The Timmion Records machine just doesn’t stop and the new single by Jeb Loy Nichols continues that output nicely and in a fashion that we’re used to hearing from the label. Alongside Jeb Loy Nichols’ new album, Timmion releases a series of double-sided 7″ singles from it. The second one of them features a folky mid-tempo soul groove in “I Just Can’t Stop” backed with the solid beat-ballad “Help Me Along”. Jeb once again proves his skills in writing songs that provoke both thoughts and emotions.
The sunny disposition painted by Jeb’s acoustic guitar and Cold Diamond & Mink’s effortless playing on the A side turns out to be a facade. What is revealed is a bittersweet story about heartbreak and social distress, in the midst of which Jeb’s protagonist denounces himself to be no better than the rest of those crooks, kings and pimps. B side’s “Help Me Along” kicks off with Seppo Salmi’s familiar guitar licks and a sweet horn section intro, before Jeb starts developing his narrative about the importance of communications in a relationship.
Jeb Loy Nichols is veteran musician with a major label past, who is able to sing about our everyday pains and joys, and raise his songs well above average voices. With this 45 in your box, you’ll have soul on your side.