Coconut Records - Nighttiming

Band: Coconut Records
Album: Nighttiming
Genre: indie rock/pop
Label: Young Baby

Tracks:
1. This Old Machine
2. West Coast
3. Back To You
4. Summer Day
5. Nighttiming
6. Minding My Own Business
7. Slowly
8. Mama
9. The Thanks I Get
10. It's Not You, It's Me
11. Easy Girl
12. Ask Her To Dance

Finally! A crossover artist that succeeds at their attempt in the new world they've chosen to enter. Jason Schwartzman, who first entered the music scene drumming for Phantom Planet, released his solo record last year and I was just recently given the chance to hear this gem of a record. You probably know him from his film work in Rushmore, The Darjeeling Limited, and various others, but you will most likely start hearing his name in musical discussion as Coconut Record's debut, Nighttiming, is the answer to the absence of a fresh sound that has been plaguing not only indie pop, but the music world in general for a long time.

The album begins with a somber song entitled, "This Old Machine." Automatically my mind related this song to Lifted era Bright Eyes and it was done just as well as Conor himself did it. "West Coast," the single and first full fledged song on the album is reminiscent of the first Rooney album, but with a lot more heart. Jason's vocals have a very simple and honest tone throughout the album and this song really showcases his ability to craft a catchy song with a lot of heart. The title track for the album, "Nighttiming," plays like a lo-fi Maroon 5 song with synth heavy verses that demonstrate the diverse pallet Jason brings to his music. The lyrics twist a sad love story, but the beat keeps you smiling throughout. Earlier I mentioned this was a solo record and I meant it to the fullest extent. Schwartzman wrote every line and played every instrument throughout the record and the fact that someone put that much effort to bring you some form of entertainment is worth of accolades alone. "Mama," the shortest song on the album really displays the simplicity of the album with a very atmospheric sound. By listening to this album with headphones, you can close your eyes and it feels as if Jason himself is in your room playing you the songs. The final track [listed] on the album is the beautifully stunning, "Ask Her To Dance." the sound of a choir and piano introduce the soft number that feels driven out of the mid-70's ballad era in pop music. It's simple, Schwartzman asking if he is making since as he spills his heart to a lover with light accompaniment just flows the way you wish every song could and leaves you with a smile on your face. I mention this was the last listed song on the album, as there is a hidden track of silence followed by 13 additional extra tracks that are mainly bsides or alternate version/clips of songs.

Jason Schwartzman had no need to prove to the world his vast amount of talent. His work in film has yielded some of the most popular indie films of all time, but with Coconut Records' Nightiming he's shown us another passion that's just as amazing. This album is the perfect soundtrack for nearly any situation that may arise, whether it be played while wearing headphones at night, or cranked as you speed through the summer, you need this album. I only regret that it took me so long to hear this gem, as I would have told many more people to buy it at release time. Now it's been nearly a year, but I plead to you: buy this record. Your ears will thank you and your memories will be a bit sweeter.


*Written By: James Shotwell*
GRADE: 9.5/10
MYSPACE