Minnesota

About

Mason Jennings has a refreshingly casual style. He often sings lyrics as if he’s throwing away the punch lines. He often jams as many words as he can into a line, and then sits back and lets the music flow past. It’s an interesting approach and it’s yielded many fine albums. 2011’s <i>Minnesota</i> is another intriguing collection. “Wake Up” is an eerie account of an artist battling a drinking problem that uses its unusual rhythms to make a point. “Clutch” sits at the piano and brings forth a compelling tune that suddenly blossoms with orchestration. “Bitter Heart” best illustrates the advantages of Jennings’ home studio. The song is a lonesome, dour tune that benefits from its sparse intimacy. “Raindrops On the Kitchen Floor” is the closest Jennings has moved from his minimalist folk roots into Beatles-like psychedelic pop. “Hearts Stop Beating” surprises everyone with driving electric guitars and pounding drums. “Witches Dream” even includes a little rapping. “Well of Love” throws up a mambo. Jennings has plenty of new music in him.

via Apple Music