IFLTS: 'Full Moon Cigarette,' Gran Bel Fisher

Posted on Apr 20th 2007 2:00PM by Beville Darden
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'Full Moon Cigarette,' Gran Bel Fisher
From 2006's 'Full Moon Cigarette'

Last fall, a new artist named Gran Bel Fisher came into the Spinner studios to tape an interview and live performance. I was tapped to host the show just one day before, which meant I had to give myself a crash-course. So, I tracked down a copy of Fisher's debut album, 'Full Moon Cigarette,' and to say I was pleasantly surprised would be an understatement. My annoyance at this last-minute assignment quickly turned into gratitude for the discovery of what is still today one of the most-played songs on my iPod.

'Full Moon Cigarette' captivated me from track-1, the title track that introduces you to the multi-faceted talents of this promising young musician. It begins with a single, repeated piano note and then gives way to a gorgeous, complex introduction that eludes to a coming New Age-type ballad. But then the guitars kick in and ... wait, this is rock 'n' roll! Then comes Fisher's strong baritone, slightly reminiscent of Jim Morrison (very sexy), singing self-penned lyrics wise beyond his 24 years. The song, about a long-distance girlfriend, is both musically and lyrically emotive. Anyone who has been apart from a loved one can relate to the angst he so cleverly expresses, without using any of the cringe-worthy clichés that so many rock and pop artists tend to use in love songs.

Hopefully you've heard of him by now. If not, do yourself a favor and take your own Gran Bel Fisher crash-course.

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