Song in Focus: 'Memories and Throttle' by Michael Paul Lawson

To be honest, I began listening to this song on a weekend night - a time frame that is usually secured for either old favourites, or noir French films. But the best thing about this song, and the songwriter, and the singer is that in less than a minute you realise you wouldn't regret listening to him perform - like, ever! 

I've mentioned this before in numerous occasions that I am a lyrics person, more than a grammatically perfect piece of musical performance. Performance to me is secondary, it is poetry that appeals in the beginning and at the end. The song is exceptionally well written and the motion of how it has been sung resonates with the words used in a way that 'memories' does evoke a sense of memories, and that of your own. It does not make you feel like you are listening to Lawson's song (which is a beauty in itself, either way) - it makes you feel like it is your song, and you are replaying your own memories in your own head. Isn't that something?

Although 'Memories and Throttle' is a ballad, the motion aspect of the song does not reek the regular slow, sorry, pensive ballad-like vibes. Instead, the resonance that it picks along with its own embodiment allows a kind of juxtaposition that goes beyond poetry but tangentially comes back to it and the song is born, and then reborn to the listener - making everything about its existence reified and pronounced. 

This reification in itself is the mark that the artist leaves on his art. So, when you listen to even, say Ummagumma from Pink Floyd, you know it's their music. Lawson definitely has a very prudent, a very real, flesh and blood connection with his music and that immediately begins to show its magic once you begin listening to him. This guy can find his way around a tune, with a knack for visceral prose that bring to mind the likes of Jason Isbell, Drew Holcomb & Townes Van Zandt.

Other than the song being really impressive, Lawson has a beautiful voice. If you're blessed with that kind of phonetic quality and appeal and emotion and sorrow in just your voice, you can't be kidding by asking for more! We would love to hear more music from this man. And the sooner that happens, the better!



You can buy the digital track here. 

















Note: This is a sponsored post. However, views expressed are honest and of my own. To get your music featured, write to us at titassparkles@gmail.com or reach us via the contact form available at the bottom of this page.