Jaymay

A few years ago, the New York City "anti-folk" scene was the talk of the town. Regina Spektor went on to become a commercial success, and Kimya Dawson is just now reaping the benefits of her Juno exposure, despite her band The Moldy Peaches fizzling out. As a result of the industry-induced hype, the UK's Jaymay got lumped in with these folks toward the tail end of the anti-folkers press heyday, and has since struggled to find someone to push her forward.

She finally found an ally in Blue Note Records, who, oddly enough, thought she and her past anti-folk standing would be a good bet; thus, Autumn Fallin' has been a long time coming. The wait culminates in a folkie record, teetering between acoustic guitar and piano-based tracks, but—more importantly—it's perfect for those tired of Feist and Regina, yet still want to stay within that quirk-folk vein. She convincingly channels Dylan on the nine minute "You'd Rather Run," a shuffling waltzy-style song that highlights Jaymay's narrative style "speak-singing"—sounds like it could be annoying, but it's not. What saves her is that she doesn't play with cliché's, and avoids them at all costs, which challenges even the best of attention spans, but she's playful enough to entice you in keeping up. Another standout is "Blue Skies," an unassuming orchestral-lined pop tune that has Jaymays' voice quivering with honesty, as she seems to be reconciling with backstabbers, ex-lovers and the like.

Lush production masks the fact that she seems to be rehashing well-worn, buzz-kill topics—mostly love gone bad—but it's all harmless enough. Kaki King watch out: Jaymay could sneak up and take the wind out of the female singer-songwriter throne you're trying to capture this year.

—Michael D. Ayers
03.12.08