Album Notes

This is the third album by father/son duo JJ and Mark O'Connor (band name Universe Narrows), composed, recorded and produced in Mark's basement studio. For more band info and links, visit the band website at www.universenarrows.com.

Album reviews:

THE NOISE (Boston) review May 31, 2007 by Tim Emswiler
“The fact that this is a father-son duo is irrelevant, aside from the fact that it explains why these two work so well together. I expected a novelty act, and I got one of the best discs of the year. Okay, it starts off as a poppy-happy kind of thing, and that isn't my bag, but then you get "Hole in the Fence," which features some truly tasteful lead guitar work, and which is followed up by "Lost and Found," which shows that Universe Narrows is just as comfortable exploring the (slightly) darker side. "Looking Through a Pane" is a Grant Lee Buffalo kinda thing, and that is far more than I could have asked for from this slab. This takes the "singer/songwriter" thing far beyond its expected constrictions, shows that pa and son have mastered more than one stylistic niche, and makes me listen a second time, and a third time, and ends up with me wishing I could hang with these two while they hit "record" and prove that simple, heartfelt songs are still at the core of this whole music-y kinda thing.”

review by LMNOP babysue June 2007
Simple, direct, hummable pop tunes from the father/son duo of JJ and Mark O'Connor. What Makes a Weed? is refreshing in many ways, not the least of which is these guys' ability to write genuine songs with lyrics that most people should be able to relate to. Instead of creating super weird and artsy underground pop, JJ and Mark record pop tunes that are remarkably normal sounding. The songs are presented simply using traditional instruments. You can tell by the sounds on this album that these guys had a good time recording these compositions. Nice, smooth, fluid cuts include "Stickball," "Spinach Green Eyes," "Lost and Found," and "Looking Through a Pane." Sincere, thoughtful, real music. (Rating: 5) http://www.babysue.com/2007-June-lmnop-previews