In today's world of mass-produced bubble gum pop recordings, Jonathan Rundman shines out as the artist that he is. With simple elegance and wonderful music and wordplay, he can address the issues of every day life, rave about the importance of intellect in finding a mate, and address social and political issues that affect every single person in this world. His music and songs are original, tactiful, and very catchy. It's a great break from the normal mass-produced music that's heard almost every where today.

This is my favorite album of the past year! If I were to describe Rundman's music, he really is between Jonathan Richmond and Todd Rundgren (alphabetically and musically).

Minneapolis artist Jonathan Rundman scores big here with "Public Library". The lead off track is memorable, as much a lesson in love as it is an obvious tribute to a "smart girl" in his life. "Falling Down" is a soft rocker that results in something that an Owsley, REM, XTC collaboration would have sounded like. "Narthex" is a folksy tune with a sticks-in-your-head chorus and grinding guitar while "747s" is a fun country-boogie/bluegrass number with twangy vocals in place. This is an impressive release with songs of varied styles.

IT'S AWESOME. This guy can really write some good music. take a listen here at amazon or you can go to his webpage at: www.jonathanrundman.com or to his record label webpage at: www.saltlady.com. take it from a jonathan rundman fan such as myself buy this album.

I never heard of Jonathan Rundman before I heard "Public Library," but after hearing this CD, I'm surprised he's not very well known. This CD is amazing, and it sounds better with every listen. The lyrics are incredible (and funny!), the music is top-notch, and this has to be one of the best CDs of the year (really!!!). I buy a lot of CDs for people as gifts, typically more obscure artists, and this CD will definitely be given to many friends of mine in coming months. "Smart Girls" and "Librarian" are two of the highlights of this CD, but it is consistently excellent.