Miles Nielson "Miles" (Independent, 2009)

I can see for Miles

Adorned in hooky melodies and folk-esque power pop, Miles Nielsen melds cosmic Americana with 1960’s pop in a warm and melodic fashion befitting that of Mark Olson, Son Volt, Wilco among others of the Alt-country Americana world on his accomplished debut.

Son of Cheap Trick member Rick Nielsen, Mile, who grew up on the road also plays a part in the up and coming band Cory Chisel And The Wandering Sons. Nielsen aptly calls his music Beatle-esque Cosmic Americana and on hearing the likes of ‘Hey Hey Hey’ (and ‘1938’) you can easily spot his influence by the former. Then there is the fine and artfully woven delicacy, ‘Sugaree’. This been when Nielson, aided by pedal steel vies over towards what for me is a more comfortable Americana slot. Likewise, the bustling almost carnival-ish story-ballad, ‘Lucy’ that ups the tempo as it lends more to ragtime than pop and reflective ‘Lost My Mind’ are made of the stuff he needs to attain if he is going to place his music above the host of also-ran acts of the musical world!
‘A Festival’ that opens the record possesses the Cosmic American feel that, like with Olsen’s music has a habit of recurring and remain as attractive as it ever has. While with tight and inviting vocal harmonies ‘Gravity Girl’ contains not only an instant appeal, but also the quality of a song that sounds better with every listen. A feel reciprocated on ‘Martha’, a sombre, heart-wrenching affair soaked in guitars, keyboards, mandolin and pedal steel it evokes sadness of great magnitude. Here is a song sure to become one of Nielsen’s most requested songs for years to come. Interesting and well worth sticking with music.

Date review added:  Friday, July 03, 2009
Reviewer:  Maurice Hope
Reviewers Rating:
Related web link:  Miles' MySpace