"PAXTON-Ginger's Dish EP (Nemperor/Underdog)
A refreshing pop EP from this Midwestern
performer. A story teller who does pure power
pop, in an age of listless alternative. Never dull
or contrived, songs are well conceived and
constructed. You'll be impressed by the
melodies and arrangements. Getting good
coverage on college radio and press. The full
album could project him onto the major pop star
map."........T.M.

"A singular vision: one that must be heard in it's entirety".

"a progressive power pop phenenomenon...insightful lyrics, melodic intensity and poetic rhythm..."

Los Angeles got it’s first taste of the
incomparable Paxton August 17. It’s
unfortunate that “Los Angeles” consisted of
roughly thirty people. In support of his
recent, self-titled debut on
Nemperor/Razor and Tie Records,
Indiana born Paxton must of been
disappointed by a turnout that was as
anemic as it was richly undeserved.

        Virtually from the start, Paxton’s
hour long set ended any notion that this
singer/songwriter is simply another
one-name musician-- Madonna, Prince, etc.,
who concentrate on image over substance.
Paxton’s lyrical depth and powerful vocals
instead put him in the league of Ray Davies
and John Mellencamp rather than the
“material girl” and The Artist Formerly
Known As...blah, blah, blah.

        With songs such as “Which Way Do
You Go”, and “So Into You”, Paxton led the
crowd through a roller coaster of emotions
that are the result of his interesting albeit
very turbulent life. With an amazing level of
heartfelt sincerity, it became almost
inescapable for the audience not to join
Paxton through his hour long emotional
journey. Many in the crowd could be seen
alternating between crying and cheering
throughout his performance. It was all done
with a follow the leader precision that
would have made the Pied Piper proud!

        Two of Paxton’s tracks were
particularly impressive. “I’m Not Like
Everybody Else” is a ferocious song with
fiery lyrics and a smooth, almost contrite
sound. It’s a unique mixture of textures that
left the crowd mesmerized. Likewise,
“Slammed” is a track that seemed to
connect well with a young audience
through lyrics such as, “And everything
you do gets slammed. It doesn’t matter
what you say. Everytime you take a
stand..they’ll slam you anyway.” But, in

typical Paxton style, he performs the song
without the anti-world negativity of
many younger artists. Indeed, with a heavy
dose of experience in his corner, he
somehow manages to make the song as
much about triumph as it is about defiance.

        The song “John And Joe” received
the greatest crowd response and may very
well receive the greatest commercial
reaction of any song from the new album. A
seemingly same-sex response to
Mellencamp’s “Jack and Diane”, this
passionate love song will certainly raise
more than a few conservative eyebrows.
Although probably unavoidable, any focus
on the hetero/gay issues within the song
would be misplaced and were certainly
unnecessary during his excellent
performance August 17. Paxton’s songs
contain enough beguiling lyricism and
convincing pop hooks that any other issues
seem virtually irrelevant.

        To be sure, Paxton is unique and
with that comes the fact that he may be an
acquired taste for many people. But without
a doubt, his deep vocals and fierce intensity
deserved a greater turnout than he received
August 17. Let’s hope the next time he
shows up in Los Angeles he’s treated a bit
better. His talent deserves it!               
Greg Leos-(CSUSB)         

Paxton "Paxton"
Nemperor

Paxton is not your tradition pop/rocker. He's a unique breed, an
acquired taste. On his debut recording, the rocker mixes pop, rock
and folk for a unique, flavorful set of mischievously woven lyrics and
'70s-infused melodies. His throaty, raspy rough-edged voice evokes
an honest, intoxicating delivery that draws you in, even at the times
you don't want to be.
This isn't the bubble gum sound of commercial pop, it's hard-edged
pop with severe guitar riffs, as he channels Bob Dylan, Paul Simon
and Bonnie Raitt. And like his peers, Paxton's storytelling ability
shines through his work with a rhapsodous flair and melodic
harmonies.
Paxton's story is interesting. An Indiana native and orphan who
dropped out of high school, he gained success in the fashion world as
a designer, getting attention from Andy Warhol. But rather than
pursue a career in fashion, he abandoned success to follow his
passion: music. Rough times followed, as he ventured around New
York with his guitar and suitcase.
The singer uses these Dickens-esque life experiences and wry
observations to draw from in creating his exuberant collection of
thought-provoking songs, inspired by the ups and downs he has
endured. It's fresh and intoxicating, and at times
mesmerizing—sometimes pretty and sometimes ugly, but never the
same. "Which Way Do You Go" asks the inevitable question: do you
want a man or a woman? "I'm Not Like Everybody Else" is a fiery ditty
about being different, and "John And Joe" is about the forbidden love
between two men. "Huh?" is a funky tune with lots of theatrics, while
"Slammed" challenges how society slams things we try to accomplish.
"Everything we do gets slammed, it doesn't matter what you say.
'Cause every time you take a stand, they slam you anyway." And thus
ends the set with that spicy edge that is consistent with the work of
this on-the-cusp singer.

PAXTON
(NEMPEROR/RAZOR AND TIE)

Imagine Lou Reed and Rod Stewart making New Wave music in the back room
of Max's Kansas City when life was reckless and innocent. Back when
barebacking referred to horses, Paxton had his own designer fashion line.
Shucking the threads for frets, he dived into the pool where folk and rock were
mating. From jangly alt-rock to the moving power ballad, everything is present on
Paxton. And in the best Bowie tradition, Paxton comes to terms with his heart
and his sexual identity in 12 pure power-pop songs. Paxton should give all the
little boys and girls a reason to live.
---Jim Fouratt

"...a guitar slingin' rocker.... Although addressing some of the internal turmoil connected to living left of society's sexual mainstream (don't miss the brilliant "John & Joe," clearly inspired by John Mellencamp's "Jack & Diane"), Paxton also delivers a handful of solid jams that are widely accessible. Regardless of the topic, this enigmatic young artist never fails to be far more clever and intelligent than many of his major-label contemporaries. - Larry Flick