Birds Flying Away

Released in 2000 as the follow-up to his self-titled debut, Birds Flying Away solidified Mason Jennings' reputation as a premier architect of 'basement folk.' The recording process was marked by significant hurdles, including the departure of his drummer and a six-man bout with mononucleosis, which perhaps contributed to the album's patient, sometimes weary atmosphere. Sonically, it is defined by Jennings' idiosyncratic guitar style - a highly percussive, almost drum-like approach to the acoustic guitar that provides the rhythmic backbone for his breathy, close-mic vocals. Unlike his debut, this record saw Jennings expanding his lyrical scope to include historical and political themes, notably on tracks like 'Black Panther' and 'Dr. King,' while maintaining the domestic intimacy of songs like 'Stars Shine Quietly.' The inclusion of subtle arrangements, such as the saxophone on 'Black Panther,' hinted at a broadening sonic palette that would continue to evolve throughout his career. It remains a fan favorite and a quintessential example of the early 2000s indie-folk movement.