Jenny Owen Youngs - Batten the Hatches
Reviewed by shaunathan
“NOT a low rent imitation of Liz Phair,” reads a comment on Jenny Owen Youngs MySpace page. The only way I can see a comparison to Liz is the confessional nature of Jenny’s lyrics, and the somewhat “shocking” presentation. For example, one of the key tracks on her new LP Batten the Hatches” is called “Fuck Was I.” For me, that’s where the similarities end. Jenny’s also more folk-oriented than Liz ever was, and Jenny probably has more integrity. So in short, how anyone could compare the two beyond some superficial characteristics is beyond me. The album is really good, full of solid folk-oriented songs. Besides “Fuck Was I,” check out “From Here” and both mixes of “Woodcut.” A new voice has emerged in the indie-folk genre, and one can hope she has plenty to say. [www.jennyowenyoungs.com]