The only thing I am left wanting on this debut release from the NYC five piece Marry Me Jane, is the knowledge of which songs are/aren't on the soundtrack to the new movie If Lucy Fell (Y'know, that new Sarah Jessica Parker, Ben Stiller Gen-X'er). Marry Me Jane's lyrics could be THE script of Gen-X torment, so break out the inner sleeve and read along - you might see someone (everyone?) you know in these songs.
There is a near-perfect balance of sweetness and grit on this first effort. You get the little-girl lilt from vocalist Amanda Kravat, as well as the big grrl vocal authority. The tight control on the energy level gives just enough to bring you through the entire album, and crave more. One gets the feeling Marry Me Jane are not 'spent' from this collection of songs, and could easily come up with a follow-up as beautiful and emotionally charged.
Kravat's songwriting is anything but "Ordinary" (an interesting take on what irks urban youth), and really hits home on "You Didn't Kiss Me"
- so real, it's frightening!. Dan Petty's guitar work, and the Albetta/Pagano rhythm section don't allow the songs to get too sappy, or overbearing, which is a serious danger in this genre.Now that this is out, I'm waiting (im)patienly for the sequel...
