Jeremy Messersmith performs in the Soundcheck studio.

Jeremy Messersmith: Infectious And Aching Pop Standards

Soundcheck | Feb 3, 2014

Minneapolis singer-songwriter Jeremy Messersmith has a knack for the kind of sweet, catchy melodies and pop embellishments that soften the fact that so many of his songs ruminate on love, despair, and grief. Much like Death Cab For Cutie's Ben Gibbard, there's an aching timelessness in Messersmith's voice -- even as he reflects on darkness with evocative lyrics that pack a punch with a concise economy.

Following a string of very fine self-released records -- including the excellent The Reluctant Graveyard in 2010, and 2012's Paper Moon -- Messersmith's latest, Heart Murmurs (out Feb. 4), is his first on a label. And the album is another superb collection of haunting and infectious pop standards -- from the nostalgia-inducing "Ghost" to the anthemic love song "Tourniquet." It's yet another high water mark from a songwriter with plenty of stories yet to tell.

Hear Messersmith perform songs from Heart Murmurs in the Soundcheck studio.

 

Set List:

  • "Ghost"
  • "It's Only Dancing"
  • "I Want To Be Your One Night Stand"

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