Big Johns

After a brief stint on Elektra Records, Jennyanykind went back to their independent ways, producing 1998's Big Johns at their new recording studio of the same name for Yep Roc records. A reputable '90s East Coast {roots rock} outfit, guitarist/vocalist Michael Holland, drummer Mark Holland, and bassist Cliff Browne do nothing to sully their considerable musical reputation. Perhaps a little too lo-fidelity than the group intended, the gritty production featured on Big Johns, while purposefully uneven, can get a tad distracting as band members drop notes and even shift into incorrect song sections. Generally, this kind of recording absolutism is refreshing, and Jennyanykind certainly have the spirit and musical chops to pull it off, but things do get a little garbled on this disc, and it isn't always cute. Listeners that aren't afraid of some muffled vocals and that can handle an occasionally overwhelming bass mix are advised to check out this otherwise splendid roots/folk/blues recording. ~ Vincent Jeffries, All Music Guide