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Minnesota native Jonathan Rundman is a busy man: he is the CEO of Salt Lady Records, playing and singing on most of that label’s output, recording a project with Beki Hemingway (see review of Tennesota here), and following up his 52-song Sound Theology with a new album, Public Library.

One of Rundman’s traits, as revealed on previous works, is that he will write a song about anything that catches his eye.  Public Library is no exception, with songs about truck drivers (“Almost Never See”), near death experiences (“Park River Bridge”), and airplanes (“747s”).

“Smart Girls” starts things off, advising young men to look past physical appearance and seek intelligence in their prospective mates.  Rundman’s trademark Paul Westerburg-style vocals are in evidence here, while “Falling Down” leans more towards Tom Petty.  “Second Language” points out that what you see may not be what you get.  “747s” is a rollicking rave up using airplanes as a metaphor for love.

“Every Town’s the Same” is a countryish tune about life on the road, far superior to similar tunes by other artists (“Cleveland” by Jewel leaps immediately to mind).  The quasi-title track, “Librarian”, depicts the orderly nature of that particular occupation, while possibly comparing Rundman’s own profession to it.  “Cuban Missile Crisis” deal with married conflict, the up and down nature of relationships.

Sound Theology is probably going to be the album Rundman is remembered for. At 52 songs, that prospect has some merit.  But Public Library should not be overlooked.  It is possibly Rundman’s most radio friendly project to date, with a pleasant quirkiness that reminds us how intelligent his songwriting truly is.  This is an album worth owning ­ and, ironically, will probably not be found in your public library.

Brian A. Smith
14 August 2004