Jim Sarkissian - Shadows On A Windmills Wall

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Review by Heidi Frost

Album Review: Shadows On A Windmills Wall by Jim Sarkissian Released in 1970, Shadows On A Windmills Wall is one of those folk albums that sneaks up on you. It’s not flashy or overproduced—just a quiet masterpiece from the heart of Americana. Jim Sarkissian, who wears multiple hats as producer, vocalist, and even cover designer here, crafted something deeply personal yet universally relatable. Backed by Compass Mill Records, this record feels like an intimate campfire session with friends rather than a polished studio project. The album dives into themes of love, loss, history, and dreams, all wrapped in acoustic warmth. The musicianship is tight but unobtrusive, with standout contributions from bassist Fritz McDonald, guitarist Peter Korff, and keyboardist Richard Vogel. And let’s not forget Kenneth Vogel’s subtle percussion work—it adds just enough texture without stealing the spotlight. Two tracks that stick out? First, there’s “Cost Of Chancellorsville.” This song hits hard because it doesn’t just tell a story—it feels like history unfolding before your eyes. The lyrics are vivid, painting pictures of battlefields and broken promises. You can almost hear the echoes of boots marching across muddy fields. Paired with James Sarkissian’s raw vocal delivery, it becomes more than just a tune; it’s a meditation on sacrifice and human cost. Then there’s “Twilight In The Spring Time,” which somehow manages to capture both melancholy and hope at the same time. The interplay between William Westwood’s guitar and Richard Vogel’s keys creates this delicate atmosphere—you might find yourself staring out a window, lost in thought, after listening. It’s hauntingly beautiful, the kind of track that lingers long after the needle lifts off the vinyl. What makes Shadows On A Windmills Wall so special isn’t just its craftsmanship—it’s how real it feels. There’s no pretense here, no attempt to chase trends. Instead, it’s a snapshot of its era, rooted firmly in the American folk tradition while still feeling timeless. One thing I didn’t expect? How much John Nessenthaler’s cover art ties everything together. That windmill silhouette against a shadowy sky mirrors the mood of the music perfectly—it’s simple, evocative, and unforgettable. In a world full of noise, albums like this remind us why music matters. Listening to Shadows On A Windmills Wall, you get the sense that Jim Sarkissian wasn’t trying to make a hit—he was telling his truth. And honestly, isn’t that what great art should do? Now if you’ll excuse me, I think I need to go listen to “Crying Day” again…

Download Jim Sarkissian - Shadows On A Windmills Wall
Artist: Jim Sarkissian
Album: Shadows On A Windmills Wall
Rating: 3.67

Table of Contents

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Filename: jim-sarkissian-shadows-on-a-windmills-wall.zip
  • MP3 size: 92.4 mb
  • FLAC size: 513.6 mb

Tracks

TrackDurationPreview
Impressions Of Patti
Cost Of Chancellorsville
Rosy Simpson
Windmills
Appomattox
Twilight In The Spring Time
Crying Day
Let Us Dream
Hacienda
Peaceful Waters
So Many Times
Don't Beat Me Down

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Catalog Numbers

CMR-1

Labels

Compass Mill Records

Listen online

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Formats

  • Vinyl
  • LP
  • Album

Companies

RoleCompany
Recorded AtAir-Tone

Credits

RoleCredit
BassFritz McDonald
GuitarPeter Korff, William Westwood
KeyboardsRichard Vogel
PaintingJohn Nessenthaler
PercussionKenneth Vogel
ProducerJim Sarkissian
CoverJim Sarkissian
VoiceJames Sarkissian

About Jim Sarkissian

Name Vars

  • James Sarkissian

Interesting fact about Album

Did you know? The 1970 folk album *Shadows On A Windmills Wall* by Jim Sarkissian is a hidden gem that feels like stepping back in time. It’s packed with storytelling tracks like “Cost Of Chancellorsville” and “Appomattox,” which echo historical vibes. Fun detail: the cover art was painted by John Nessenthaler, giving it that perfect vintage touch. And get this—Jim Sarkissian not only produced the album but also lent his voice to it. Talk about wearing multiple hats!