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The new catch-all label for music that isn't easily classified seems to be "folk pop."  It can include anyone from Sufjan Stevens to Glen Phillips to Emmylou Harris.   It seems to incorporate bits of intelligent pop music, acoustic guitars, Americana, and the occasional odd instrument just for good measure.  Of course, Jeff Merchant's album _Window Rolled Down_ could just be labeled as "indie," but that paints an incomplete picture, no?

Merchant's vocals waver from Elliott Smith-like pathos to pure chamber pop a la Brian Wilson.  The latter isn't surprising, since members of Wilson's backup band appear here.   Alternately haunting, wistful, and sing-songy, the songs here depict life in Los Angeles.  One track, "(Don't Look So) Distressed" is a spoken word piece, reminiscent of Neil Young's "Tired Eyes," while others, like "Little Red Riding Hood" come across as a less intense Nick Cave. 

"Landlord Song" deals with a crappy apartment, and the lack of response from the landlord.  Thirteen songs later, we have our resolution – "Eviction (There's a Place)."   Evidently, the landlord's method of dealing with complaints is take back his keys.  These two tracks sum up the entire record – in Merchant's version of LA, the only help you will receive is from yourself.   In some way, the album may remind you of the movie Magnolia – it paints a cynical but somewhat accurate view of big city life.  Not recommended for the depressed. 

Brian A. Smith
23 July 2006