JMSN’s album †Priscilla†

†Priscilla† is the latest project by JMSN, aka Christian Berishaj (formerly known as Christian TV).  It’s compelling alternative R&B/pop, full of ruminations about loss, heartbreak, loneliness, self-doubt, self-realization, and what if’s that are awash in layered landscapes of synths, drums/percussion, and of course JMSN’s wide-ranging vocals.  I would wager there’s a classical music basis to some of the songs, which also prominently feature strings.  While †Priscilla† commands your attention, it’s far from an easy listen, but I always enjoy a challenge.  And a lot of the lyrics hit home for me, personally.

†Priscilla† basically takes you through the stages of a relationship gone sour – JMSN’s liner notes acknowledges that there is indeed a Priscilla.  Some of the songs as well as tracks under 2 minutes contain dialogue that tries to give an outside-looking-in perspective on what went wrong.  So there’s a cathartic approach to all of this, which seems sincere.

I included “Something” in my most recent Winter Popervescence post and I think it’s the best song within.  JMSN’s high register sings “There’s something there inside me and it won’t go away”.  There’s a lot of truth in that – because ‘it’ never goes away.  The song has a deliberate flow but endures its 6 minute length.  Other songs like “Fallin”, “Let U Go”, “Fire” (with some powerful additional vocals from Terrence “Stonewall” Jackson), plus previous singles “Hotel”, “Alone”, and “Girl I Used To Know” (featuring Boldy James) all shape †Priscilla† to give it plenty of atmosphere that adjusts to each mood – the latter song was a particularly good choice with its mid-tempo soulful rhythm to break up the pace a bit.  JMSN is allowed to showcase his terrific voice much more than in the major label dance pop of Christian TV.  It definitely helps make †Priscilla† a personal affair that many people will understand.

On the flip side of the album of course are the videos and visuals and you can subscribe to the videos on JMSN’s You Tube channel.  JMSN’s team here is going for something that will take you on a different trip than the aural one of †Priscilla†.  Striking videos have already been released for “Hotel”, “Alone”, and “Something”.  They are not for everyone.  Some people may only want to watch them once.  But if you love a good mystery like me that contains lots of variables and possibilities, then you’ll go along for the ride and stay in touch with JMSN’s Tumblr site where the singer basically lays out what it all means.  Go there to find out why the video for “Something” is graphic and makes you squirm.  Take a look at the other photos for what would look like more videos to continue the story.

JMSN’s †Priscilla† is a highly ambitious project, both aurally and visually, and I admire all of the effort that has gone into making it.  It’s a very creative start to 2012 for JMSN and I look forward to the forthcoming experiences.  Be sure to get it on iTunes.

Sidebar note:  I tweeted the other night about a performer in my last blog who used 90s pop/dance singer/songwriter Cathy Dennis on a song.  JMSN himself confirmed back to me that it is indeed Cathy who sings additional vocals in “Love & Pain”.  Always read album liner notes!!!