Reviewed! Jack's Mannequin - Peoples and Things
Jack’s Mannequin
People and Things
Sire Records
They say the third times a charm, and in the case of
Jack’s Mannequin’s People and Things,
that old tried and true adage is quite spot on. With their third studio
release, Andrew McMahon and company have dropped upon us a thick slice of
piano-based pop-rock euphoria, 11 tracks of arguably their best material ever
put to wax.
Sure, it’s not exactly the youthful and exuberant
outburst that was their 2005 debut Everything
In Transit, but People and Things
is the bands most complete record they’ve yet to release, one that features 11
tracks worth listening to, entirely free of filler of any kind. Opening the
record with panache is lead single “My Racing Thoughts,” a wonderful piece of
piano rock that effectively sets the stage for the rest of People and Things. Moments of catchy, yet serene
uber-melodies abound, and when combined with grown up introspective flashes,
leads to some of People and Things
standout moments (“Hostage,” “Television”). The band has not forgotten what they do best
either – turn a thoughtful ballad – with such heartstring pluckers as the
endearing “Restless Dream” and “Casting Lines.”
Perhaps the most endearing quality of People and Things is the
maturation of frontman Andrew McMahon and not only a singer, but a songwriter
as well. It’s evident that surviving a battle with leukemia and enduring the
demise of teen wunderkinds Something Corporate has given McMahon a new view and
lease on life (along with getting married), replacing the usual angsty teenage
confessions with much more complex themes like everyday struggles of life and
immortality. While that’s not to say that relatable topics like affairs of the
hearts aren’t covered, McMahon goes about this here in a much more adult fashion.
It’s well-rounded, it’s vibrant, it’s emotional, it’s
engaging, suffice to say, People and Things
is a good record, one that does justice to the breath of Jack’s Mannequin’s
previous body of work. Hell, it might just be the best they’ve ever been.
Grade: B
Listen to: “Racing Thoughts”
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