TBTS Music Review: Jenny O. – Automechanic

A couple weeks ago, I stumbled across Jenny O.’s Automechanic (Holy Trinity), and what a pleasant surprise it was. Oddly enough, the title track is my least favorite on the album, but it gets better fast, a lot better. Many of the tunes have a laid back 70’s pop feel and “Lazy Jane” might be the most obvious example. Smooth and down comforter soft, the beautiful vocal harmonies lay out a bed you might be reluctant to get out of on a chilly Sunday morning.

As a quick comaprison Jenny O. at first sounds like a blend of early Jewel, Edie Brickell and Sheryl Crow. Taking the best qualities of each, but making a fresh sound out of it all. “Dope Van Gogh” and “In Our Hands” both recall Simon and Garfunkel’s early work and the arrangement for “Hey Neighbor” sounds like a take on The Beatles “When I’m 64.”

“Learned My Lessons” contains what might the best bit of advice you’ll hear all year: “Be Patient and be real kind, tread lightly on the land that you find. When you can try to be on time, and you can be happy for the rest of your life.”

Additional highlights from Automechanic are “Get Lost” and “Sun Moon and Stars.” I would love to hear Jenny O. cover “Jackie Blue” by the Ozark Mountain Daredevils. I think it would be right up her alley.

Is there a song you want your favorite current artist to cover? Let us know what you think. The lines are open.