New Release From The James Clark Institute - "A Kinder You"

Fri Aug 25, 2023

James Clark has an immense powerpop palate and often uses the colours in his poetic imagery. "A Kinder You", the first single from the forthcoming "Under The Lampshade" album is a perfect illustration of that. Check it out on YouTube here:

According to James "Songs or albums will always evoke certain moods. 'A Kinder You' deals with this subject. When my heart is broken I can easily listen to Joni Mitchell's 'Blue' or 'Kind Of Blue ' by Miles Davis for the day or week. I like to wallow in my misery before the anger sets in. Then I'll reach for Dylan's 'Positively 4th Street',

Following the success of his last album "The Colour Of Happy" the new album will continue in the same direction as his fans hope.

The James Clark Institute – Next Best Thing

Fri May 07, 2021

For his new ten song album “The Colour Of Happy” James once again called upon the talents of producer/musician Moe Berg (The Pursuit Of Happiness) a man who knows his way around a hook. As well as being a fan Moe also added his unique guitar sound and vocals to the new record. Moe Berg says “James takes the power pop traditions of The Beatles, Jellyfish and Split Enz and combines them  with the high IQ lyrics of Elvis Costello and Joe Jackson. The result makes him one of Canada's greatest unsung songwriters”. 

The single from the album is ‘Next Best Thing’ is a catchy, happy tune – certainly something we all need right now. Check it out here on YouTube:

While touring still won’t be happening for a little while, a live stream album launch performance is slated for some time in late June.. Meanwhile Clark is keeping busy writing new material and drawing his “Clartoons”.

The James Clark Institute Release Moe Berg Produced SIngle “Should I Tell Her”

Fri Nov 27, 2020

Whether he’s in the institute or not James Clark is a doctor of pop. His prescription is simple, three minute blasts of medicinal music.

For his new ten song album “The Colour Of Happy” James once again called upon the talents of producer/musician Moe Berg (The Pursuit Of Happiness) a man who knows his way around a hook. As well as being a fan Moe also added his unique guitar sound and vocals to the new record.

When he wasn’t listening to his parents early rock’n’roll and country-western records, James, persuaded by his guitar playing brother, settled in behind the drum kit and discovered the songwriters that would influence him, Lennon & McCartney, Ray Davies and Elvis Costello. Their influence can be heard on his last full length 2016’s “Yesterday’s Misadventures” an album which ended up on many a year-end best of list.

Moe Berg adds “James takes the power pop traditions of The Beatles, Jellyfish and Split Enz and combines them with the high IQ lyrics of Elvis Costello and Joe Jackson. The result makes him one of Canada's greatest unsung songwriters”.