FEBRUARY 2009 ONLINE EDITORIALS

Tim Coons - Seven Sins and Beatitudes

By Joshua Espinoza

You needn’t believe in a higher power to realize that Tim Coons’ Seven Sins and Beatitudes is an expression of something stirring and something beautiful.

Inspired by “Seven,” a book by philosopher Jeff Cook, this two-disc album contrasts the Beatitudes of Jesus and the proverbial Seven Deadly Sins. Though some may be put off by the title, this CD is a far cry from the obnoxious door knocking of the local condemning brotherhood. It’s an impressive record that doesn’t preach or attempt to persuade.

Typically employing the traditional sounds of the acoustic guitar and drums, Coons’ songs have an enticing everyman sensibility, especially when he trills in an endearingly precious tenor on soft tracks like “Last Light” and “Meek.” Both these songs obtain elements that are pervasive on the CD: stripped-down instrumentals accompanied by gentle ruminations. Though most of the album is rather lethargic, iridescent songs like “Into the Flood” and “Greed” keep it from becoming repetitive.

“Let the Rain,” however, is by far the most charming. The placid acoustic strums layered over the hazy swirl of a droning violin lends the already heartfelt album a particularly high degree of sincerity.

Even if we’re not enthralled by the subject matter, we’re captivated by how beautifully and personally Coons is taken by it. Fashioning the album with a commensurate degree of care and artifice, Coons has produced an engaging album of pastoral beauty and gorgeous conception.