All Smiles

Ten Readings of a Warning (Dangerbird)

By Anna Breshears
Published: May 17th, 2007 | 5:01pm

All Smiles’ Jim Fairchild spent the last decade playing electronic pop with indie stalwarts Grandaddy. Sometime in 2005, he saw the writing on the wall as founder Jason Lytle’s grip over the creative output of the band tightened, and by the time the band broke up earlier this year, Fairchild had a debut album ready for release.

Ten Readings of a Warning, his “solo with guests” project was recorded on an 8-track in friends’ homes and has a romantic, organic vibe. Guests include drummers Janet Weiss (Sleater-Kinney) and Joe Plummer (Modest Mouse) among others, but Fairchild plays the majority of the music here. It’s a surprise to realize his fine multi-instrumental talents extend to vocals: One would have never guessed he was hiding a voice so sincere and likeable during his tenure with Grandaddy.

Truth be told, there are no disappointments on this album: It’s evenly paced and well-written throughout, though some tunes stand out more than others. Opener “Early Man” and “Summer Stay” are soft, strummy pop numbers that roll pleasantly with the passing breeze. Keyboard-driven “The Velvetest Balloon” is romantic and catchy while “Backward, Forward, Through” is a folky, self-reflective jog. On “Moth in a Cloud of Smoke”, Fairchild comes out of his shell, forgoing the shy personality that inhabits most of these songs for a brasher, yet equally melodic performance that well-complements the dynamic guitar work. Overall, Ten Readings of a Warning is an impressive debut and only the start of a bright future for Fairchild.