Jack's Mannequin - People and Things

Fresh out of Orange County, California Jack's Mannequin is back with their third studio set, People and Things. The follow up to 2008's The Glass Passenger finds Andrew McMahon & Co. delivering sun glistened, piano-pop gems to an devoted and anxious audience, most of whom have followed Andy from his last project, Something Corporate.

The album starts off strong with the disc's first single, "My Racing Thoughts" a melodic, piano fueled track that sees Andrew bringing his introspective and wonderful voice full circle in this track that glistens brightly all the way to the very end. Next is the upbeat "Release Me", an energetic anthem that sees the melodic output being increased substantially and yields to an exquisite and energetic track that should have you singing along as the song progresses. My favorite song off the album is "Amy, I", another stellar track that fully exemplifies the genius that is Andrew McMahon with his amazing vocals lending a certain accompaniment to each and every song that can't be duplicated by any other musician out there today. "Hey Hey Hey (We're All Gonna Die)" is a toned down, reflective tune that really hits hard lyrically, and alludes to Andrew's cancer struggle which he beat successfully about 6 years ago.

We venture into the disc's second half and we find "Amelia Jean", an emotionally deep and resonating track that continues its journey deep into the psyche of Andy and the pure musical genius that he is and his extraordinary abilities as a musician that leaves so many listeners in awe and in absolute joy to be right there in the musical presence of this man. "Platform Fire" is another formidable track that features simple and elegant piano rhythms mixed in wonderfully with lightly placed guitar patterns that are an absolute delight to sit and listen to.  The disc gets ready to shut down with "Restless Dream" a simple, bare bones styled tune that features incredible acoustic guitar arrangements and Andrew's beautiful and simple voice guiding the song along smoothly and comfortably. The disc's finale, "Casting Lines" is a resonating, anthemic track that brings together all the different musical elements we've heard on the disc and translates it all for us in one elegantly designed opus that looks at the scope of the album as a whole. I've been a huge follower and devotee of Andrew McMahon since his days in Something Corporate and he has been a true musical inspiration to me right through my high school years. When I first heard about his diagnosis with ALL (acute lymphoblastic leukemia) 6 years ago, I was absolutely shocked and constantly hoped that he would pull through this ordeal. Ultimately he did, thanks to a bone marrow transplant from his sister Katie, and he has emerged stronger than ever before. From listening to him in interviews, I've learned so much about the creative side of the music business than I had ever learned in my studies in school and is a true role model to me and countless other people aspiring to work in the music business today.

In retrospect, a splendid and terrific effort from Jack's Mannequin, which sees Andrew McMahon and his band pull together a great effort that exposes a great deal about the strong work ethic and passionate vocal delivery that Andy is capable of displaying in full force, much of what we already knew before with his work in Something Corporate.

                                                                                                                       Album Score: 4/5

Track Listing:

1. My Racing Thoughts
2. Release Me
3. Television
4. Amy, I
5. Hey Hey Hey (We're All Gonna Die)
6. People, Running
7. Amelia Jean
8. Platform Fire
9. Hostage
10. Restless Dream
11. Casting Lines