Harper Simon

Berkeley Girl

Tulsi Records

Released: Monday 13 September 2010

'Berkley Girl' is Harper Simon's second single from his self-titled debut album. It's a charming , unassuming, folk-pop number that is, like most of the album, instantly accessible. Simon's music feels oddly familiar and that stems from the fact that he has inherited some of his pop's (Paul Simon) musical sensibility.

Along with the rest of the album, 'Berkeley Girl' was recorded in Nashville, which adds a countried feel to Harper's urbane folk music. The song's simple but effective production focuses on the pretty melody and the plaintive guitar picking. There's a romantic melancholy and a bucolic quality to this song that is reminiscent of Simon & Garfunkel circa Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme. This wistful love song is sweet and nice and pleasant but on repeat listens, there's a feeling of being underwhelmed by it's cradle-rocking rhythms; for all it's good points, 'Berkeley Girl' is just a bit innocuous. It remains to be seen whether Harper Simon is a talent in his own right or if he's just emulating his dad.