Review: "Blind Sober" by Little Big Toe
Last we checked in with Jimmy James Cutrera was March of 2013, he had just released his first full length Coin Toss Timelines, which wow-ed audiences with a new perspective. Jimmy James’ sweet singing and intricate musical stylings, previously featured as the backbone of NJ indie-psych-folk favorite Accident Seabirds, was then brought front and center, and accompanied by a slew of multi-instrumentalists. Blind Sober is written in a similar style, except JJC has completely taken matters into his own hands by writing, performing and recording all his own music. Jimmy James’ most recent undertaking has been studying and mastering the drums specifically for this album. The only instruments not played by JJC himself are horns and strings, performed by some familiar NJ faces. Although usually somewhat reserved in demeanor, JJC really lets loose on Blind Sober. All 18 songs own a certain air of wisdom and masterful word-play. It feels as though Jimmy James has been holding back some contemplation about life and how most people go about living it. Specifically in track 7, “Ahem,” (which seems to be cleverly named after the modest throat clearing at the beginning of the recording), JJC rips into serious questioning of modern life. “Eyes don’t lie, that’s why you write letters, with a diamond shaped eye and the dialect of a sailor”… “Cream and sugar kill the taste but that’s the way that most prefer it.” Another show stopping track, and my personal favorite, “Pulled Hamstring,” compares ending a relationship to pulling a major muscle. It comes in with some appropriately somber and dramatic soprano sax, played by the locally renowned Andrew Demos. “It wasn’t such a clean break more like the pulling of a hamstring, in the span of your eyes blinking to your favorite song.” Be warned this album is not a casual listen, boasting 18 songs, lasting a total 1 hour and 20 minutes. It is for those looking to get lost in a critical analysis of life’s tougher questions. Jimmy James humbly offers his personal and innermost ideas with an impressive backdrop of musical accompaniment, that clearly suggests a meticulous nature and care for his art. you can purchase your own copy of Blind Sober at the official album release, tomorrow, Saturday July 26, at The Saint!