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Jack’s Mannequin – The Glass Passenger

Autumn is my favorite season, but unfortunately I am from South Carolina where the crisp air is lacking and can only be replicated by turning down the air conditioner and lighting the biggest apple cinnamon candle known to mankind. Fortunately, I have a handful of artists that give me the autumn feel I crave, and my favorite album to bring out this time of year is The Glass Passenger by Jack’s Mannequin. If I had to pick one album to cradle like a baby, it would be this one. Not only does it aid me in my attempt to make everything more autumn like, but its positive vibe also helped me get through a difficult time. The album comes to life with its honest lyrics, and whether you are listening to the upbeat tunes like “The Resolution” or “Spinning” or  ballads like “Swim” or “Annie Use Your Telescope,” it will leave you with a warm sense of hope.

This month marks the 10th anniversary of The Glass Passenger’s release, the second album of Andrew McMahon’s solo project Jack’s Mannequin. I hope it fills your home, car, or headphones with the feeling of autumn. My favorite tunes are “Annie Use Your Telescope” and “What Gets You Off.” Do you have a favorite autumn album? Let me know in the comments.

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My “Go To” Bands

Now that I have posted about a few new artists I love, I think it is important to write about the bands that help me get through this thing called life. You know, my “go to” bands. The tried and true.

The Rocket Summer: This is Texas native Bryce Avary’s solo project. I first heard of this indie rocker from a friend in 2005. I became intrigued when I was told Avary not only wrote and produced his album, but that he also played every instrument on the album.  At the time, Avary had just released his sophomore album Hello, Good Friend. Since then, he has released the albums Do You Feel, Of Men and Angels, Life Will Write The Words, and Zoetic. I love every song on every album. The last 12 years of my life have been so much better with The Rocket Summer in it. I remember having a bit of the mommy blues after my pregnancies, and I literally could not listen to anything else. Avary’s music makes me so happy, and I am so grateful for it.

Jack’s Mannequin/Andrew McMahon: Andrew McMahon has been part of a few different music acts. He was a vocalist in the rock band Something Corporate then moved on to his solo project Jack’s Mannequin and is currently doing his thing under the name Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness.  I first heard of him while watching an episode of One Tree Hill (one of the best shows ever made) in my college dorm room. The song “Dark Blue” by Jack’s Mannequin started playing and I thought (and still think) it was incredible. I have followed his career ever since that day. Every album he releases is great. He is so talented, and his life story is amazing. If you have a minute (or an hour) go watch Dear Jack, a documentary about McMahon’s life. Have your tissues ready. I can not imagine this world without his music.