On
Century Spring
,
Mason Jennings
emerges an accomplished
pop
troubadour yearning for romance. In the spirit of
Ray Davies
Rufus Wainwright
, and
John Hiatt
Jennings
' witty vocal inflections speak volumes, underpinning his meditative lyrics with sex appeal and wisdom borne of experience. Though the disc boasts several spirited performances and a fresh mix,
' expert songwriting skills are the main attraction.
"Dewey Dell"
is worthy of inclusion on
Simon & Garfunkel
's classic
Bridge Over Troubled Water
set, rendered here with a stark arpeggio guitar beneath a hypnotic parallel vocal harmony. Opening the disc with
"Living in the Moment,"
a cheerful mid-tempo
folk-rock
cut reminiscent of
Lennon's
"Ballad Of John & Yoko"
or one of
Sugar Ray's
several Top 40 hits,
sets the stage for his melodic song-cycle of friendship, hope, and better days ahead. The grand piano intro to
"Sorry Signs on Cash Machines"
and the mock tragedy of
"Killer's Creek"
are among the many twists and turns
affords his listeners, many of whom will push the replay button to squeeze every ounce of charm from this enticing collection. ~ Tom Semioli