Jennie Arnau/Mt. Pleasant

When I first saw the title to Jennie Arnau’s new album, Mt. Pleasant, I instinctively thought of the little town in South Carolina of the same name, but assumed that Arnau meant something different…she didn’t.  The album was in fact named for that town.  And although she’s based in New York these days, she’s originally from South Carolina.  Mt. Pleasant is an eleven song disc featuring production by Trina Shoemaker (Dixie Chicks, Lucinda Williams) but more importantly featuring good songwriting from Arnau.  She often refers to it as southern rock, but don’t come looking for Skynard or Charlie Daniels here.  Tracks like “Holidays” may fit better under “southern-fried-jazz” while others like “You’re Not Alone” (my favorite from the disc) sound a bit like Train fronted by Kelly Willis.  Jennie also shows she doesn’t take herself too seriously (a very important quality in this business) with lyrics like, “You smoke when you get drunk and stupid” on the poppy “Bottle Rocket.”  Overall this is a very strong release from Arnau running the gauntlet in style and character where each song leaves you guessing what’s coming next.  I’m sure we’ll all be hearing a lot more from her in the near future.  The album is on Spectra Records…be sure to download from I-Tunes, or your favorite digital retailer.  In the meantime, check her out for yourself at www.myspace.com/jenniearnau.  Tell her Todd sent you…nevermind she won’t have a clue what you’re talking about.