If you just listen to this disc's brief opening track "Intro" and closing tune "Thank You," you'd get the idea that
Manda Mosher is one of those lo-fi neo-folkies trying to re-create the old-timey music of yesterday. But the disc's bookending tunes don't give a very accurate impression of this album as a whole. Better yet, start with the knockout second track, "Lay Me Down." On this potent rootsy rocker, the willowy L.A. blonde lays out her musical game plan for her dynamic debut. It's a marvelous mix of
Sheryl Crow-style rock balanced by
Mosher's husky,
Aimee Mann-ish alto. The
Mann effect is more present in the following tune, "Keeps on Turning"; however,
Mosher offers a more optimistic world view ("the world keeps on turning" despite bad times) than
Mann typically does. The song also boasts an engaging earthier sound courtesy of Jamie Muhoberac's organ and Ido Sasson's searing guitar work. Throughout this album,
Mosher reveals a nice knack for penning love songs that avoid sappiness. The spare "Everything You Need" exposes an inner strength within its simple (although far from simplest) emotions. A lovely, stripped-down rendition of
Pete Townshend's "Blue, Red, and Grey" delivers more joys about the simple things in life. The more uptempo, harmonica-powered rocker "One True Love" is a catchy ode to survival that reveals her affect for
Tom Petty's music. "Wash It All Away" is another strong track with
Mosher's vocals soaring over a melodic but urgent rock foundation. The disc's smart mix of rootsy rock and quieter, acoustic-based moments brings to mind
Crow's
Tuesday Night Music Club debut. While it might not contain that album's chart-toppers,
Everything You Need contains everything Americana rock fans need -- it is an impressively confident and compelling disc that bodes well for
Mosher's future. ~ Michael Berick