Ian McGlynn – Lemon
Label: Self-Release
Style: Singer / Songwriter, Indie, Alternative Pop
Released: 2002
My Grade: 4 stars
AMG: n/a
Sounds like: Ben Folds, Keane, Aqualung, Elliott Smith


Before Tomorrow’s Taken graced and impressed music critics around the continental USA, before the glossy sheen courtesy of producer Shane Tutmarc, before all of that, there was Lemon – a sixteen track gateway into the live world of upcoming popster Ian McGlynn.

Recorded live at, you guessed it, the Lemon Lounge in late 2001 this album was independently released by Ian in very nice tip packaging with little information or fanfare; but don’t let that scare you away from this surprising gem.

Stripped down to the bare essentials of a live performance you would never realize that this wasn’t done in front of a studio audience on the most expensive of recording equipment and with the utmost perfection of sound control, because this album holds itself among one of the best live records ever recorded independently.

The songs on occasion dip below the radar though, and that can easily be blamed on growth, as Ian had yet to truly fit things together into short, concise pop songs but instead drags things on a minute or so too long is some areas and too short in others.

Most people already know that my absolute favorite McGlynn song appears on this album, the brooding and hushed “Don’t Wake Her”, a moody affair that showcases outstanding musicianship and vocal delivery and points us to the future that became “Tomorrow’s Taken”.

While the songs themselves sound like perfect little gems, the album itself is not without misstep, the most grievous are the inclusion of talking (albeit just a minimal amount), but I have never enjoyed people talking on music albums for any reason; if this was just cut down to the music then I think I would be madly in love.

This album is highly recommended for any pop fans, especially if you want to hear a bit of how McGlynn got started (and the shiny tin doesn’t hurt either).


Reviewed by: Samuel Aaron

Official Website: ianmcglynn.com