Luke Jackson
...And Then Some (Popsicle)
release: November 4, 2008
style: singer-songwriter indie power pop
[rating: ***1/2] His dear special guests that include string arrangements by Robert Kirby (credits include Nick Drake) made Luke Jackson so happy and appreciative. Jackson (not to be confused with the basketball player) should dare not sell himself short either on this album that's as big as the sum of its parts. His upbeat chamber-indie is near tops this year in this category. And Then Some includes the moving on, Billy Bragg-style song "Goodbye London," an overseas answer to Ryan Adams "New York, New York." The strings, lap steel, et al expand the simple songs into something a little more grand, adding life to lyrical content regarding moving away to a destination unknown. -Kenyon