CD Review - Nate Nelson

a sing-song fashion e.p.

Singer songwriters come and go in popular music, sadly, few stick around. John Mayer has been successful and grown as an artist. James Taylor, probably the most famous singer-songwriter, made a substantial career of it. Many come along and never return, even the best. Some merely end up on a year-end CD compilation, thankfully.
But those with substance, who produce something that reminds us what it feels like when a soul aches, experienced sadness or emotional loss, they transcend popular music. It’s magic when a performer can produce music capturing that, songs both moody and upbeat.
Nate Nelson’s a sing-song fashion e.p. is proof that sometimes just five songs can elicit magic. His vocals are tender and transcendent, sounding like a young Michael Stipe (both from Athens, Ga.) combined with Adam Duritz circa 1996. Add to that the stillness of Springsteen’s Nebraska with sweeter melodies. There are even brief moments recalling Alanis Morrisette and Tracy Chapman’s vocal traits.
There are brooding, rather, haunting rhythms underneath ‘A Sing Song Fashion’ which make up half of the song coupled with Nelson singing against acoustic guitar only. It is double play, two styles opposing one another to create musical juxtaposition with the ending guitar riff recalling Crosby, Stills and Nash’s echoing playing on ‘Suite: Judy Blue Eyes.’ Perhaps the strongest track on the album, it seems to encapsulate the heart and style of Nelson’s playing.
Nelson sings beyond his 18 years while retaining a youthful, changing voice. His vocals are raspy and smooth simultaneously, a slightly gravelly voice also gentle. It would be easy to place him in the Damien Rice category, but it wouldn’t be accurate. On ‘Big Beautiful Fake Smiles’ he sings of a city with lost streets, the one you love is miles away and necessary immaturities from both sides. It’s an honest look at emotional duress and its symptoms.
a sing-song fashion e.p. is a promising start for Nelson, promising that he may well create songs that live long after their creation.

- Brian Tucker