Review: Jonathan Rundman, self-titled album

I've been listening to Jonathan Rundman's 2011 self-titled release with a goofy grin on my face.  The music is very upbeat and you're going along just fine until you realize he's singing about a handbell ringer, or Ash Wednesday or a committee meeting.  Thus the grin.  Several of the songs on this album are from earlier releases, but there's plenty of new material.    I found myself comparing Rundman to NC balladeer Mike Cross, only with rock instead of bluegrass or folk as his musical style.  Like Mike Cross, Rundman casts a poet's eye on the mundane and earnestly reflects on the basics of life.  And more specifically in the case of several songs here, the life of church-y folks.  Other surprises include the homage to librarians and Rundman's request for a "bright funeral."  This is a great album to keep in the car.  The music is fun and the messages contain a delightful mix of silly and sublime with a subtle zing here and there. + + + +