Another finely rendered set of amiable pop-rock from The Timbre Project, a/k/a Jaime D'Almeida and a host of guest players. D'Almeida keeps a steady hand on tiller throughout this 17-song album, gliding effortlessly from Eitzel-like depression ("Write This Song") to psych-tinged indie-rock ("My Wasted") and bouncy Britpop ("Message Received, Zero Distortion"). Equal parts tuneful, heartfelt and intelligent, Ruining Perfectly Good Songs is a balm to pop fans of all stripes.
The second album from the Timbre Project demonstrates a rapidly maturing songwriting acumen from Jaime d'Almeida. Each song is an encapsulated slice of personal observation about relationships, friendships, character studies, and self-reflection. "Message Received, Zero Distortion" is the standout track and sounds like a single. Ruining Perfectly Good Songs is polished yet whimsical, moody yet ultimately upbeat. AMG Rating **** — Jim Esch
This sweet release from Cambridge-based Jaime D'Almeida gets more enjoyable with each listen. A lil' bit country twang, a lil' bit latin twist and a lot of lovely lyrics swirl together to make some dang good poppy rock & roll. Jaime D'Almeida's voice is mega dreamy. Among my favorites is "Write This Song" which opens up at the chorus with a lovely sweeping organ; "F'NF" has a lovely calypso hook; and the honky-tonk number "Baby, Take Your Cranky Pants Off" is unpredictably addictive. — Sady Sullivan
This is a brilliant concept album. Purportedly issued as a tongue-in-cheek statement on how to slog decent tunes, there's one huge problem: the songs weren't ruined at all. They are darn good, filled with good hooks and excellent vocals. "Message Received, Zero Distortion" and "Cranky Pants" are the two standouts. "Ruining Perfectly Good Songs" has a wry sense of irony and some excellent tunes. This disc is an unexpected gem. GRADE: 9 out of 10 — Michael J. Ryan
I hear a peculiar amalgam of Nick Drake, Warren Zevon, the Zombies, and other avatars of singer-songwriter renown. "Getting to Nicholas" is brilliantly textured and highly melodic; "Jack" displays the intensity of a classic tune; "Dead Aim" is a touching story-song like Tom Petty sans bullshit. "F'N F" could have been an out-take from XTC's 'Skylarking'. "My Wasted (Time)" is irresistibly catchy. "Quality rock with real variety" is a more accurate self-assessment. — Francis DiMenno
Geoff Wilbur's Renegade Newsletter
The musical style on this second release ranges from the fun, radio friendly ("Everything's Graded") to moody ("Write This Song"). Other favorites include "Message Received, Zero Distortion" and "A Case Against Cloning." — Jesse Dean
D'Almeida sings and plays folk-rock music, nicely colored by country elements such as dobro and pedal steel. — Dan MacIntosh
The Timbre Project blends alt-rock, soft rock, pop, and folk with a dash of country into what could be deemed a "musical stew." Ruining Perfectly Good Songs likely won't wield a hit single, but it's a well-crafted pop album that proves that d'Almeida is an accomplished, innovative musician. — Tim Sullivan
This is a solid record, a medium-rock exposition of life experiences and philosophies. It's got the flavor of a work of spoken word, in the way the poetic lyrics represent themselves — but the music is a great vehicle for the words. (DP)
Okay, I could fully accept one record as smart and funny as The Timbre Project's last surprise — but to come right back with something as smart, as funny, and probably even better? Christamighty! — Kurt Hernon
Don't believe the title. These are still perfectly good songs played well and with heart by leader Jaime d'Almeida and friends. Especially good is sunny pop opener "Everything's Graded," countrified banjo ditty "Dead Aim" and the contemplative piano ballad "A Case Against Cloning." This is a perfectly good CD indeed. — Sarah Rodman
There's nothing half-assed, detached, or cool about Ruining Perfectly Good Songs. The Timbre Project offers a collection of rock songs that utilize all manner of sounds, from rippin' country electric guitar to gurgling electronics and earthy organs. D'Almeida's deceptively clever lyrics yield profound thoughts from mundane subjects. The Timbre Project's sound is intricate, yet completely accessible, touching and heartfelt. Those with open hearts will find much to explore in its timeless pop. — Stephen Palkot
All the songs are of a piece and a style and fit nicely onto the CD together. It's kinda pop and sorta lite rock; a few easy bits and a few heavier ones. Comment: it would have been nice if they had spelled Jaime's name correctly.