Artist Spotlight: The Top 22

[merchy]

*This just came out today which is why I didn't include it in
yesterday's post -

http://www.thetop22.com/4007

Artist Spotlight: Jeff Merchant
The Top 22 | Jul 03, 2010 |

Indie singer-songwriter Jeff Merchant has released his second solo
album, City Makes No Sound. On it, a series of soundscapes reflecting
on life in Los Angeles…

Jeff Merchant has been active in the LA music scene for some time,
having spent time in local bands MetaTonic, PG-13, and he still plays
with The Lullabies.

Jeff also created the alternative songwriter showcase Broken Mic,
which led to a residency at the Spaceland nightclub in Silverlake.

Following up his first solo album, Window Rolled Down, Jeff continues
his reflections on LA life with a 15-song set of sometimes lushly
produced tracks on City Makes No Sound.

Numerous reviewers point to Brian Wilson as an influence, and indeed,
it is apparent — not only in the songwriting, but in what All Music
Guide called the “shimmery musical conception” of the production.

That production, layered and dense at times, seems increasingly rare
with singer-songwriters, who lately seem to prefer an extremely
stripped down approach. It’s nice to hear an artist go the extra mile.

First track up is A Friend of Mine.

Learn more about Jeff and the album on his site: JeffMerchantMusic.com