In a town with an overwhelming population of singer/songwriters, it’s not easy to stand out from the crowd. Luckily, Jeremy Messersmith clenches a trump card firmly in hand: he’s actually talented. With the release of his second album “The Silver City” on September 9th, Messersmith shines as a purveyor of genuine pop artistry.

Utilizing the aid of producer Dan Wilson, the game has been stepped up considerably since Messersmith’s previous effort, “The Alcatraz Kid.” Though most songs are relatively simple in composition, the space is filled intricately with lush harmonies and heaps of instrumental variation.

Many comparisons have been made of him to other musicians past and present, but to denigrate Messersmith as a mere copycat would be unfitting. The truth is that he has carved an identity that resonates on its own: sincere, it is lighthearted, and highly melodic.

“The Silver City” is meant to be a concept album about Minneapolis and St. Paul, with obvious nods to the region including track titles such as “Franklin Avenue” and “Light Rail,” as well as a straightforward but respectable cover of The Replacements’ “Skyway.”

Aside from a few moments of poppy playfulness, most of the songs are highly introspective. At several points throughout the album it seems Messersmith has been heavily pondering the direction of his life, particularly the places and people in it.

The opening track, “Welcome To Suburbia,” is a quaint yet poignant statement about the ironies of suburban living and how its suburbanites are isolated from reality. Another tune worthy of mention is “Dead End Job.” By far the Album’s most sullen, it loosely narrates the life of a romantic who unselfishly gives all of him or herself to be with their cheating significant other.

Though honest and insightful, the lyrical content is where this album occasionally falters. Several subjects seem to arise in overkill, making what is supposed to be deep and reflective feel a somewhat one-dimensional at times. Upon counting, I found that the word “car” was uttered at least once on half
the songs on the album.

After a well-attended release party on September 25th at the Varsity Theater, and numerous appearances on local radio and television, it seems clear that Messersmith has gained a strong foothold
in Minneapolis as one of the area’s premier songwriters.

Look for another release from Jeremy soon. Word has it he has already started work on his next album. In the mean time, pick up a copy of The Silver City at your local record store.

After careful analysis using The Wake’s patented “CD Review-O’-Whirl” derived from early prototypes of Nikola Tesla, this record earns ?[0,x] e^(-t²)dt = x – x^3 / 3 + x^5 / 10 – x^7 /42 + x^9 / 216 out of 10.