Man of the World

Audio Mixer: Robert Carranza.Recording information: Leboland, San Francisco, CA (04/2009); Mission Bells, San Francisco, CA (04/2009); The Creativity Lounge, Santa Barbara, CA (04/2009); The Mango Tree, Oahu, HI (04/2009).Photographer: Jay Blakesberg.Jack Johnson wields considerable influence over ALO s fourth album, which features four co-writing credits and multiple appearances by the Hawaiian songwriter. Johnson even sings lead during one of the album's strongest tracks, "Gardener's Grave," and the majority of Man of the World seems to channel his laid-back influence, with little attention paid to extended guitar solos or lively, improvisational sections. The band has been steadily drifting toward shorter, succinct songs since 2006's Fly Between Falls, but Man of the World takes things one step further by emphasizing acoustic guitars, soft percussion, steel drums, and a general campfire vibe. ~ Andrew Leahey