Jones: Hopeland (Meme)

The surname behind this belongs to Trevor Jones who is one half of Miracle Mile, a British outfit previously featured at Elsewhere (their Coffee and Stars) who deliver glistening, almost ambient, adult pop music which whispers and understates in a poetic, melodic manner -- and which is often rejected by those who don't hear pop perfection as a worthy goal. I do, I like Miracle Mile.

This solo outing (which actually includes contributions from MM's Marcus Cliffe who also co-produced with Jones) is an interesting one: his gentle and seductive songs alternative with short images and poems over light backings of piano, guitar and so on.

In some circles Miracle Mile have been pegged as British alt.country for their use of pedal steel, but that rather misinterprets what they do. The choice of instruments is down to what will complement the music, and if it be pedal steel then so be it.

There is pedal steel here, but also lovely violin and viola behind the soft vocals of Jones.

There is a preciousness about this and of course it could sound like a vanity project, but Miracle Mile are widely regarded as the most overlooked band in Britain despite their often sublime, poetic and literate music.

And Jones here continues in exactly that vein, and perhaps -- sadly -- to just as little appreciation.

A quiet one to enjoy as you would a collection of favourite poems or a sunset.