Reviewer: Delusions of Adequacy, www.delusions of adequacy.net

In the true indie sense, Jenn Lindsay has made a lot of fans while doing just about everything herself. She financed this album by playing guitar and singing in the New York City subway, and her receptionist job helped with the cover art printing (and office supplies, of course). In fact, her biggest help - beyond fan support of course - was from Major Matt Mason USA, who produced the album. As an important figure in the New York antifolk scene and owner of Olive Juice Music, Mason's name may lend the album weight and get more out of Lindsay's sound, but the music here is all Lindsay. You've heard female singer/songwriters before, and there's not much here besides Lindsay's voice and acoustic guitar. As a transplant to New York City's antifolk scene, Lindsay fits right in, playing songs that are at times biting and sardonic, at other times lighthearted and playful. Most of all, her music is sincere and honest, and you get the sense that she loves what she's doing with all her heart, which goes a long way to making this album more accessible and enjoyable. The opener "Red Shirt," is a lovely song, light and sweet sounding, with Lindsay singing sweetly "hold me close." Her catchiest song, "Olly Olly Oxen Free" will have you singing along, as her voice blends nicely with her music, sounding akin to Joni Mitchell many times. When she speeds up a bit, telling her stories in songs like the impressive and rebellious "I Am Not Going Home Yet," her music feels a bit more like Ani Difranco and takes on more intensity. She fills out "I Call Myself a Flower" with keyboard, giving the song a more playful, kaleidoscope feel, while some nice vocal effects fill out the sweet sounding "I Stayed Home Today." The very quiet "Tower of Toys" feels very honest, very powerful due to Lindsay's singing and some soft strings. If you've had it up to your ears with acoustic singer/songwriters, you're not going to like Lindsay much more, but her music has an undeniably sincere and honest approach, which goes a long way in my book. These songs are very well performed and produced, and the music is charming and sweet while still being sarcastic and introspective at times. It makes for a fine album.

- Jeff, 9/23/02