While The Music Lasts (2004) The guy who doesn't want you to think of him as just the guy who wrote "Don't Know Why" for Norah Jones writes himself some… Jesse Harris & The Ferdinandos
EW's GRADE
C

Details Release Date: Jul 13, 2004; Lead Performance: Jesse Harris & The Ferdinandos

The guy who doesn't want you to think of him as just the guy who wrote ''Don't Know Why'' for Norah Jones writes himself some loping melodies, and sings them in a voice even more passive than Jones'. Guitarist Tony Scherr plays lots of stinging riffs, which are occasionally anesthetized by Van Dyke Parks' string arrangements. The album is pretty, compromised, lulling, and precise -- and about as warm as that description.

Originally posted Jul 23, 2004 Published in issue #775 Jul 23, 2004 Order article reprints