Customer Reviews

Mason Jennings

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

I don't know who mentioned Mason to me, but I'm glad they did. Mason has easy guitar sequences, a nice easy pace, a lazy yawning voice, and lovely little lyrics that are perfect for a Sunday afternoon at the pool or the beach or laying around the house. He's creative w/his observations, but not overly complex. He really knows how to work the acoustic guitar to his advantage. The only problem I had was that I wanted more...his songs were short and left me all in a tizzy about missing California and wishing for the simple life...but that's why you'll go out and buy Birds Flying Away and Century Spring right afterwards. However, the first attempt is usually the best, and I'd have to agree that if you're looking for some acoustic ear candy w/deadpan brilliance to be compared to Beck in his early days, you'll dig this CD. Lucky Minnesota to have Mason running around their bars!

Based on the above reviews and some sound snipits I listened to, I got Mason Jennings' first CD, self-titled, and his most recent release, "Use Your Voice." I listen to a lot of music, with an inclination for singer-songswriters and folk rock, and it's wonderful to unexpectedly discover someone this good who has so much music out already. It's unbelievable, and frankly unjust, that he isn't better known. I like the two CDs so much that I limit the amount of time I allow myself to listen to to them - I don't want them to get old! There's something so raw and real about Mason Jennings that these reordings make me think of the crackling old field recordings done by Alan Lomax of blues singers down in Mississippi: simple, stark, strikingly fresh and personal ... undiluted, uncontrived. Okay, I've run out of adjectives! Anyone who laments the quality of contemporary music (as I have) may want to reconsider their opinion. Where are the Dylans of today? Mason Jennings may provide you the answer.

The reason I ended up here was because I saw Mason live twice between 1998 and 2000. I bought this self-titled CD at the first show, and then some jerk stole my collection recently. I have to buy back Mason Jennings - the only CD from the bunch that I've truly missed. If you ever get to see Mason live, do it!

Mason Jennings has created one fantastic and laid back album here. Hearing songs like "California" actually make you want to be there. "Stars Shine Quietly" followed by "Darkness Between the Firflies" beautifully wind down the album that as the after the crescendo of brilliance that preceded those two. I think this album fits for anyone who enjoys the occassional slow song. Something this good is hard to come by these days.

Mason Jennings is one of those off the mainstream, underrated musician, who gives his audience nothing but great music.
Amazing and sobering album, but only 4 stars because he's even better live!

This was a pretty good record though I usually don't listen to this type of music. Songs like 'California', 'Butterfly', and 'Darkness between the Fireflies' are beautiful and bittersweet. I love those songs and they often appear on mix tapes I make for people and they always get a good response. Mostly I am writing this review in response to the brutal one by Claired. First, I am pretty sure this record came out before any of Jack Johnson's and is much less commercial than his. I am also sorry you couldn't appreciate his unique voice. Don't worry Mason Jennings I'm on your side.

I have recently become a huge fan of Mason Jennings, owning all of his albums, and loving each of them. This is probably my favourite, even though only 26 minutes long, each song is beautifully crafted with feeling; and Jennings is a fine wordsmith to boot! Of all singer-songwriters in recent years, Mason Jennings has to be right at the top of the tree for me. Read my words: you have to own this album. You won't regret it, and my guess is you'll be buying Century Spring, Birds Flying Away, and A Simple Life - probably in that order, within weeks of hearing this masterpiece. And you're waiting for...? what exactly? :)

It's unfortunate that artists such as Jennings get lost in the shuffle. Jennings has been around longer than Jackson and it is he who is opening up for Johnson, it should be the other way around. Hopefully he will soon start to get the recognition he deserves outside of Minnesota. His self-titled CD has well-written lyrics and catchy tunes, I find myself singing California (Part II) all the time. There is not a single weak track on this disk. It is the perfect CD to listen to when you want to sit back and relax. I also reccomend you go out and buy his other CD's: Birds Flying Away, Century Spring, and A Simple Life (only available at awarestore.com). This CD still remains my favorite though.

I just bought this disc, but I think it's safe to say that it's a keeper. Listen to Amazon's sound clips- you'll know pretty quickly if this is for you. My only obvious complaint has to do with the quick running time- this disc runs at just 26 minutes.

Unlike so many other artists from his generation, mason jennings constantly experiments, isn't afraid of taking risks, and always has something thought-provoking to say. if you are looking for a place to start in the mason jennings catalog I recommend this album.