Singer/songwriter Jason Simon, nephew of The Wire co-creator David Simon and the guitarist and vocalist for brooding Washington, D.C. psych-rock outfit Dead Meadow, launched a solo career in 2010. Sparser and more intimate than his work with Dead Meadow, Simon’s atmospheric, nocturnal country-folk owes more to Bert Jansch, Townes Van Zandt, and Sandy Bull than it does Black Sabbath and Blue Cheer. Recorded by Simon and Dead Meadow bass player Steve Kille, his eponymous debut was released in September 2010 via New York City’s Tee Pee Records. ~ James Christopher Monger