"I was born to love you, you were born to resist."

I've always liked Mason Jennings. And by like him I mean that I enjoyed his company from time to time on a long road trip mix disc or in passing on shuffle. I will admit right here, right now though that I've never LOVED him. I always found him to be fairly vanilla. And there's nothing wrong with vanilla...don't get me wrong...I'm ALL about me some vanilla from time to time but on the whole, I prefer to mix it up a bit. And overall Mason just never had the right mix for me to count him among my very, very favorites. That might have changed with In the Ever though...in fact, I'm thinking it did.

There are some pretty heavy themes like faith and religious affiliation running through the tracks on his sixth studio album (available through one of my favorite labels, Brushfire)..."How Deep Is That River" and "Never Knew Your Name" are fine examples but there are also moments of brilliant sarcasm to be found as well like on the live track "Your New Man". And it's clear why Jennings was chosen to appear on the I'm Not There soundtrack after hearing him channel Dylan with startling acuity on "Memphis, Tennessee".

So for whatever reason, I've crossed the line with Mason Jennings. We're out of the friend zone and into full blown courtship. Either way, have a listen and see if you feel the same...and if you're one of the lucky bitchards going to Lollapalooza this weekend, check out his set for sure. These are probably my favorites...enjoy!


Mason Jennings - "Something About Your Love"


This song could be a new UU anthem, I swear. And I guess that's why it appeals to me so much.

Mason Jennings - "I Love You & Buddha Too"


Bob? Is that you?

Mason Jennings - "Memphis, Tennessee"


And my two very favorites...

Right now he's probably moaning your name
The thought of it is driving me insane
Got to get religion just to ease the pain
Of thinking 'bout you loving your new man

Mason Jennings - "Your New Man"

Where was I before you found me
Who was I and what had bound me
Where was love and understanding
Why was living so demanding
You were on the snow-capped mountains
You were in the deep blue ocean
Down below the wind and thunder
In a perfect world of wonder
You were calling, come back to me
How long has it been, my only
I was listening and I heard you
When I did, I finally found you

Everything you touch is living
This whole universe is giving
What was once inside you dreaming
Is now the life that you are leading
I was with you, baby, crying
I was there when you were dying
Underneath the sound and silence
In the gospel and in science

Come to me my perfect lover
We are one, there is no other
In every face I see you clearly
Oh my friend I love you dearly

Mason Jennings - "My Perfect Lover"