Jenn Lindsay
Country of origin:
U.S.
Type of music generally:
Contemporary folk, folk/rock
Status:
Most recent release, Allora Eccola (2014)
See also:
Jenn Linsday's site
Wikipedia's entry on Jenn Lindsay
Comparisons:
An Ani Difranco comparison is inevitable. Jenn Lindsay is a kind of cross between early Ani Difranco and early Jewel before the success of Pieces of You created a monster. There are some Barbara Manning-like touches. Lyrically she sometimes reminds me a little of Regina Spektor. (Neile)
Covers/own material:
Own
General comments:
Just when I start to think that I just don't like contemporary folk anymore, someone like Jenn Lindsay comes along. She got a nice, versatile voice, excellent lively creative songwriting and smart, sharp lyrics. Rocking, folky, political. My faith is restored. I gather she's part of the New York Anti-folk crowd. More power to them! (Neile)
Recommended first album:
Any
Recordings:
- Bring It On (2001)
- The Story of What Works (2002)
- Gotta Lotta (2002)
- Fired (2003)
- the last new york horn (2004)
- Uphill Both Ways (2005)
- Perfect Handful (2006)
- A for Effort (2008)
- Prospect Hearts (2011)
- Allora Eccola (2014)
Release info:
2002—No Evil Star Records
Availability:
See Jenn Lindsay's site
Ecto priority:
Highly recommended
Group members:
Jenn Lindsay—acoustic guitar, vocals, paiano, bongo drums, plastic wrap, egg shaker
Guest artists:
Casey Holford—12-string, vocals
Bethany Walk—bass
John Mack Enflow—vocal percussion
Peter Dizozza—keyboard
MMM USA—keyboards, sampling, guest vocals
Robin Aigner—vocals
Produced by:
Jenn Lindsay and Major Matt Mason USA
Comments:
This is a witty, energetic collection of songs and both Jenn Lindsay's vocals and the tunes are exceptionally appealing. My favourites here are "Olly Olly Oxen Free" and "I Am Not Going Home Yet", but I like this whole collection. Recommended. (Neile)
Release info:
2005—No Evil Star Records—NES 1006
Availability:
See Jenn Lindsay's site
Ecto priority:
Highly recommended
Group members:
Jenn Lindsay—vocals, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, banjo, mandolin, piano. keys, baritone ukele, harmonica, tambourine, granny smith appke sounds
Guest artists:
Bryant Moore—drums, bass
Stephen Conrad Moore, Bryan Clark, Ciara Pressler—backing vocalsBR>
Matt Singer—guitar and vocals (4)
Peter Dizozza—piano and organ (3)
Dan Jeselsohn—upright bass (6, 11)
Lowell and Diana Lindsay—backing vocals (6)
David O'Neal—electric guitar (3, 6)
Soce the Elemental Wizard—violin (9)
Produced by:
Jenn Lindsay and Major Matt Mason
Comments:
From the rocking, punkish "brain" to the story song of "in brooklyn" to the nostalgic love song "i knew you" to her acoustic-guitar-only accompanied version of "The House of the Rising Sun" "destroyed by rising floods" to the raw challenge of the lost-love song "kitchen sink", Jenn Lindsay shows who she is a master of folk/rock. This is an impressive album in its range and its ability to show strength wherever it stands, claiming its ground. Recommended for all lovers of folkrock and powerful folk. (Neile)
Release info:
2008—No Evil Star Records—NES 1008
Availability:
See Jenn Lindsay's site
Ecto priority:
Highly recommended
Group members:
Jenn Lindsay—vocals, guitar, banjo, mandolin, drums, keyboard, xylophone, harmonica, percussion
Guest artists:
Bryan Moore—drums, bass
Produced by:
Jenn Lindsay
Comments:
This starts off with the poppy rebellion of "i am breaking up with you"—a lively indie pop tune. How can you not smile at disingenuous lines like "I am too awesome for you." "Kinda guy" follows in that vein, though the topic is about getting together. "Drag" is lower-key, indie-bluesy in mood, but it quickly gets lively again with "choose me back" and "paper", two of my favourites on this disc. While "no foul, no harm" deals with god, I think, most of the album is about relationships, like "second wind" and "the land of bad ideas." "Breakthrough" has an early Liz Phair-like sound at times. "Supposed to", "feel not more", and "catnip and kryptonite" are all charming and upbeat—though also poignant. The lyrics are always smart. "Reasons to quit" is particularly witty and pointed. Much of this feels very Lois-like, very DIY, home-grown and honest—but also clever. (Neile).
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