PRINTSound Advice
JACK’S MANNEQUIN, The Glass Passenger
Courtesy of Warner Bros.
October 2, 2008 | 12:00 a.m. CST
Some people are just born to be overachievers, and Jack’s Mannequin frontman Andrew McMahon is obviously one of them. He recorded his first album with piano-rock group Something Corporate at 18, toured the world performing with big-name bands such as 311 and Yellowcard by 21, fought and ultimately beat leukemia at 23 and formed a successful side project that quickly morphed into a full-blown gig in his spare time.
Just 26 years old, McMahon could pen one entertaining autobiography, and The Glass Passenger, released Sept. 30, might be just that. Songs such as “Suicide Blonde” and the not-so-subtly titled “What Gets You Off” show how much the now-married McMahon has grown up since Something Corporate hits like “Punk Rock Princess.” “Swim” delves into deeper subjects than usual, but his sincere voice sounds just as nice over earnest melodies as it does with punk jams.
The power-pop band follows up with a few lighthearted sing-alongs that will promptly get stuck in your head after just one listen. “Miss California” will bring a little West Coast cool to any iPod, even during the approaching Midwest winter.
Jack’s Mannequin’s second album was two years in the making, but the thoughtful lyrics, heartfelt melodies and chilling piano solos reflect the time spent. This CD is decidedly darker than the sand-and-sunny-skies vibe of Everything In Transit, so it’s only appropriate that the band enlisted Stephanie Meyer of Twilight fame to direct the video for “The Resolution.” With ominous lyrics that sound as if they were written for the soundtrack of a certain vampire series, Jack’s Mannequin shows they still have bite.
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