Mired as we are in our daily complications, it's refreshing to hear a smiling voice sing you a straight story. Charming and relaxed, the honey-coated sound of Mason Jennings resonates with a breathtaking clarity that, if only for a moment, makes you forget that you might have had something on your mind.

'I believe if you fall in love,' Mason sings with convincing sincerity on his latest release, Century Spring, 'you should jump right in.' Mason Jennings signals a powerful message of self-determination: Singing, writing and distributing his music with a declared goal of having no regrets, the songs reflect an undauntedly pure life perspective.

Accompanied onstage by Chris Morrissey and Brian Mcloud, you might ask yourself where you can find a similar elixir to afford such healthy precision. Then you'll hear the band go off on a guitar-laden, Iron-Maiden-esque tangent and remind yourself, Oh! They're just three guys, in love with life.

Mason Jennings is currently on tour. Check your local music listings and make an effort to be pleasantly surprised.