Michael Penn - Mr. Hollywood Jr., 1947

It was 1980-something, and the world was repleat with talented Penn brothers. Sean was still riding the Spicoli legacy; Chris was getting some notoriety for his work in Footloose; and Michael had a great song out in the form of "No Myth," which no one understood but also which no one could deny was an awesome song. (Even though I personally thought "This & That" was a little better) Fast forward to 2005. Sean Penn has no sense of humor whatsoever; Chris Penn? wha? But man, Michael Penn still keeps pluggin along at his music career with the release of Mr. Hollywood Jr., 1947. Gotta give him all the credit, and I have to admit, he might just be my favorite Penn simply because no matter what happened in the interum, he hasn't changed his attitude - it's still all about the music. An intimate record, admittedly, Mr. Hollywood Jr., 1947 doesn't have the easy, hooky single that March did, but there's no denying the songwriting prowess that Penn displays on these 13 tracks. It's more of an epic effort in which each song needs the context of the whole to make sense really. Penn's guitar playing is skilled and organic, and his vocals are both powerful and understatedly even. The drums are hard when they need to be firm and soft where they need to be poignant. The piano comes in when it's needed and is absent when it would be gratuitous. Penn even brings in the artistry of Aimee Mann on a few tracks to play bass. Every note seems to have been so thought out and crafted, as if he might have spent the whole of the last 15 years coming up with this one. The closest comparison I can make is to the legacy of The Band. I am really surprised by how impressive Mr. Hollywood Jr., 1947 is. It won't turn heads on the radio, but the true music lover and appreciater will be pleased if they come across it in the discount bin, into which I'm certain it will be relegated. Seriously though, seek it out. It's great stuff. [www.michaelpenn.com]