This came out in 2000 – or at least that’s when I got it. Here’s what I said about it back then (with some minor editing):
Here’s one for the next edition of Rock Family Trees.
Singer-songwriter Michael Penn is older brother to actors Chris and Sean — but on his charming fourth album, he comes off more like a little brother to John, Paul and George. The thoughtful, well-crafted and witty pop found on MP4 — subtitled [ Days Since A Lost Time Accident ] — is chock full of Beatles-influenced melodies, harmonies and chord changes. Then again, it also has touches of Bruce Springsteen’s Jersey Shore rock, perky Squeeze licks, Beach Boys doo-wop, the touching troubadourism of Elliott Smith and Shawn Mullins, and even the odd bit of Simon and Garfunkel folkism. Toss in some harmonies from vocalist Aimee Mann — aka Penn’s wife — and you’ve got musical roots too tangled for Alex Haley to straighten out.
