MP4: Days Since a Lost Time Accident

• Artist: Michael Penn
• Rating:
• Release Date: February 01, 2000
• Total Time: 39:29
• Type: Lyrics are included with the album
• Genre: Rock

Review

When Michael Penn released MP4: Days Since a Lost Time Accident, the strict playlist of adult-alternative radio made it pretty clear that it'd be difficult for him to have a hit, so Penn doesn't even try - he just creates a record for himself and his cult. Brendan O'Brien, the producer of Resigned, mans the boards on the opening cut "Lucky One.." It's not just the only song on MP4 not produced by Penn, it's the only song that sounds like a blatant attempt at a radio-ready single. That it succeeds gloriously -- it's the first sure-fire follow-up to "No Myth" -- speaks of Penn's prodigious abilities as a craftsman. The rest of the album is equally well crafted, but more subtle in construction and production, without hooks that leap out of the speaker. They're there, but they're delivered subtly, letting each song slowly work its way into a listener's memory. Penn knows that whoever puts on MP4 is willing to delve deeply into the record, willing to spend time with it to find its rewards. It's to his considerable credit that he delivers. MP4 doesn't have a knockout punch, but it is an expert pop album -- tightly sequenced and written, filled with small gems. It's the kind of album that's ideal for cult audiences, since it's familiar yet doesn't stand still (the production takes some risks, albeit minor ones). It may not win Michael Penn any new fans, but it'll certainly satisfy the devoted. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide

Tracks

Track Title	Composers	Performers	Time
Lucky One	Michael Penn	Michael Penn	(3:58)
Whole Truth	Michael Penn	Michael Penn	(4:10)
High Time	Michael Penn	Michael Penn	(4:22)
Beautiful	Michael Penn	Michael Penn	(3:50)
Footdown	Michael Penn	Michael Penn	(3:37)
Perfect Candidate	Michael Penn	Michael Penn	(3:47)
Don't Let Me Go	Michael Penn	Michael Penn	(4:41)
Out of It's Misery	Michael Penn	Michael Penn	(3:44)
Trampoline	Michael Penn	Michael Penn	(3:46)
Bucket Brigade	Michael Penn	Michael Penn	(3:34)

Credits

Greg Richling (Bass), Nick DiDia (Engineer), Grant Lee Phillips (Vocals), Brendan O'Brien (Producer), Michael Penn (Producer), S. "Husky" Hoskulds (Engineer), Brendan O'Brien (Vocals), Gail Marowitz (Design), Brendan O'Brien (Piano), Carlos Serra (Photography), Christopher Penn (Vocals), Frank Harkins (Art Direction), Patrick Warren (Keyboards), Michael Penn (Bass), Michael Penn (Guitar), Aimee Mann (Vocals), Buddy Judge (Vocals), Victor Indrizzo (Drums (Snare))