Jamie Lidell’s music appeals in the same way as country music: primarily, it inspires people to imaginatively recast their persona. With Lidell, instead of a bleary-eyed Texas romantic with a pickup, you get to be a whipsmart young lover who learned soul music in a jazz club. And then, both country and Lidell signal that summer has arrived.
New album Compass is Lidell’s fourth LP of solid electronic-R&B infusions, and he continues to push a singular agenda. The opening beats of Compass could be mistaken for Radiohead and indeed, the album continues the expansive sonic ruminations of Jim. Lidell’s Warp Records affiliation has given him lucrative indie connections that leave their mark on the record as well—the collaborations range from logical (Beck, Grizzly Bear) to eyebrow-raising (Feist, Wilco).
“Your Sweet Boom” is the best present encapsulation of Lidell’s artistic powers. Sounding something like a paean to female orgasm—wandering through a multitude of melodic climaxes and grinding rhythms—the song is Lidell at his most exhibitionist. Never settling on a single chorus or structure, it further reflects Lidell’s semi-schizoid demeanor on Compass, for better or worse.
“Enough’s Enough” is a straightforward pop tune in the vein of the Jackson 5 that sounds too pedestrian in its audacious surroundings. “She Needs Me” goes farther with its simplicity by applying vocal layering and sultry keys that assist Lidell’s best Stevie Wonder impression—even obscured on the more playful tracks, Lidell’s voice is sexy as ever, and a main selling point. And “Big Drift,” with its dirge-like stomp, ranks among Lidell’s best work.
On “Completely Exposed,” Lidell admits: “I can’t face to be standing in my own reflection.” Indeed, a more focused musical image might hinder his creativity, but Lidell could certainly use a better attuned compass in the form of an editor—Compass is four tracks too long—and maybe some Ritalin. Still, there’s enough summer playlist potential here to make Compass a worthy lead into his bright future.
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