Mason Jennings – In The Ever

• 8th Sep 2008

‘In The Ever’ is the sixth album by American singer-songwriter Mason Jennings, and the first released on Jack Johnson’s Brushfire Records label.

The album is described as ‘classic Americana’, like an alternative country Transformer. Don’t get me wrong, the album is good to listen to, and the vocal sound comparisons with Lou Reed are clear, but Transformer is lofty company to try and keep.

Mason Jennings can command an audience in the thousands, so he must be doing something right. ‘I Love You and Buddha Too’ is catchy with an ‘all religions are OK’ lean, and ‘Your New Man’ offers an insight into the live performance draw with simple folk style guitar and well thought out lyrics. It is also possibly the clearest comparison with Lou Reed in terms of sound. ‘Memphis Tennessee’ has a Dylan-esque quality to it, and this may be where the alt.country tag comes from.

This is the first time I’ve listened to Mason Jennings, but a dip into the back catalogue suggests that there is strength here maybe not encapsulated within ‘In The Ever’. More listens to the album suggests a lyrical strength and emotion that may not be fully appreciated straight away.

If you like alt.country / folk singer-songwriters then certainly give this a listen. I’d also indulge in the back catalogue to get a better appreciation of a talented artist.