I'm probably looking over at Billy G, Radcliffe, Kon, and most-certainly Finch Platte (since he is the one who sent me the album that I am listening to right now):


It's my first listen, and it's not exactly killing me, but I am still somehow compelled to keep listening. That is a good thing, and a sign that it is most-likely a serious grower.

I read the AMG bio both for Leven, himself and for his earlier band, Doll by Doll.

An initial RIYL: Lloyd Cole, The Waterboys, The Humblebums, and a few others that I can't think of right now.

Can anyone else get me a bit more of a personal take on his music? I like to hear what you folks think, if you are familiar.

I came across him about 10 years ago and his bio and reviews made it sound like he was someone I would like. I gave his 1997 album "Fairytales for Hard Men" (which got really good reviews) a long shot. I don't remember enough about it to say too much but I didn't really hear anything distinctive in it and ended up deleting it. I never bothered looking anything further into him or Doll by Doll after that. So sorry but I can't be too much help.

Not a big fan of Doll by Doll. The blog revisionists are claiming their Gypsy Blood album as a lost classic, but I don't buy it. They existed in a no man's land between authentic Americana/rock 'n' roll and the anthemic, emotionally overwrought "big music" of early Waterboys and Ian McNabb/Icicle Works, and usually leaned towards the latter. For me, Leven is exactly in the same camp as McNabb: an obvious talent that I wish I could like more.

I was going to try to send along the article that came with the mag that came with the CD, but I guess I didn't?

Yeah, it's like others were saying, it sounds like something I should like (and a tad overwrought, as Radcliffe said) and I'm kinda going "meh" as well.

You did send it, Gar; I just have not yet had the time to read it. But that is not the kind of thing that I am looking for with my question here, anyway. What I really want is for the people here (whom I know and trust) to tell me their opinions and thoughts on Jackie—to pick your brains.
But I do plan on reading that article at lunch today. Thanks for the reminder!