Never judge an album by its cover. From the glowering goth picture on the front of Spun, I expected violence and darkness and wondered if my editor had been, well, less than honest in his description. But I had a deadline to meet so, without much enthusiasm, I popped the disc in my CD player. And I fell in love.

Spun is folk-pop music as it should be: tender, inspiring and emotive without the sappy sentimentalism of dorm music or the insipid lyrics of boy/girl bands. Driving this is Jim Kremens' gorgeous voice. He sings like Bob Dylan with crystallized honey in his mouth: crusty and mellow, rich and golden, and so powerful in his restrained emotions that he makes you lean towards your radio to get closer. And his style sounds like he and his band are communing with the Beatles while they chat on the phone with Simon & Garfunkel and text-message U2.

The album is so mature, it's hard to believe Spun is Kremens' debut. There is a song here for almost every stage of life, from first love to renewed love to mid-life crisis. The album is so solid, it's impossible to pick a best song, but several tracks stand out. "Macchu Picchu" and "Ordinary Day" feature soaring vocals, powerful harmonies and great guitar. "I Couldn't Love You More Than This" may be the most tender of the album's many love songs, but listen closely to "Give Me Your Kiss" for some Morrissey-like weirdness amidst all the romance. Actually, you should listen to all the songs. Then when you are done, burn yourself a second copy, because if you like inspired music with perfect vocals and folk music's universal beauty, you will wear out Spun long before a second album comes along.

- Rambles
written by Tracie Vida
published 24 July 2004

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