Mason Jennings is back, this time as the first artist signed to Isaac Brock's label, Glacial Pace. This is what I would expect from Mason's first major label release. Definitely more of a produced work than previous albums, featuring much more instrumentation than past albums. I found a documentary while cruising On-Demand a while back called
Use Your Van, where Mason talked about writing most songs on his piano, so it's a pleasant surprise to hear much more piano on
Bone Clouds. To be honest, you could pretty much stick a mic up to Mason
playing an old radiator like an accordion and I'd still love it. I've been listening to Mason Jennings for a long time, seen him live at least three times, and he never disappoints.
There is something very familiar about Mason Jennings, comparisons have been made to Jack Johnson, due to his laid back style and warm vocals. While there are some similarities, there is something much more lurking behind the lazy summer sound. Introspective lyrics that everybody can relate to at some point in their lives, and a deceivingly simple delivery reminiscent of Mr. Zimmerman, it's a privilege to look at life through the eyes of someone as perceptive as Mason Jennings.
Mason's 2004 LP
Use Your Voice is one of my all time favorites. While
Use Your Voice was more of an exploration inward,
Bone Clouds looks outward, towards starting a family, and life-long relationships. The closest track to old Mason on
Bone Clouds is "Jackson Square", romping through an acoustic singalong.
Mason Jennings is coming to Avalon in Boston on Sat, Sept 16, definitely a show to check out, get tix
here, just make sure you exit by ten so club night isn't delayed. If you don't take my word on
Bone Clouds, here's what Isaac had to say: "I just heard some of the new songs Mason is recording in Minnesota for Glacial Pace and am thinking that even if this was the only thing that Glacial Pace released, how I am just so goddamned proud to play a part in the release of this record. I hope that every time a record comes out on Glacial Pace I feel this good about it. " - from top-40 charts.com
MP3: Mason Jennings - Gentlest HammerMason Jennings' WebsiteBuy Bone CloudsMP3: Mason Jennings - Jackson SquareMason Jennings' WebsiteBuy Bone CloudsBonus MP3: Mason Jennings - Southern CrossMason Jennings' WebsiteBuy Use Your Voice
Sorry for being MIA, I've had no time to do anything. Here's a theme post I've been thinking about for a while. There's nothing easier to relate to than heartbreak in any form of artwork. Everybody at some point in their lives has experienced it. If you haven't, do yourself a favor and go get your heart broken, it will help you appreciate everything. Every album below is highly recommended, if I had time I'd go on and on and on and on.. Here's a few songs to rip your heart out.
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