PROSPECT PARK - some reviews for the second record - 2004

Music's Best of '03

#2 James William Hindle "Prospect Park" - Windy City Times (Chicago, Ill.) by Gregg Shapiro


Best of '03 album covers

#2 James William Hindle "Prospect Park" - Pitchforkmedia.com


After touring as a member of the Essex Green, British songsmith James William Hindle has left the Red House Painted sound of his first album behind for a much friendlier tone. His second album, Prospect Park, captures a lot of that Elephant 6 magic that acts like the Essex Green, Ladybug Transistor and the Sunshine Fix have spread over the years. So much, in fact, members of those bands have helped Hindle out as his own backing band. Keeping the faint bits of Americana heard on his debut, Hindle shines in mixing his styles without the slightest hint of change. His ear for melody has increased dramatically, with a wispy, saddened pop sound appearing as the end product. Hindle's taste in Neil Young riffs (Hollow Bodies), lonely ballads (Park Slope Song) and delightfully buoyant pop (Hoboken) make for a perfect summertime mix, especially in the way they are laid out on the album. Prospect Park is simply what dreams are made of. - Exclaim


TOP PICK!
6 out of 6

It would be difficult for any artist to match the quality of James William Hindle's debut album. But on Prospect Park, the second full-length album from this unique British gentleman, he far surpasses the quality his first release. This album does, in fact, rank right up there with some of the greatest pop albums of all time. Hindle has chosen his players wisely...blending the talents of members of The Essex Green, The Ladybug Transistor, Sunshine Fix, and Aden into the mix. Hindle's vocals are wonderful...slightly reminiscent of Harpers Bizarre...but it is his ability to turn a tune that is most remarkable. The subtle beauty of this man's melodies only becomes apparent after many spins. Upon the first spin, listeners might be apt to dismiss this material as nothing more than soft pop fluff. But there is a great depth and honesty here that is highly rewarding and satisfying. The lyrics are pure, intelligent, and moving. This is subtle soft pop at its best. Supremely satisfying compositions include "You Will Be Safe," "Leaving Trains," "The Great Woodland Summer," "Shadows Cast a Lie," and "Park Slope Song." Fantastic stuff. Highly recommended. - Babysue.com


Though women should generally caution themselves against dating any man who uses all three names, music fans who like to settle on comfortable pillows in the corner and warm themselves with swooning melodic music will certainly have much to gain with J.W.H.'s second full length album. British by birth, Hindle does everything he can to be an American, from swiping the somber moodswing of Elliott Smith to emulating the harmonic excitement of Simon & Garfunkel (me hears the Critters, but that seems too obscure for this moment) and wrapping it up with subtle additions of pedal steel guaranteeing that rallying cry of "AMERICANA!" Add in songs titled "Hoboken" (New Jersey) and "Park Slope Song" (Brooklyn) and an album named for another section of the Henry Miller-defined burg and you've got an honorary statesman who pledges his allegiance with songs such as "Going Down Slowly" and "Leaving Trains" (the SST band???) that are gorgeous folk songs just ripe for midnight contemplation. You're even forgiven if you feel as if you've stumbled into a Volkswagen commercial. They meant it that way. - Rob O'Connor Launch.com


Hindle's icy tenor possesses just the right amount of quaver to let the listener know his heart aches beneath his steely exterior, and the laid-back groove of his band injects his early-70s-styled singer-songwriter fare with just a hint of sinister sexuality on tracks like the slinky "Come Down Slowly." - Pulse of the Twin Cities Weekly


(James William Hindle) is pure Americana - Mojo


Through it all shines an undeniable pop sensibility, a wistful lyricism and an assurance that these songs will endure. - Comes with a Smile


Hindle's melodic pop-folk songs immediately transport you into a certain state of being, an emotional place more than a geographic one. Hindle's voice also has the perfect mix of weariness and optimism, giving the songs hope to match their sadness. - Pop Matters

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