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1989's " March"
; "1992's "Free For All" ; "1993's "Free Time" & "1997's "Resigned" all
exude the eclectic pop/rock melodic sensibilities of the best of post
modern songwriting craft Michael's latest
release " MP4 (Days Since A Lost Time Accident)" , again shows why high
regard accompanies Michael Penn's work ; Whilst maintaining an aura of
singular vision , Michael's uncanny & unique charisma permeates his material
consistently over time The perspective
on one level is that throughout Michael Penn's musical journeys , he has
produced a prolific body of work that is both lyrical & mischievous
, whilst his sonic-wondrous plethora of nuance & structural integrity
shine with songwriting prowess & subtle production smarts On the MP4 project
, a tune like " Lucky One" with its melodic & fluent ambiance , exudes
the best of what made the Beach Boys relevant. Following the path of "
Whole Truth" , one finds the altruistic alter ego of Mr. Penn's work is
as poignant , as is his ability to diversify stylistic arrangements &
audio-approaches. These qualities amplify the range & emotion of MP4 In " High Time"
, a melancholy & lyrical sophistication is complimented with quasi-string
accompaniment & orchestral nuance ; Or in " Beautiful" where a more introspective
& world weary touch accompanies a folk tinged flavor , the vocal shadings
& unique quality of Michael Penn's voice always stands out as a centerpiece
& counterpoint highlight "Footdown"
with it's vibraphone splashes , is reminiscent of the Beatles White Album.
In a tune like "Perfect Candidate" , again we are overtaken by the novelistic
content , amidst acoustic guitars & brilliant chromatic progressions which
are a trademark of Mr. Penn's music " Don't Let Me
Go " entwines a waltz time signature & a harder edged direction : Whilst
"Out Of Its Misery" , is the type of gem that reflects the minor
cadence Beatlesque shades of genius. When coupled with a subtle Americana
touch that is spotlighted in a steel guitar in this instance, the effect
is mesmerizing " Trampoline"
has the wistful vocal layering that characterizes the harmonic resonance
of Michael's unique & classic vocal style. In " Bucket Brigade" he again
draws us into a reflective refrain like a sunset on the meridian of time
& emotion The enigmatic
aura of Michael Penn's work on MP4 , as with his entire catalog of works,
tend to confound a listener & critic alike in it's subtle & sheer beauty
of understatement. Michael Penn hypnotizes with his art as he perplexes
the senses Michael Penn
emotes as a poet of post modern pop in a dreamscape that is lush in colors
of warmth & human emotion. His work continues to develop with no artistic
boundaries in sight , sound , passion or vision With no
parameters in Michael Penn's continuing expansion of expression , it's
all a delight to behold & an artistic point of inspirational subtle
magic For those who
appreciate a truly gifted musician & songwriter who hones his craft &
transforms his inner demons & pain into subliminal beauty & majestic grace
; Whether it's This or That…or any number of the other great tunes that
one conjures from his songbook ; One cannot be without Michael Penn's
music. It's audio essential in its intrinisic infinite muse
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Michael
Penn's prolific body of work stands at a crossroads of artistic integrity
& metaphoric creativity 
