Summoning the ghosts of Herman's Hermits and early Bee
Gees, the music of Jimmy Jimmy could almost be seen as a parody, but the
earnestness and sincerity of the group's Here in the Light LP belie such
interpretations. Here in the Light is a shamelessly sentimental album,
overflowing with unyieldingly sweet ballads and bubblegum pop. If music could
cause cavities, Here in the Light is a dentist's worst nightmare; however, the
winsome harmonies of James O'Neill (acoustic guitars, vocals) and Jimmy Kemp
(acoustic guitars, vocals) could melt the iciest hearts. The catchy "I Met
Her in Paris," with its bouncy keyboards and infectious chorus, became a
cult hit on new wave radio stations in the Philippines; it almost sounds like a
lost single from Herman's Hermits. The tender "Lady" is a moving
ballad; the lyrics have the emotional depth of a Hallmark card ("Lady,
can't you see/I'm so in love with you?"), but it is sung with enough
passion to make any sensitive soul swoon. Released in England when bands such
as the Smiths, the Chameleons, and the Sisters of Mercy were venturing into
human misery, Here in the Light probably sounded anachronistic, but dated fluff
isn't usually this tasty.
