-called cowpunk outifts like Lone Justice, Blood on the Saddle, and Rank and File have long since folded, and so has the music industry many of us knew. Americana’s rise has also shaped the landscape, making the anomaly of Jimmer’s new release even more prominent. Jimmer creates songs from components of bluegrass, rockabilly, punk and anything else he likes to serve a distinct vision.
That is what distinguishes the best descendants of Tweedy and Farrar from the suspender-wearing hordes whose influences overpower them, rather than informing something new. Jimmer’s personal story is interesting, but you can look elsewhere to learn about The Rave-Ups’ appearances in Pretty in Pink and on 90210, and about Jimmer’s love life and disappearance and return. What you need to know is really all here in The Would-Be Plans‘ ten songs. Get ready to forget about other music for awhile.
