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Monday, November 26, 2007
Jon's "Fall" EP is OUT!!
Jon posted a MySpace blog (22 Nov) sharing the story behind the self portrait he drew on a paper bag, addressing the confusion over the release date of his solo EP and other questions, and more. Read it all here.

I had posted a review of the EP a few posts ago. Got 10 more to share, thanks to the couple days for which Amazon & iTunes inadvertently released it - here they are, numbered to make it easy to reference them in the comment board:

1) In the only review yet by a pr-pr-pr-professional music-reviewing site, JfH gives "Fall" 4.5 stars. Check it out, 'tis pretty sweet. Now for some 5-star customer-reviews that stood out...

2) Nicole Green, amazon.com member:
"Jon Foreman at a Whole New Level"
I've got to say that I was blown out of the water when I heard these six absolutely beautiful songs for the first time. Jon Foreman has combined stunningly gorgeous acoustic-style music with powerful, brutally honest lyrics. Being a fan of Switchfoot, of which Jon is the lead singer/songwriter, I have been exposed to his style of writing and music for a long time now- fans of Switchfoot, be prepared for something totally different than you have ever heard before.

The Cure for Pain- Possibly my favorite song in this current set. It is one of those songs that touches the soul and calms a troubled heart. Jon singing "And heaven knows, heaven knows, I tried to find a cure for the pain" sends chills down my spine every time.

Southbound Train- Another one of my favorites. Amazing harmonica and beautiful guitar rhythm come together to narrate the rhythms of the experience of riding home on a train with the one you love.

Lord, Save Me from Myself- This one is more "upbeat" than the other songs. A playful guitar rhythm along with Jon's lyrics, especially "Electric sun keep shining, ripen daughters of the chrome, This world is where I breathe, let it never be called home" explore the things in this world such as sex and riches which often cause the downfall of man.

Equally Skilled- Inspired by Micah 7 in the Old Testament- this song speaks about how the hands of mankind are "equally skilled" in doing things like evil, bribing the judges, and perverting justice, yet the Lord will still bring us to His light.

The Moon is a Magnet- The Bass Clarinet in the background gives the 1:54 song another musical dimension as it explores the role of love in human lives- "Love is a sadness, love is a madness, we are the addicts" and how being in love seems to be what everybody seeks- "what are we if we're not in love?"

My Love Goes Free- This track is truly different from the others and finishes this six-song EP very strongly. Jon's well-developed falsetto combined with keys provides a soothing piece of music. The analogy of the birds that Jon uses provides powerful imagery to accompany the music, which makes this song one of the most powerful in the set.


3) Christopher McDermott, amazon.com member:
"Simply Beautiful."
This is the album we've been waiting for.

Every Switchfoot album comes with one or two of those incredible, personal, stripped down songs. "Let That be Enough," "Twenty-Four," and "Shadow Proves the Sunshine" come to mind. But those songs are just one facet of a larger Switchfoot sound.

In this EP, however, the bare, emotional songs are given a platform all their own. And Foreman does not disappoint. In the spare but lovely, "The Moon is a Magnet," we get poetic musings accompanied by only acoustic guitar, cello and a bass clarinet. "The Cure For Pain" sees Foreman at the peak of his songwriting abilities, reflecting on the last 10 years of his life. This track is sure to stand out as the strongest of the bunch. But, honestly, there is not a weak song here.

It's everything you could hope for from a solo Jon Foreman set. Honesty, beauty, stellar songwriting.


4) Jennifer Weber, ruckus.com member:
"Deep lyrics, and an intimate, honest sound"
Long time Switchfoot fans will hear the echoes of such songs like "Daisy," "Twenty-Four," "Only Hope," and "These Blues" in Jon Foreman's new solo EP. New fans and old fans alike will hear well crafted lyrics and an acoustic driven sound, something mellow enough to sing along to, yet piercing and thought-provoking. Five stars for an EP that brings out Jon's writing and vocals, yet is distinct from Switchfoot's work as a band. Part 1 of a 4-part series of EPs.


5) Luke Sharett on iTunes:
"Foreman's Fall does not disappoint"
Jon Foreman's much anticipated Fall EP is a beautiful blend of breathtaking melodies and soulful lyrics. Foreman, frontman for San Diego alt. rock band Switchfoot, presents honest, soul-searching tunes that will leave even the most hard hearted listener teary-eyed in no time. The music is as genuine and honest as the man himself, a breath of fresh air.


6) Joshoc9 on iTunes:
"Different sound, yet equally breath-taking"
For ten years Jon Foreman's writing has spoken to countless people of all ages with words of inspiration and life experience. As Jon Foreman releases his first of four solo EP's, he proves that after ten years he still has it. "Fall" brings a different sound than most Switchfoot listeners are familiar with, but different doesn't mean bad. Jon Foreman's done it again as "Fall" is one of the best releases this holiday season.


7) Becca on iTunes:
"pure brilliance."
Jon is not one to disappoint his audiences. This is a work of brilliance on his part, taking into consideration every emotion and putting it into the heart of each and every song. What a beautiful beginning to a wonderful year of seasons.


8) Teenwriter on iTunes:
"Foreman is a master"
This is a far cry from Switchfoot, but his lyrics are more deep and probing, and the style is just as attractive...just in a more intimate way. Truly, Jon Foreman is one of the most skilled song-writers in the industry today!


9) UWA on iTunes:
"Heartbreaking - in a good way!"
If you've heard Jon's work with the band Switchfoot, you might think that a largely acoustic solo project could only be a step down. You'd be wrong! Here Jon displays the tender acoustic genius displayed previously in songs such as "Let That Be Enough" (New Way To Be Human) or the "Revenge" bonus track off of Oh! Gravity. (Find it - it's worth it). Great EP!


10) 'Dying to Breathe' on iTunes:
"Can I give this 100 Million stars??"
This EP is so worthy of that many stars. Seriously. Ever since I bought this at 6 am, I couldn't stop listening to it and it's 10:21 pm right now. Jon Foreman is a musical and lyrical genius. These songs are so heartfelt, raw and honest; straight from the heart (and his journals). His voice is so soothing and wise, and the music itself is just beautiful. The songs go deep into several themes that make you think and even cry. With this EP, Jon has just let it all out. 'Fall' shows that whether Jon is with Switchfoot or if he's solo, he succeeds all the way.


To top it off here's two live video recordings of songs featured on this EP (one at an aftershow in Vancouver, seated on the floor with a little group of us) that we'd put up on YouTube in the past. First is "Southbound Train". The second one is "Lord, Save Me From Myself" (I think it was the first time he'd ever played it, and I'm glad to have been there. - you can see a little bit of me to his right, ha.)





Get stoked, yo. Check jonforeman.com. Tell your friends.


posted by phil @ 1:44 AM
 

8 Comments:
  • At November 26, 2007 7:35:00 AM PST, Blogger Lindsay G said…

    Heck yes. Tomorrow will be a FANTASTIC day. I held off getting the songs last week when they came out early b/c I wanted to get them straight from Jon and his site. That's the most self control I've showed in a long time! To say that I am excited about his solo project would probably be the understatement of the year. I already know a few of the songs from his coffee shop shows and the movie "Bella", but having them all together and him being ready to release them is just awesome. I cant wait for all that he and the guys have in store for us in the coming year!

     
  • At November 26, 2007 12:44:00 PM PST, Anonymous laura said…

    i was so surprised when i heard "love goes free" at the end of Bella. i threw my hands up and went, "its jon!"
    gotta love switchfoot fans.

     
  • At November 26, 2007 1:49:00 PM PST, Anonymous k-fish said…

    I just finished reading the JFH review and I am satisfied.

    My favorite part is near the end when he says that Jon is "underrated when it comes to accolades." I couldn't agree more.

    Yet, Jon also says "don't gloat over me."

    The paradox just makes him that much greater. There is praise in humility.

    <><

     
  • At November 26, 2007 2:38:00 PM PST, Blogger x3beccamariex3 said…

    yayyyy my review got posted. :)

     
  • At November 26, 2007 8:27:00 PM PST, Blogger Alexander said…

    CANTWAIT!!!!


    and i was at sundays concert....its STILL not on the daily foot! im gettin all impatient!

     
  • At November 28, 2007 10:45:00 AM PST, Blogger Dan said…

    How long have these songs been waiting to be recorded? I know TMiaM was tried at the TBL sessions...

     
  • At November 28, 2007 8:50:00 PM PST, Anonymous Jessica said…

    I bought a like 4 out of the six songs on itunes and just loved them!!! I'm waiting for all the other seasons to come out so that i can get all of them!!! i went to the concert on the 27th(the day his solo ep came out) and i was surprised to find that they werent saling his solo EP. :(

     
  • At December 1, 2007 10:39:00 AM PST, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    (the DF comments didn't work so im putting my comment here :P)
    i really hope the Davis concert makes the DF!!!
    oh, meeting you guys, sf, again was incredible! thanks for being so nice and thanks Andy for taking the picture of us w/ sf ;)
    can't wait to see the DF, if theres one for Davis.
    -LYDIA
    (by the by, Andy, im the girl w/ the sign that said 'Hi Andy(smily face)' :D :D :P :P)

     
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