Singer-songwriter Jimm McIver's new concept album "Sweet Petunia Modern
and the Holograms of Düm" is the eagerly awaited follow-up to his debut
recording, "Polaroid Angel." "Sweet Petunia" takes an even sharper turn
toward his British influences, blending the lush slyness of the
Beatles' Sergeant Pepper with the loopy range of Queen's A Night at the Opera.
A classic power-pop fairy tale, the new release pits young Petunia
Modern against arch nemesis Peter Pudding in the tiny town of
Whippoorwillville, where Petunia is the only singer in a land without
music. With his warm, insistent vocals and original lyrics, McIver
(pronounced McKeever) turns Petunia's tale of musical woe into an
intricate, irresistible yarn filled with small lyrical surprises. One
reviewer has called "Sweet Petunia Modern" "creative and wildly
enjoyable . . . like a weekend drive through green hills, a cool breeze
in your face and sun shining down."
Seattleite McIver has been writing and performing around the Northwest
for more than a decade with several bands and as a solo artist. His
intelligent, accessible style melds wry, fanciful lyrics with memorable
melodies. His debut album "Polaroid Angel" was released in June 2002 on
Seattle independent label Ptarmigan Records, and was produced and
recorded by Conrad Uno -- best known for The Presidents of the United
States of America's platinum-selling debut.
When "Polaroid Angel" was released, Gary Glauber of popmatters.com
wrote, "What's most evident is the man's undeniable talent -- he crafts
intelligent songs that draw on any number of solid musical references
and makes the results stand out. This music stands up well to repeated
listens. In fact, that's when the real charm manages to make itself
known." The same can confidently be said about "Sweet Petunia Modern
and
the Holograms of Düm."
