The James Clark Institute - “Under The Lampshade”

There is something to be said about classic old school craftsmanship. 

When rock and pop records were made in the sixties the formula was simple:

Go to an actual recording studio, have your band play instruments, cut ten songs, divide between Side A and SIde B (or in the case of “Under The Lampshade” Overside and Underside), thoughtfully sequence, design an album cover (complete with gatefold), press purple vinyl, send to radio and play live.

For many the times have changed but for The James Clark Institute making an actual album is a timeless process. 

“Under The Lampshade” is a thoroughly modern throwback album produced with care from longtime studio collaborator Moe Berg (The Pursuit Of Happiness/Trans-Canada Highwaymen). From the rousing album opener “Hit Hollywood” to the last chords of “No Good Deed Goes Unpunished” this record is as relevant today as it would have been in 1966. Ten songs clocking in anywhere between 2:51 and 4:20. 

Following the success of their last album "The Colour Of Happy" the new album will continue in the same direction as his fans hope.

"Under The Lampshade is the foolproof follow-up to 2021's 'The Colour Of Happy'” says the Canadian band leader James Clark. “The record largely has the same amount of happy, hooky melodies disguising bittersweet and impassioned lyrics. But there is also a progression in the JCI sound as we used a string quartet on two songs."

Set aside about 35 minutes, have an uninterrupted  listen and remember when pop music was pop music. 

The James Clark Institute are:

James Clark - electric and acoustic guitars, vocals, percussion.

Tom Gibson - electric lead guitars.

Tim Gall - bass guitars.

Greg Condie - pianos and organs.

Dean Carl Glover - drums and harmony vocals.

Additional Musicians On “Under The Lampshade”

Moe Berg - electric guitar, harmony vocals.

Lauren Hawkins - harmony vocals.

Peter Stevenson - trumpet.

Joni Fuller - strings.

Produced by Moe Berg.

Recorded at Union Sound Company, Toronto.

Engineered by Darren McGill.

Mixed and mastered by Robert Nation at EMAC Studios, London.

100% Canadian Content