MP4: Days Since a Lost Time Accident

Amazon.com
If Michael Penn sometimes can't seem to decide which of his musical talents (singer-songwriter, musician-arranger, perspective-minded producer) to focus on, it's a dilemma that's produced a compelling slice-of-résumé here. And though his pop sensibility is sometimes reminiscent of Matthew Sweet and other history-conscious peers, there's a reserve to Penn's productions that subtly underscores lyrics as sharp of tongue as they are of eye. Typically bleak, if playfully so ("I got loaded in a hearse when all I needed was a nurse," he observes on "Lucky One"), the singer can't help but lay the truth on you even while he's busy concocting just the right musical cocktail to help wash it down. This is Penn's sometimes bleak world-view, be it personal or objective, set to dry productions that can still somehow recall Spector one instant, mournful Delta blues the next, crucially without being slave to either. Cheer up, Penn seems to be advising here, the news may be bad, but the music doesn't have to be. -Jerry McCulley

MP4: Days Since a Lost Time Accident,Michael Penn,Sony,Adult Alternative Pop/Rock,Pop,Pop Underground,Pop/Rock,Popular Music,Rock,Rock/Pop,Singer/Songwriter

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MP4: Days Since a Lost Time Accident

Average customer rating: Business as usual for the Bard of L.A. Watered down and bland Looking for the Fifth Star MP4 displays high levels of brilliance. A step back

MP4: Days Since a Lost Time Accident Michael Penn Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Resigned Mr. Hollywood Jr., 1947 Free-for-All March March ASIN: B00004C4MI Release Date: 2000-02-01

Tracks:

1. Lucky One
2. Whole Truth
3. High Time
4. Beautiful
5. Footdown
6. Perfect Candidate
7. Don't Let Me Go
8. Out Of It's Misery
9. Trampoline
10. Bucket Brigade

Amazon.com

If Michael Penn sometimes can't seem to decide which of his musical talents (singer-songwriter, musician-arranger, perspective-minded producer) to focus on, it's a dilemma that's produced a compelling slice-of-résumé here. And though his pop sensibility is sometimes reminiscent of Matthew Sweet and other history-conscious peers, there's a reserve to Penn's productions that subtly underscores lyrics as sharp of tongue as they are of eye. Typically bleak, if playfully so ("I got loaded in a hearse when all I needed was a nurse," he observes on "Lucky One"), the singer can't help but lay the truth on you even while he's busy concocting just the right musical cocktail to help wash it down. This is Penn's sometimes bleak world-view, be it personal or objective, set to dry productions that can still somehow recall Spector one instant, mournful Delta blues the next, crucially without being slave to either. Cheer up, Penn seems to be advising here, the news may be bad, but the music doesn't have to be. -Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

Business as usual for the Bard of L.A........2006-01-21

While the influence of Michael Penn's many side projects make themselves heard on this effort, the musical evolution was laid out in the road map of Resigned, not to mention previous collaborations with Patrick Warren. Face it, Penn has always had a flare for mixing genre (what great musician doesn't?), so there's little need to quibble over Penn's perceived branching out when it comes to the production values of his current records.

Lyrically speaking, MP4 is business as usual for the heir apparent to Dylan. If you like clever wordplay and haunting metaphors, then Penn's the guy for you. True, things rarely get sunny in Michael's world, but hey, that's what happens when sensitivity allows such vision. The bleakness of his worldview may weary listeners, but it is sold in the most eloquent terms, and that's what keeps us coming back for more.

Watered down and bland.......2005-07-31

Where's the hooks?

Michael Penn is a gifted songwriter/musician and this album is the low point of his career.

It has an VH1 mediocrity to it.

There's two good songs on the album.

Thankfully Michael rebounds with his superior 2005 album, "Mr. Hollywood Jr., 1947".

Looking for the Fifth Star.......2002-08-30

This is Michael Penn's best recording to date. His literacy and pop sensibility is one of the best today. No comparisons, he is himself. He should be congratulated for being a true independent in music. Aimee Mann is his match.

Four stars for deficiencies I won't go into here.

I just hope he can find the Good News and get out of the cultural downer where his music tends to go. Although, sometimes his songs just tell it in a way that only a great talent can - Lucky One is both funny and serious at the cusp of the Millennium; High Time is truly mature, time to grow up; and Perfect Candidate is unfortunately too true. He can spot the Ship of Fools.

This is a genius still on his way.

MP4 displays high levels of brilliance........2002-03-24

Michael Penn's 4th album, "MP4: Days...," is absolutely amazing. Although not as amazing as the fact that not many people are aware of Michael Penn's musical prowess (or presence). His voice and lyrics combine to create a musical style comprable to Lennon and McCartney. The first track, "Lucky One," showcases Penn's range as a writer and musician. However, the gem of the CD comes in the form of track No. 7, "Don't Let Me Go." A song that takes you deep into the mind and heart of the performer. Absolutely stunning and I have to say, my best music purchase of the past few years.

A step back.......2002-01-13

Penn retreads some of his lesser work on _March_ on MP4, and it just doesn't work. "Whole Truth" and "Don't Let Me Go" are beautiful, but "Perfect Candidate", "Beautiful", and "Bucket Brigade" are just sloppy and uninspired. Time to return to the pared-down brilliance of _Free-For-All_, methinks.

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