People and Things

Jack's Mannequin's second studio album The Glass Passenger experienced several delays from its initially planned release date of April 2008, eventually being released in September of that year.Citations regarding the release delays for The Glass Passenger:

• {{cite web|url=http://absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=291881|title=Andrew McMahon / Jack's Mannequin – 12.8.07|work=AbsolutePunk|author=Tao, Paul|date=January 24, 2008|access-date=October 19, 2018|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130221052707/http://absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=291881|archive-date=February 21, 2013|url-status=dead}}
• {{cite web|url=http://www.melodic.net/?page=news&id=9792|archive-url=https://archive.today/20181028150423/http://www.melodic.net/?page=news&id=9792|title=Jacks Mannequin And Their Glass Passenger|work=Melodic|author=Roth, Kaj|date=February 25, 2008|archive-date=October 28, 2018|access-date=October 19, 2018}}
• {{cite web|last=Marciniak|first=Bernadette|url=http://media.www.themontclarion.org/media/storage/paper374/news/2008/04/17/ArtsAndEntertainment/Q.A-Andrew.Mcmahon-3330315.shtml|title=Q & A: Andrew McMahon|work=The Montclarion|access-date=2008-04-20|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080421192843/http://media.www.themontclarion.org/media/storage/paper374/news/2008/04/17/ArtsAndEntertainment/Q.A-Andrew.Mcmahon-3330315.shtml|archive-date=2008-04-21}}
• {{cite web|url=http://absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=417091|title=Jack's Mannequin Release Date|work=AbsolutePunk|author=Lally, Jonathan|date=July 18, 2008|access-date=October 19, 2018|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130111222816/http://absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=417091|archive-date=January 11, 2013|url-status=live}} With the release of the album, the band's frontman Andrew McMahon was free to write again, after having artistically and financially struggled during the making of it.{{sfn|Shea|2008|loc=event occurs at 29:09–16, 29:35–40}} He felt The Glass Passenger would begin a new period of writing, allowing stream of consciousness material to be written.{{sfn|Shea|2008|loc=event occurs at 29:51–30:01}} Between mid-June and early August 2009, Jack's Mannequin toured the United States with the Fray and following the tour, the band began working on their next album.{{cite web|url=http://www.altpress.com/index.php/news/entry/archive_6150|title=The Fray, Jack's Mannequin announce tour dates|work=Alternative Press|date=March 2, 2009|access-date=August 4, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170805023711/http://www.altpress.com/index.php/news/entry/archive_6150|archive-date=August 5, 2017|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://media.www.thelantern.com/media/storage/paper333/news/2009/04/22/Arts/Mcmahon.Tells.Tale.Of.Leukemia.Survival.Through.Music-3719894.shtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090426205753/http://media.www.thelantern.com/media/storage/paper333/news/2009/04/22/Arts/Mcmahon.Tells.Tale.Of.Leukemia.Survival.Through.Music-3719894.shtml|title=McMahon tells tale of leukemia survival through music|work=The Lantern|author=Gray, Molly|date=April 22, 2009|archive-date=April 26, 2009|access-date=October 21, 2018}} In October 2009, McMahon went on a solo US tour to promote his documentary film Dear Jack (2009), which follows him during his 2005 battle with leukemia.{{cite web|url=http://www.melodic.net/?page=news&id=14016|archive-url=https://archive.today/20181028151359/http://www.melodic.net/?page=news&id=14016|title=Andrew Mcmahon Of Jack's Mannequin Announces Solo Tour|work=Melodic|author=Wippsson, Johan|date=August 11, 2009|archive-date=October 28, 2018|access-date=October 19, 2018|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.spin.com/2009/10/qa-andrew-mcmahon-jacks-mannequin/|title=Q&A: Andrew McMahon of Jack's Mannequin|work=Spin|author=Harrison, Pier|date=October 30, 2009|access-date=October 16, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170405040038/http://www.spin.com/2009/10/qa-andrew-mcmahon-jacks-mannequin/|archive-date=April 5, 2017|url-status=live}}

Jack's Mannequin were due to support Weezer's headlining US tour in December 2009 and January 2010, which was ultimately canceled.{{cite web|url=http://www.melodic.net/?page=news&id=14893|archive-url=https://archive.today/20181028151324/http://www.melodic.net/?page=news&id=14893|title=New Jacks Mannequin Tour Dates|work=Melodic|author=Wippsson, Johan|date=December 3, 2009|archive-date=October 28, 2018|access-date=October 19, 2018|url-status=live}} As a result, McMahon decided to continue working on the band's then-upcoming album earlier than intended and sessions were held with producer John Fields.Billboard 2010, p. 57 Up to this point, McMahon had collaborated with long-time producer Jim Wirt and wanted to work with a different producer. McMahon followed the same process that he used for The Glass Passenger and Jack's Mannequin's debut studio album Everything in Transit (2005); he would enter the studio with a song, record piano and vocals, and build the recording off that. He initially thought the best practice was to be in a studio with several people to help expand the recording from his initial ideas.

The band embarked on a headlining US tour from February to March 2010, with support from Fun and Vendera.{{cite web|url=http://livedaily.com:80/news/jack-s-mannequin-tickets-and-tour-dates-jack-s-mannequin-maps-early-2010-headlining-dates-20578.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091106075457/http://livedaily.com/news/jack-s-mannequin-tickets-and-tour-dates-jack-s-mannequin-maps-early-2010-headlining-dates-20578.html|title=Jack's Mannequin maps early 2010 headlining dates|publisher=LiveDaily|author=Madison, Tjames|date=November 2, 2009|archive-date=November 6, 2009|access-date=October 18, 2018|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.melodic.net/?page=news&id=14695|archive-url=https://archive.today/20181019223421/http://www.melodic.net/?page=news&id=14695|title=Dear Jack Available Today, Jack's Mannequin Announce Headlining Tour|work=Melodic|author=Wippsson, Johan|date=November 4, 2009|archive-date=October 19, 2018|access-date=October 19, 2018|url-status=live}} In June of that year, McMahon came to the realisation that he wasn't comfortable with putting out the songs that he had recorded at the time. He wanted the fans to hear what a live band would sound like on an album, and decided to scrap most of the recordings. Shortly afterwards, McMahon kept some of the tracks that had already been recorded, before writing a lot of new songs. In July 2010, him and the other members of Jack's Mannequin met up in Silver Lake, Los Angeles. While in the neighbourhood, McMahon proposed to rent a place and work on the songs in a band practice-style, similarly to how McMahon used to work when he was a member of Something Corporate, with whom McMahon joined for a reunion tour the following month.{{cite web|url=http://somethingcorporate.com:80/soco/socosite/News/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100530224013/http://somethingcorporate.com/soco/socosite/News/|title=News|publisher=Something Corporate|archive-date=May 30, 2010|access-date=October 21, 2018|url-status=dead}}

In September 2010, Jack's Mannequin rented a house in Joshua Tree, California, where they wrote dozens of songs for the subsequent two months. Partway through this period, in late October, Mikey Wagner joined the band. Former bassist Jon Sullivan wanted to go in a musically different direction, which Jack's Mannequin were aware of and they brought in Wagner. The band traveled between Joshua Tree and Valencia, Santa Clarita, California, where the studio is located.{{cite web|url=http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=2004612|archive-url=https://archive.today/20131014125749/http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=2004612|title=Jack's Mannequin – 11.01.10|work=AbsolutePunk|author=Bautts, Jonathan|date=November 9, 2010|archive-date=October 14, 2013|access-date=October 19, 2018|url-status=dead}} They wanted a producer who was skilled at recording bands live, and eventually contacted Jim Scott, who had worked on some of McMahon's favorite albums. Scott subsequently produced and engineered during Jack's Mannequin's sessions, most of which were held at Plyrz Studios, Lightning Sound Studios, and Mid City Sound. Further recording was done at Fourth Street Recording for the track "My Racing Thoughts". Jack's Mannequin recorded live with a line-up that consisted of guitarist Bobby Anderson on bass, McMahon on piano and Jay McMillan on drums.{{cite web|url=https://www.altpress.com/features/andrew_mcmahon_interview_jacks_mannequin|archive-url=https://archive.today/20181028151348/https://www.altpress.com/features/andrew_mcmahon_interview_jacks_mannequin/|title=Exclusive Interview: Jack's Mannequin's Andrew McMahon talks 'People And Things' (page 1)|work=Alternative Press|author=Zaleski, Annie|date=September 26, 2011|archive-date=October 28, 2018|access-date=October 21, 2018|page=1|url-status=live}} McMahon said they recorded as a three-piece without Wagner, with him not wanting to change the studio atmosphere. Wagner had only played two shows with the band by that point, while McMahon had been playing with Anderson and McMillan for five or six years.

File:Rob Cavallo.jpg came into the production towards its end, subsequently earning himself credit as a producer.]]

People and Things marked the first time the band had worked on an album predominantly as a group effort; the two previous Jack's Mannequin albums were mainly handled by McMahon.{{cite web|url=https://www.citybeat.com/music/music-feature/article/13010420/jacks-mannequins-existence|title=People Who Need People|work=CityBeat|author=Wolgamott, L. Kent|date=January 24, 2012|access-date=July 10, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190707223137/https://www.citybeat.com/music/music-feature/article/13010420/jacks-mannequins-existence|archive-date=July 7, 2019|url-status=live}} By November 2010, the band were in the process of recording 16 or 17 songs, with them planning to revisit the recordings with guitars and vocal overdubs over the next two months. They would later collaborate with Rob Cavallo and Wirt, and also went on to work with Sebastian Steinberg of Soul Coughing, Chris Chaney of Jane's Addiction, and Tim Pierce, and Patrick Warren. When production was winding down in January 2011, Cavallo "saved the day in a lot of ways", according to McMahon.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/467660/new-jacks-mannequin-album-is-a-do-over|title=New Jack's Mannequin Album Is a Do-Over|magazine=Billboard|author=Graff, Gary|date=August 30, 2011|access-date=October 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170218024055/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/467660/new-jacks-mannequin-album-is-a-do-over|archive-date=February 18, 2017|url-status=live}} Once McMahon gave his record label Sire Records the recordings, he felt a track was missing.{{sfn|Jack's Mannequin|2011c|loc=event occurs at 0:05–17}} Cavallo asked McMahon if he had another song to record; McMahon, who had a number of tracks ready, showed him "Release Me".{{sfn|Jack's Mannequin|2011c|loc=event occurs at 0:45–51, 1:47–8}} The song was recorded in two days with people from the sessions, while the piano part was recorded at Capitol Studios.{{sfn|Jack's Mannequin|2011c|loc=event occurs at 2:15–46}} The final recordings were credited to being produced by Scott (on all tracks except "Release Me"), Cavallo (all tracks except "Restless Dream"), and McMahon, with Anderson and McMillan serving as co-producers on all tracks except "Release Me". Production of the song was credited to Cavallo and McMahon.

Wirt contributed additional production to all tracks except "Release Me", "Restless Dream" and "Casting Lines". Doug McKean and Kevin Dean served as engineers throughout the sessions; McKean solely for "Release Me" at Lightning Sound, while "Restless Dream" was engineered by Dean and Scott. Jeff Hannan handled additional engineering on "Release Me", alongside engineer Spencer Guerra, as well as "Television", "Amy, I", "Hey Hey Hey (We're All Gonna Die)", "People, Running", "Amelia Jean", "Platform Fire", and "Hostage". Steve Rea and Russ Waugh acted as assistant engineers on all tracks except for "Restless Dream", and they were aided by engineer Aaron Walk for "Release Me". Nigel Lundemo and Lars Fox were additional Pro Tools engineers; the latter on "Release Me" and the former on "My Racing Thoughts", "Television", "Amy, I", "People, Running", and "Amelia Jean". Chris Lord-Alge mixed the recordings at Mix LA, where he was assisted by Keith Armstrong, Nik Karpen, Brad Townsend and Andrew Schubert. The recordings were mastered by Ted Jensen at Sterling Sound.

{{clear}}

People and Things has been classed as alternative rock and has drawn comparisons with the works of Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel and Elton John. McMahon took inspiration from some of his favorite musicians, such as Joel, Paul Simon and Neil Young, as well as newer music by bands including Mumford & Sons, Phoenix and Arcade Fire. He leaned towards his favorite musicians because he was aware of the popularity of indie music at the time and wanted to do something different. Compared to the band's past works, the piano was not at the forefront of the songs, something McMahon approached from a production viewpoint rather than a self-serving one. He wanted an organic feeling that worked for each track, which meant viewing songs from the other instruments' perspectives. The album's songs were focused around the vocals and instrumental arrangements were focused around the lyrics.{{cite web|url=https://www.altpress.com/features/andrew_mcmahon_interview_jacks_mannequin/2/|archive-url=https://archive.today/20181021173859/https://www.altpress.com/features/andrew_mcmahon_interview_jacks_mannequin/2/|title=Exclusive Interview: Jack's Mannequin's Andrew McMahon talks 'People And Things' (page 2)|work=Alternative Press|author=Zaleski, Annie|date=September 26, 2011|archive-date=October 21, 2018|access-date=October 21, 2018|page=2|url-status=live}} Most of the tracks were written by McMahon alone, with the exception of "Television", "Amy, I", "People, Running" and "Platform Fire".

McMahon co-wrote "Television" with Jaren Johnston of American Bang, and "Amy, I", "People, Running" and "Platform Fire" with Matt Thiessen of Relient K in Nashville, Tennessee, in January 2010. In addition to their regular roles, McMahon and Anderson performed extra instrumentation; McMahon played percussion on "My Racing Thoughts" and "Television", and keyboards on "My Racing Thoughts", "Television", "People, Running" and "Hostage"; Anderson arranged the strings on "Hey Hey Hey (We're All Gonna Die)" and played bass on "Amelia Jean". Pierce played guitar on every track except for "Restless Dream", which solely features Anderson on acoustic guitar. Session musician Jamie Muhoberac added keyboards to most of the tracks while McMahon and Warren handled the remainder, and played a B3 Hammond organ on "My Racing Thoughts", "Hey Hey Hey (We're All Gonna Die)" and "People, Running". Chaney played bass guitar on almost all of the tracks, except "Amelia Jean", on which it was played by Anderson, and "Restless Dream", on which it was played by Wirt.

Discussing the album's title, People and Things, McMahon said he loved the starkness of the two words' adjacency, which he has said references the tone of the songs and the transparency of love from a different viewpoint.{{cite web|url=http://uofsdmedia.com/interview-andrew-mcmahon-of-jacks-mannequin/|title=Interview: Andrew McMahon of Jack's Mannequin|work=USD Student Media|author=Sivero, Tyler|date=November 14, 2011|access-date=October 22, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180724041901/http://uofsdmedia.com/interview-andrew-mcmahon-of-jacks-mannequin/|archive-date=July 24, 2018|url-status=live}} McMahon thought of the title while working on the band's seventh EP Dear Jack EP (2009) in a studio with Dean.{{sfn|Jack's Mannequin|2011a|loc=event occurs at 0:13–20, 0:38–41}} He viewed the album's release as the final part of the Jack's Mannequin story, which was initially intended to only last for one album. Everything in Transit deals with McMahon's break-up with his girlfriend, whom he would eventually marry. Due to his experience with leukemia in 2005, he felt there was a lack of closure that extended the Jack's Mannequin story over three albums. The Glass Passenger is mostly about the aftermath of his leukemia diagnosis.

People and Things is a relationship record, for which McMahon's goal was to swap the "flowery language and sentiment" of new love with "starker, less blinded language about more binding love". Following the release of The Glass Passenger, his friends had got married and found jobs; McMahon said marriage is a "bit of a beast" to talk about on an album but admitted that when he wrote "My Racing Thoughts", the size of the subject of marriage became apparent to him. A lot of the material on People and Things was subsequently centered around the first few years of his marriage.{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/2299298/andrew-mcmahon-jacks-mannequin-release-me-live/|title=Watch Andrew McMahon Of Jack's Mannequin Perform 'Release Me' Live|publisher=MTV|author=Anitai, Tamar|date=October 14, 2011|access-date=October 21, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180222175351/http://www.mtv.com/news/2299298/andrew-mcmahon-jacks-mannequin-release-me-live/|archive-date=February 22, 2018|url-status=dead}} Family and the difficulties of maintaining a relationship are also themes included on the album.{{cite web|url=https://www.ocregister.com/2011/11/13/jacks-mannequin-draws-a-packed-house-in-pomona/|title=Jack's Mannequin draws a packed house in Pomona|work=Orange County Register|author=Paul, George|date=November 13, 2011|access-date=October 21, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181021111549/https://www.ocregister.com/2011/11/13/jacks-mannequin-draws-a-packed-house-in-pomona/|archive-date=October 21, 2018|url-status=live}}

"My Racing Thoughts" is about arguing with someone whom one has a close personal relationship with.{{cite web|url=https://www.ocregister.com/2011/09/27/orange-pop-jacks-mannequin-digs-deeper-with-third-album/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181022033549/https://www.ocregister.com/2011/09/27/orange-pop-jacks-mannequin-digs-deeper-with-third-album/|title=Orange Pop: Jack's Mannequin digs deeper with third album|work=Orange County Register|author=Fadroski, Kelli Skye|date=November 13, 2011|archive-date=October 22, 2018|access-date=October 21, 2018}} The song stemmed from a fight McMahon had with his wife; it was the first track that was written for People and Things.{{cite web|url=https://www.seattletimes.com/entertainment/jacks-mannequin-may-be-leaving-the-store/|title=Jack's Mannequin may be leaving the store|work=The Seattle Times|author=Horowitz, Joanna|date=October 28, 2011|access-date=October 21, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181022033612/https://www.seattletimes.com/entertainment/jacks-mannequin-may-be-leaving-the-store/|archive-date=October 22, 2018|url-status=live}}{{sfn|Jack's Mannequin|2011b|loc=event occurs at 0:06–13}} The original demo had a lo-fi garage/techno sound to it, which he de-emphasized in favor of a rock-centric, full-band sound.{{sfn|Jack's Mannequin|2011b|loc=event occurs at 0:32–1:06}} The keyboard parts on the 1980s-influenced pop rock track "Release Me" were described as reminiscent of "Urgent" (1981) by Foreigner. It was the last song that was written for the album and is about the way music became McMahon's living, as well as where he was at in his life when he was finishing People and Things. McMahon worked on "Television" with Johnston, with whom he shared an A&R representative before they became" good friends. The two of them wanted to write a song about family, mainly for their parents, but it was fruitless endeavor. In one of McMahon's journals, he found a note that suggested writing a song about sleeping while a television was left on. The pair then came up with the concept of a couple having dinner before they descend into an argument. The couple still end up in the same bedroom, with the television filling in the silence.{{cite web|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/mike-ragogna/jacks-mannequin-ivy-scars_b_984387.html|title=Jack's Mannequin, Ivy & Scars On 45: Chatting With Andrew McMahon, Dominique Durand and Danny Bemrose, Michael Parks' Download|work=HuffPost|author=Ragogna, Mike|date=September 28, 2011|access-date=October 21, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180321002538/https://www.huffingtonpost.com/mike-ragogna/jacks-mannequin-ivy-scars_b_984387.html|archive-date=March 21, 2018|url-status=live}} The track was compared to the music of U2 and its guitar riff resembles that of the Temper Trap's "Sweet Disposition" (2009); the track is centered around the D chord.{{sfn|Jack's Mannequin|2011d|loc=event occurs at 0:35–40}}

"Amy, I" was written after McMahon and Thiessen spent a night drinking, and was inspired by snow on trees in Nashville.{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/earshot/jacks-mannequin-says-farewell-emotional-389515|title=Jack's Mannequin Says Farewell With Emotional Sendoff Show|work=The Hollywood Reporter|author=Schillaci, Sophie|date=November 12, 2012|access-date=October 29, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181030035443/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/earshot/jacks-mannequin-says-farewell-emotional-389515|archive-date=October 30, 2018|url-status=live}} It uses a winter metaphor for an inhospitable lover, and includes an anvil that was played by Scott. "Hey Hey Hey (We're All Gonna Die)" was written early during the writing process for The Glass Passenger, but was only half-written and left unrecorded for it.{{cite web|url=http://www.livedaily.com:80/news/14996.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081210182108/http://www.livedaily.com/news/14996.html|title=Jack's Mannequin moves on with 'Passenger'|publisher=LiveDaily|author=Fuoco-Karasinski, Christina|date=October 6, 2008|archive-date=December 10, 2008|access-date=October 19, 2018|url-status=dead}}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/breaking-jacks-mannequin-105239/|title=Breaking: Jack's Mannequin|magazine=Rolling Stone|author=Futterman, Erica|date=October 22, 2008|access-date=October 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181022155711/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/breaking-jacks-mannequin-105239/|archive-date=October 22, 2018|url-status=live}} While on tour for the album, McMahon revisited a venue at which he played during the early days of Jack's Mannequin, where he wrote the song's third verse; according to him, "it just seemed appropriate somehow".{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/jacks-mannequin-album-people-things-243236|title=Jack's Mannequin's Andrew McMahon Begins a New Chapter With 'People and Things' (Exclusive Video)|work=The Hollywood Reporter|author=Schillaci, Sophie|date=October 3, 2011|access-date=April 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190720095301/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/jacks-mannequin-album-people-things-243236|archive-date=July 20, 2019|url-status=live}} The track includes the B3 Hammond organ, played by Phil Parlapiano, a violin played by Marisa Kuney, a viola played by Jeanie Lim, and a cello played by Mary Ginger Murphy. "People, Running", the second track to be co-written with Thiessen, was based on the title People and Things, and talks about the day-to-day life that people lead.{{sfn|Jack's Mannequin|2011e|loc=event occurs at 1:12–9}} The track builds on the broad theme of people looking for meaning, and the positives and negatives of life.{{sfn|Jack's Mannequin|2011e|loc=event occurs at 1:23–43}}

During the recording of The Glass Passenger, McMahon decided to take a rest-break partway through the sessions, and drove to New York City to meet a friend after learning of his plans to go on a surfing trip in Costa Rica.{{sfn|Shea|2008|loc=event occurs at 41:20–32}}{{sfn|Shea|2008|loc=event occurs at 42:06–25}} While traveling, McMahon bought a keyboard and worked on pieces of songs; he met up with his friend at a bar, which led to the creation of "Amelia Jean".{{sfn|Jack's Mannequin|2011f|loc=event occurs at 0:40–5, 1:05–19}} "Platform Fire" is about life on the road; McMahon had written the first verse prior to working on the song with Thiessen, who visited McMahon in Los Angeles and finished it with him. McMahon was influenced by the film Man on Wire (2008), which he enjoyed.{{sfn|Jack's Mannequin|2011g|loc=event occurs at 1:32–37}} The country-influenced track "Hostage" is about people who are distant and impossible to hold down, who disappear whenever they feel like it.{{sfn|Jack's Mannequin|2011h|loc=event occurs at 0:34–7, 1:07}} The song's occurring beat was suggested by Scott; he walked into the band jamming and told them to play the beat throughout.{{sfn|Jack's Mannequin|2011h|loc=event occurs at 1:28–54}}

Discussing "Restless Dream", McMahon said filmmakers asked him to contribute a song to a movie about a high-school reunion.{{sfn|Jack's Mannequin|2011i|loc=event occurs at 0:11–23}} He wrote the track and recorded it on the same day; Anderson picked up a guitar and came up with a fingerpicking style that McMahon wanted instantly.{{sfn|Jack's Mannequin|2011i|loc=event occurs at 2:04–18}} It is a guitar ballad that features Brandi Carlile on backing vocals; McMahon told his management team that he was interested in adding a harmony part and they put him in contact with Carlile.{{cite web|url=https://substreammagazine.com/2013/12/jacks-mannequin-explore-new-heights-with-people-and-things-throwback/|title=Jack's Mannequin Explore New Heights With 'People And Things' – Throwback|work=Substream Magazine|author=Wille, Drew Elizabeth|date=December 26, 2013|access-date=April 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190819164407/https://substreammagazine.com/2013/12/jacks-mannequin-explore-new-heights-with-people-and-things-throwback/|archive-date=August 19, 2019|url-status=live}} The song is about the possible directions a relationship could take, and was compared to the music of Dashboard Confessional. "Casting Lines" was a last-minute addition to People and Things; McMahon had initially been asked to submit a theme song for the television show Parenthood.{{sfn|Jack's Mannequin|2011j|loc=event occurs at 0:06–23}} Though McMahon did not have a child, he decided to talk about being a member of a family and its advantages as well as the disadvantages.{{sfn|Jack's Mannequin|2011j|loc=event occurs at 0:34, 0:48–1:28}} He worked on the song when on stage while touring, and recorded a demo the following day.{{sfn|Jack's Mannequin|2011j|loc=event occurs at 2:02–17}} The day after McMahon submitted the song, the program's producers chose to use Bob Dylan's "Forever Young" (1974).{{sfn|Jack's Mannequin|2011j|loc=event occurs at 2:29–31}} The demo sat around for a while, until people brought it up to McMahon and suggested him recording the demo.{{sfn|Jack's Mannequin|2011j|loc=event occurs at 2:51–3:10}} The song discusses the theme of dealing with one's own fate while contemplating where they belong, coming across as a pseudo-sequel to "Boston" (2006) by Augustana. "Ten Days Gone" was written by McMahon after he relaxed at Laguna Beach, California, and features Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers drummer Steve Ferrone.{{cite web|url=https://ocweekly.com/andrew-mcmahon-on-restarting-something-corporate-6423083/|title=Andrew McMahon On Restarting Something Corporate|work=OC Weekly|date=March 25, 2010|access-date=July 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190721123610/https://ocweekly.com/andrew-mcmahon-on-restarting-something-corporate-6423083/|archive-date=July 21, 2019|url-status=dead}}

File:Jacks Mannequin at the 930 Club In DC.JPG

McMahon and Anderson went on a brief Australian tour in February 2011 with support from Leena.{{cite web|url=http://www.theaureview.com/the-goss/an-evening-with-andrew-mcmahon-something-corporatejacks-mannequin-australian-tour-announced|title=An evening with Andrew McMahon (Something Corporate/Jacks Mannequin) - Australian tour announced!|work=The AU Review|author=Lalak, Nick|date=December 6, 2010|access-date=July 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190721083119/http://www.theaureview.com/the-goss/an-evening-with-andrew-mcmahon-something-corporatejacks-mannequin-australian-tour-announced|archive-date=July 21, 2019|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.theaureview.com/the-goss/leena-to-tour-nationally-with-andrew-mcmahon-something-corporate-and-jack%E2%80%99s-mannequin|title=Leena to tour nationally with Andrew McMahon (Something Corporate and Jack's Mannequin)|work=The AU Review|author=Lalak, Nick|date=January 24, 2011|access-date=July 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190721083116/http://www.theaureview.com/the-goss/leena-to-tour-nationally-with-andrew-mcmahon-something-corporate-and-jack%E2%80%99s-mannequin|archive-date=July 21, 2019|url-status=live}} During the tour, McMahon debuted "Restless Dream".{{cite web|url=http://www.theaureview.com/sydney/live-review-an-evening-with-andrew-mcmahon-metro-theatre-12-02-2011|title=An Evening With Andrew McMahon - Metro Theatre (12.02.11)|work=The AU Review|author=Freshwater, Amy Lee|date=February 17, 2011|access-date=July 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190721083113/http://www.theaureview.com/sydney/live-review-an-evening-with-andrew-mcmahon-metro-theatre-12-02-2011|archive-date=July 21, 2019|url-status=dead}} On May 31, 2011, McMahon announced the album's title, People and Things,{{cite web|url=http://www.melodic.net/?page=news&id=18038|title=New Album From Jacks Mannequin This Summer|work=Melodic|author=Roth, Kaj|date=May 31, 2011|access-date=October 21, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181021232114/http://www.melodic.net/?page=news&id=18038|archive-date=October 21, 2018|url-status=live}} after which the band went on a headlining North American tour in June and July, with support from Steel Train, Lady Danville and River James.{{cite web|url=http://www.melodic.net/?page=news&id=17802|title=Jacks Mannequin Headlining Shows & Co-Headlining With Guster|work=Melodic|author=Wippsson, Johan|date=April 12, 2011|access-date=October 21, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181021190817/http://www.melodic.net/?page=news&id=17802|archive-date=October 21, 2018|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.mysanantonio.com/entertainment/music/article/Jack-s-Mannequin-hits-the-road-as-fans-await-new-1463175.php|title=Jack's Mannequin hits the road as fans await new album|work=My San Antonio|author=Jentzen, Aaron|date=July 13, 2011|access-date=October 21, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111202174143/http://www.mysanantonio.com/entertainment/music/article/Jack-s-Mannequin-hits-the-road-as-fans-await-new-1463175.php|archive-date=December 2, 2011|url-status=live}} On July 20, People and Things was announced for release in October 2011 and "My Racing Thoughts" was made available for streaming on Jack's Mannequin's website and it was later released as the lead single on August 2 of that year.{{cite web|url=https://www.ocregister.com/2011/07/20/thrice-jacks-mannequin-make-big-plans-for-fall/|title=Thrice, Jack's Mannequin make big plans for fall|work=Orange County Register|author=Wener, Ben|date=July 20, 2011|access-date=October 21, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180410215106/https://www.ocregister.com/2011/07/20/thrice-jacks-mannequin-make-big-plans-for-fall/|archive-date=April 10, 2018|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.melodic.net/?page=news&id=18405|title=Jacks Mannequin Reveal Release Date For 'People And Things,'|work=Melodic|author=Wippsson, Johan|date=July 20, 2011|access-date=October 21, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110820171233/http://www.melodic.net/?page=news&id=18405|archive-date=August 20, 2011|url-status=live}} That same day, the album's track listing was revealed.{{cite web|url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwmusic/article/Jacks-Mannequin-Unveils-People-and-Things-Tracklisting-20110802|title=Jack's Mannequin Unveils People and Things Tracklisting|publisher=BroadwayWorld Music|date=August 2, 2011|access-date=October 21, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180315225930/https://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwmusic/article/Jacks-Mannequin-Unveils-People-and-Things-Tracklisting-20110802|archive-date=March 15, 2018|url-status=live}} The band played two dates on the Warped Tour and performed at the Kanrocksas Music Festival, before embarking on a co-headlining US tour with Guster in August and September 2011.{{cite web|url=http://www.melodic.net/?page=news&id=18471|title=Jacks Mannequin Unveils 'People And Things' Tracklisting|work=Melodic|author=Wippsson, Johan|date=August 3, 2011|access-date=October 21, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181021190832/http://www.melodic.net/?page=news&id=18471|archive-date=October 21, 2018|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=http://www.nettwerk.com/news/2011/guster-announces-6-song-ep-tour-dates-jacks-mannequin|title=Guster Announces 6-Song EP & Tour Dates With Jack's Mannequin|publisher=Nettwerk|date=July 14, 2011|access-date=October 21, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181021232239/http://www.nettwerk.com/news/2011/guster-announces-6-song-ep-tour-dates-jacks-mannequin|archive-date=October 21, 2018|url-status=live}}

During the tour, Jack's Mannequin rotated several new songs between their performances.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlive.com/entertainment/grand-rapids/2011/08/jacks_mannequin_joins_guster_w.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200910095405/https://www.mlive.com/entertainment/grand-rapids/2011/08/jacks_mannequin_joins_guster_w.html|title=Jack's Mannequin joins Guster Wednesday for finale of Meijer Gardens summer concert series|publisher=MLive|author=Sinkevics, John|date=August 30, 2011|archive-date=September 10, 2020|access-date=July 21, 2019}} On August 12, 2011, the band posted an excerpt of "Amy, I" online, which was followed four days later by a video of them working on the track in the studio.{{cite web|url=https://www.altpress.com/news/jacks_mannequin_post_amy_i_preview/|title=Jack's Mannequin post 'Amy, I' preview|work=Alternative Press|author=Bird, Michele|date=August 12, 2011|access-date=October 21, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181021111611/https://www.altpress.com/news/jacks_mannequin_post_amy_i_preview/|archive-date=October 21, 2018|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.altpress.com/news/jacks_mannequin_post_studio_video/|title=Jack's Mannequin post studio video|work=Alternative Press|author=Bird, Michele|date=August 16, 2011|access-date=October 21, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181021111550/https://www.altpress.com/news/jacks_mannequin_post_studio_video/|archive-date=October 21, 2018|url-status=live}} A trailer for People and Things was released through Alternative Press{{'}} website on August 30 of that year.{{cite web|url=https://www.altpress.com/aptv/exclusive_jacks_mannequin_album_trailer_people_and_things/|title=Exclusive: Jack's Mannequin album trailer for 'People And Things'|work=Alternative Press|author=Zaleksi, Annie|date=August 30, 2011|access-date=October 21, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181021111542/https://www.altpress.com/aptv/exclusive_jacks_mannequin_album_trailer_people_and_things/|archive-date=October 21, 2018|url-status=live}} On September 26, 2011, "Television" premiered via Entertainment Weekly{{'s}} website.{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/article/2011/09/26/jacks-mannequin-new-song-television/|title=Hear Jack's Mannequin's new song 'Television': An EW Exclusive|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|author=Anderson, Kyle|date=September 26, 2011|access-date=October 21, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181021190821/https://ew.com/article/2011/09/26/jacks-mannequin-new-song-television/|archive-date=October 21, 2018|url-status=live}} Four days later, the music video for "My Racing Thoughts", which was directed by Anders Rostad, was released.{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MzGdmsRoSkg|title=Jack's Mannequin - My Racing Thoughts (Official Video)|via=YouTube|author=Jack's Mannequin|date=September 30, 2011|access-date=October 22, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160402121937/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MzGdmsRoSkg|archive-date=April 2, 2016|url-status=live}} People and Things was released on October 4, 2011, through Sire Records. The iTunes deluxe edition of the album includes the bonus tracks "No Man Is an Island", "Ten Days Gone", "Dancing with a Gun", and "Broken Bird".{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/people-things-deluxe-version/453824899|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120406191016/http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/people-things-deluxe-version/id453824899|title=People and Things (Deluxe Version)|date=22 September 2011|publisher=iTunes Store|archive-date=April 6, 2012|url-status=live|access-date=October 21, 2018}} The Best Buy edition features demo recordings of songs from Everything in Transit and The Glass Passenger.{{cite AV media notes|title=People and Things|others=Jack's Mannequin |year=2011|type=sleeve|publisher=Sire Records|id=528974-2}}

During the release week of People and Things, Jack's Mannequin held a number of events to promote it: a film screening in New York City, which consisted of short films for every song on the album—each of them were directed by a separate director from the US, UK, Germany and Australia; a livestream question-and-answer session and performance by McMahon; and a collaboration between the band and the Hartford Symphony Orchestra, during which they debuted orchestral arrangements of their songs.{{cite web|url=http://www.melodic.net/?page=news&id=18826|title=Jacks Mannequin To Release 'People And Things' 10/4 * Hosting Release Week Film Screening And Perfor|work=Melodic|author=Wippsson, Johan|date=September 28, 2011|access-date=October 21, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181021190805/http://www.melodic.net/?page=news&id=18826|archive-date=October 21, 2018|url-status=live}} In October and November 2011, Jack's Mannequin went on the People and Things Tour of the US, for which they were supported by Motion City Soundtrack, Company of Thieves, Lady Danville, Lenka, Allen Stone, and Scars on 45.{{cite web|url=https://www.altpress.com/news/jacks_mannequin_announce_the_people_and_things_tour/|title=Jack's Mannequin announce 'The People And Things Tour'|work=Alternative Press|author=Bird, Michele|date=August 2, 2011|access-date=October 21, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181021111540/https://www.altpress.com/news/jacks_mannequin_announce_the_people_and_things_tour/|archive-date=October 21, 2018|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.altpress.com/news/jacks_mannequin_announce_new_supporting_bands_for_the_people_and_things_tou/|title=Jack's Mannequin announce new supporting bands for 'The People And Things' tour|work=Alternative Press|author=Bird, Michele|date=October 20, 2011|access-date=October 21, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181021111552/https://www.altpress.com/news/jacks_mannequin_announce_new_supporting_bands_for_the_people_and_things_tou/|archive-date=October 21, 2018|url-status=live}}

"Release Me" was released as the second single from People and Things to US alternative radio stations on November 8, 2011.{{cite web|url=http://www.allaccess.com/mail/archive/eweekly/alternative/2011-11-1.html|title=Alternative eWeekly|publisher=AllAccess|date=November 1, 2011|access-date=July 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160821235205/http://www.allaccess.com/mail/archive/eweekly/alternative/2011-11-1.html|archive-date=August 21, 2016|url-status=live}} In early January 2012, the band performed "Release Me" on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.{{cite web|url=https://www.altpress.com/news/jacks_mannequin_to_perform_on_the_tonight_show/|title=Jack's Mannequin to perform on The Tonight Show|work=Alternative Press|author=Bird, Michele|date=January 3, 2012|access-date=October 21, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181021111609/https://www.altpress.com/news/jacks_mannequin_to_perform_on_the_tonight_show/|archive-date=October 21, 2018|url-status=live}} Following this, Jack's Mannequin toured in Canada, Australia and Japan.{{cite web|url=https://www.collegemagazine.com/cm-interviews-jacks-mannequin/|title=Piano Man: CM Interviews Jack's Mannequin|publisher=College Magazine|author=Lott, Kristen|date=January 24, 2012|access-date=October 21, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181022033517/https://www.collegemagazine.com/cm-interviews-jacks-mannequin/|archive-date=October 22, 2018|url-status=live}} An accompanying music video was released on May 1, 2012, which premiered through Buzznet.{{cite web|url=http://www.melodic.net/?page=news&id=20012|title=Jacks Mannequin Premieres Video For 'Release Me'|work=Melodic|author=Wippsson, Johan|date=May 1, 2012|access-date=October 21, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120505190536/http://melodic.net/?page=news&id=20012|archive-date=May 5, 2012|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.altpress.com/news/jacks_mannequin_release_release_me_video/|title=Jack's Mannequin release 'Release Me' video|work=Alternative Press|author=Yancey, Bryne|date=May 1, 2012|access-date=October 21, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181021111537/https://www.altpress.com/news/jacks_mannequin_release_release_me_video/|archive-date=October 21, 2018|url-status=live}} It was directed by Michael Goldberg and Matthew Campbell.{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTgd3HBCPyc|title=Jack's Mannequin - Release Me (Official)|via=YouTube|author=Jack's Mannequin|date=May 1, 2012|access-date=October 21, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160407150307/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTgd3HBCPyc|archive-date=April 7, 2016|url-status=live}} The video shows a satirical view of music released under the influence of major companies.{{cite web|url=https://www.buzznet.com/2012/05/jacks-mannequin-release-video-premiere/?view-all|title=Jack's Mannequin 'Release Me' Video Premiere|publisher=Buzznet|date=May 1, 2012|access-date=July 10, 2019}}

{{Music ratings

| MC = 66/100{{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/music/people-and-things/jacks-mannequin/critic-reviews|title=Critic Reviews for People and Things|publisher=Metacritic|access-date=September 9, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181021111851/https://www.metacritic.com/music/people-and-things/jacks-mannequin/critic-reviews|archive-date=October 21, 2018|url-status=live}}

| rev1 = AllMusic

| rev1Score = {{Rating|3.5|5}}{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/people-and-things-mw0002206076|title=People and Things - Jack's Mannequin {{!}} Songs, Reviews, Credits|publisher=AllMusic|author=Leahey, Andrew|access-date=October 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160617111959/http://www.allmusic.com/album/people-and-things-mw0002206076|archive-date=June 17, 2016|url-status=live}}

| rev2 = American Songwriter

| rev2Score = {{Rating|4|5}}{{cite web|url=http://www.americansongwriter.com/2011/10/jack%e2%80%99s-mannequin-people-and-things/|title=Jack's Mannequin: People and Things|work=American Songwriter|author=Allen, Eric|date=October 13, 2011|access-date=October 21, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181014204259/http://americansongwriter.com/2011/10/jack%e2%80%99s-mannequin-people-and-things/|archive-date=October 14, 2018|url-status=live}}

| rev4 = Blurt

| rev4Score = {{Rating|7|10}}{{cite web|url=http://blurt-online.com/reviews/view/3496/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120601150516/http://blurt-online.com/reviews/view/3496/|title=People and Things by Jack's Mannequin|work=Blurt|author=Moore, John B.|date=August 12, 2011|archive-date=June 1, 2012|access-date=October 21, 2018}}

| rev5 = Consequence of Sound

| rev5score = C−{{cite web|url=https://consequenceofsound.net/2011/10/album-review-jacks-mannequin-people-and-things/|title=Jack's Mannequin – People and Things|work=Consequence of Sound|author=Freed, Nick|date=October 17, 2011|access-date=October 14, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181015002817/https://consequenceofsound.net/2011/10/album-review-jacks-mannequin-people-and-things/|archive-date=October 15, 2018|url-status=live}}

| rev6 = IGN

| rev6Score = 7.5/10{{cite web|url=http://music.ign.com/articles/119/1199714p1.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120309020426/http://music.ign.com/articles/119/1199714p1.html|title=Jack's Mannequin: People & Things Review|website=IGN|author=Grischow, Chad |date=October 11, 2011|archive-date=March 9, 2012|url-status=dead|access-date=July 19, 2017}}

| rev7 = Melodic

| rev7Score = {{Rating|4|5}}{{cite web|url=http://www.melodic.net/?page=review&id=10137|title=Jacks Mannequin - People and Things|work=Melodic|author=Wippsson, Johan|date=May 8, 2012|access-date=July 17, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180315225831/http://www.melodic.net/?page=review&id=10137|archive-date=March 15, 2018|url-status=live}}

| rev8 = PopMatters

| rev8score = {{Rating|4|10}}{{cite web|url=https://www.popmatters.com/150333-jacks-mannequin-people-and-things-2495928624.html|title=Jack's Mannequin: People and Things|work=PopMatters|author=Ezell, Brice|date=October 30, 2011|access-date=October 14, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181015004314/https://www.popmatters.com/150333-jacks-mannequin-people-and-things-2495928624.html|archive-date=October 15, 2018|url-status=live}}

| rev10 = Sputnikmusic

| rev10Score = 4/5{{cite web|url=https://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/45911/Jacks-Mannequin-People-and-Things/|title=Jack's Mannequin - People and Things|publisher=Sputnikmusic|author=Steve M|date=October 3, 2011|access-date=November 13, 2011}}

}}

People and Things was met with generally favorable reviews from music critics. At Metacritic, the album received an average score of 66, based on 8 reviews. AllMusic reviewer Andrew Leahey called it "[s]tronger than The Glass Passenger and spottier than Everything in Transit" and noted McMahon "consolidating his strengths". Eric Allen of American Songwriter wrote that the lyrics were "delivered with staunch veracity that makes the subject matter seem transcendent", and hailed the record as "the most musically cohesive album in the band's catalog thus far". Billboard writer Mikael Wood said the "more expensive" song arrangements compliment McMahon's "hyper-expressive" vocal style, though commented that they infrequently make his "songwriting feel less distinct than it has in the past".{{harvnb|Wood|2011|p=40}} Blurt{{'s}} John B. Moore stated that the lyrics on the album are still "a tad bit heavy on overwrought emotions" as they were during McMahon's Something Corporate days. He added that the lyrics come across as "a bit more genuine" from a man in his late 20s rather than from a teenager.

Consequence of Sound writer Nick Freed said People and Things "rarely fails" to provide the listener with "a little rush of melancholic joy". Despite calling it a "well-crafted" release "for longevity's sake", he admitted that it might be time for McMahon "to add a little change to his normal routine". Entertainment Weekly{{'s}} Benjamin Wood compared the album to The Glass Passenger sonically, writing that a number of tracks "seem like cut-and-dry Passenger 2.0".{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/article/2011/10/04/jacks-mannequin-people-things/|title=Jack's Mannequin head for a new direction on just-released 'People & Things.' What do you think?|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|author=Wood, Benjamin|date=October 4, 2011|access-date=August 10, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190806170850/https://ew.com/article/2011/10/04/jacks-mannequin-people-things/|archive-date=August 6, 2019|url-status=live}} He described the album as remaining mainly up-tempo, apart from one track; "Hey Hey Hey (We're All Gonna Die)". Chad Grischow of IGN said it had "good intentions, but comes off a bit too safe at points". He added that the "overproduced luster" of the record "weighs down" a few "potentially solid tunes". Melodic reviewer Johan Wippsson found that it "does not differ in quality" when compared to Everything in Transit and The Glass Passenger, and said the album was more "uptempo and happy" in comparison to the latter. PopMatters writer Brice Ezell criticized it as being as generic as the words the album's title consists of, adding: "The people and things of People and Things are about as ordinary as they come." Ezell explained that the album simply serves to "add more tuneful tracks" to Jack's Mannequin's repertoire, being "fine for a casual listen, but that's about all that it demands". Megan Rozell from the Seattle Post-Intelligencer said the album wraps up the loose ends of Everything in Transit and The Glass Passenger, tying them "together to create a mind-blowing sound" throughout the record.{{cite web|url=http://www.seattlepi.com/lifestyle/blogcritics/article/Music-Review-Jack-Mannequin-People-and-Things-2209220.php |title=Music Review: Jack Mannequin - People and Things |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer|author=Rozell, Megan|date=October 8, 2011|access-date=October 8, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111011111251/http://www.seattlepi.com/lifestyle/blogcritics/article/Music-Review-Jack-Mannequin-People-and-Things-2209220.php |archive-date=October 11, 2011|url-status=live}} She continued, admitting that it comes across "such a more powerful way that it is sure to bring in more fans and keep dedicated fans close". Sputnikmusic staff writer Steve M called it "another piano-rock album" in the same strain of Something Corporate with the "lyrical maturity" of Passenger and the "fun elements" of Transit while remaining McMahon's "most cohesive work yet". According to the reviewer, the album "guarantees results for long-time fans" but "doesn't attract the kind of attention needed to spark a fresh interest" in the group.

People and Things charted at number nine on the US Billboard 200, selling 31,000 copies in its first week of release.{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/article/2011/10/12/scotty-mccreery-sales-billboard-200/|title=Scotty McCreery sells 197,000 copies in first week: How does he stack up against other 'Idol' winners?|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|author=Smith, Grady|date=October 12, 2011|access-date=October 21, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181021232154/https://ew.com/article/2011/10/12/scotty-mccreery-sales-billboard-200/|archive-date=October 21, 2018|url-status=live}} The album further reached number one on US Alternative Albums, number two on Top Rock Albums, number five on Vinyl Albums, and number 20 on the Top Tastemaker Albums chart. "My Racing Thoughts" charted at number 43 on the US Rock Digital Song Sales chart, and number 68 on Japan's Hot 100.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/jacks-mannequin/chart-history/rkt/|title=Jack's Mannequin Chart History (Rock Digital Song Sales)|magazine=Billboard|access-date=August 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190807015610/https://www.billboard.com/music/jacks-mannequin/chart-history/rock-digital-song-sales|archive-date=August 7, 2019|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/jacks-mannequin/chart-history/jpn/|title=Jack's Mannequin Chart History (Japan Hot 100)|magazine=Billboard|access-date=August 6, 2019}}

Writing credits per booklet.

{{Track listing

| headline = People and Things standard edition

| extra_column = Producer

| total_length = 40:32

| title1 = My Racing Thoughts

| writer1 = Andrew McMahon

| extra1 = {{hlist|Jim Scott|Rob Cavallo|McMahon|Bobby "Raw" Anderson ({{Abbr|co.|co-producer}})|Jay McMillan (co.)}}

| length1 = 4:19

| title2 = Release Me

| writer2 = McMahon

| extra2 = {{hlist|Cavallo|McMahon}}

| length2 = 3:16

| title3 = Television

| writer3 = {{hlist|McMahon|Jaren Johnston}}

| extra3 = {{hlist|Scott|Cavallo|McMahon|Anderson (co.)|McMillan (co.)}}

| length3 = 3:37

| title4 = Amy, I

| writer4 = {{hlist|McMahon|Matt Thiessen}}

| extra4 = {{hlist|Scott|Cavallo|McMahon|Anderson (co.)|McMillan (co.)}}

| length4 = 3:33

| title5 = Hey Hey Hey (We're All Gonna Die)

| writer5 = McMahon

| extra5 = {{hlist|Scott|Cavallo|McMahon|Anderson (co.)|McMillan (co.)}}

| length5 = 3:37

| title6 = People, Running

| writer6 = {{hlist|McMahon|Thiessen}}

| extra6 = {{hlist|Scott|Cavallo|McMahon|Anderson (co.)|McMillan (co.)}}

| length6 = 3:40

| title7 = Amelia Jean

| writer7 = McMahon

| extra7 = {{hlist|Scott|Cavallo|McMahon|Anderson (co.)|McMillan (co.)}}

| length7 = 2:54

| title8 = Platform Fire

| writer8 = {{hlist|McMahon|Thiessen}}

| extra8 = {{hlist|Scott|Cavallo|McMahon|Anderson (co.)|McMillan (co.)}}

| length8 = 3:31

| title9 = Hostage

| writer9 = McMahon

| extra9 = {{hlist|Scott|Cavallo|McMahon|Anderson (co.)|McMillan (co.)}}

| length9 = 4:27

| title10 = Restless Dream

| writer10 = McMahon

| extra10 = {{hlist|Scott|McMahon|Anderson (co.)|McMillan (co.)}}

| length10 = 3:55

| title11 = Casting Lines

| writer11 = McMahon

| extra11 = {{hlist|Scott|Cavallo|McMahon|Anderson (co.)|McMillan (co.)}}

| length11 = 3:41

}}

{{Track listing

| headline = iTunes bonus tracks

| title12 = No Man Is an Island

| length12 = 3:16

| title13 = Ten Days Gone

| length13 = 3:32

| title14 = Dancing with a Gun

| length14 = 2:55

| title15 = Broken Bird

| length15 = 3:33

}}

{{Track listing

| headline = Best Buy bonus tracks

| title12 = Out of It

| note12 = Passenger demonstration tape

| length12 = 4:04

| title13 = Locked Doors

| note13 = Transit demonstration tape

| length13 = 3:53

| title14 = Keep Rising

| note14 = Passenger demonstration tape

| length14 = 4:05

}}

Personnel per booklet.{{cite AV media notes|title=People and Things|others=Jack's Mannequin|year=2011|type=booklet|publisher=Sire/Warner Bros. Records|id=528554-2}}

{{col-begin}}

{{col-2}}

Jack's Mannequin

• Andrew McMahon{{spaced ndash}}lead vocals, piano (all except track 10), percussion (tracks 1 and 3), keyboards (tracks 1, 3, 6 and 9)
• Bobby "Raw" Anderson{{spaced ndash}}guitar, background vocals (all except track 10), string arrangement (track 5), bass (track 7)
• Jay McMillan{{spaced ndash}}drums (all except track 10), percussion (all except track 10)

Additional musicians

• Tim Pierce{{spaced ndash}}guitars (all except track 10)
• Jamie Muhoberac{{spaced ndash}}keyboards (tracks 1–4, 6 and 9), B3 Hammond organ (tracks 1, 5 and 6)
• Chris Chaney{{spaced ndash}}bass (tracks 1–6, 9 and 11)
• Patrick Warren{{spaced ndash}}keyboards (tracks 1, 8, 10 and 11), arrangement (tracks 8, 10 and 11)
• Jim Scott{{spaced ndash}}anvil (track 4)
• Phil Parlapiano{{spaced ndash}}B3 Hammond organ (track 5)
• Marisa Kuney{{spaced ndash}}violin (track 5)
• Jeanie Lim{{spaced ndash}}viola (track 5)
• Mary Ginger Murphy{{spaced ndash}}cello (track 5)
• Jim Wirt{{spaced ndash}}bass (track 8)
• Brandi Carlile{{spaced ndash}}background vocals (track 10)

{{col-2}}

Production

• Jim Scott{{spaced ndash}}producer (all except track 2), engineer (all except tracks 2)
• Rob Cavallo{{spaced ndash}}producer (all except track 10)
• Andrew McMahon{{spaced ndash}}producer
• Bobby "Raw" Anderson{{spaced ndash}}co-producer (all except track 2)
• Jay McMillan{{spaced ndash}}co-producer (all except track 2)
• Jim Wirt{{spaced ndash}}additional production (all except tracks 2, 10 and 11)
• Doug McKean{{spaced ndash}}engineer (all except track 10)
• Kevin Dean{{spaced ndash}}engineer (all except tracks 2)
• Jeff Hannan{{spaced ndash}}additional engineer (tracks 1 and 3–9)
• Spencer Guerra{{spaced ndash}}additional engineer (track 1)
• Steve Rea{{spaced ndash}}assistant engineer (all except tracks 10)
• Russ Waugh{{spaced ndash}}assistant engineer (all except tracks 10)
• Aaron Walk{{spaced ndash}}assistant engineer (track 2)
• Nigel Lundemo{{spaced ndash}}additional Pro Tools engineer (tracks 1, 3, 4, 6, 7 and 11)
• Lars Fox{{spaced ndash}}additional Pro Tools engineer (track 2)
• Chris Lord-Alge{{spaced ndash}}mixing
• Keith Armstrong{{spaced ndash}}assistant mix engineer
• Nik Karpen{{spaced ndash}}assistant mix engineer
• Brad Townsend{{spaced ndash}}assistant mix engineer
• Andrew Schubert{{spaced ndash}}assistant mix engineer
• Ted Jensen{{spaced ndash}}mastering
• Concepcion Studios{{spaced ndash}}art direct
• Patrick Concepcion{{spaced ndash}}illustrations

{{col-end}}

• The Pop Underground – McMahon's first post-Jack's Mannequin release

Citations

{{reflist}}

Sources

{{refbegin}}

• {{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fdDRwCMlCEQ|title=Jack's Mannequin - Andrew on "People and Things" Album Title|via=YouTube|author=Jack's Mannequin|year=2011a}}
• {{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JwyEIHFSTt4|title=Jack's Mannequin - Andrew on "My Racing Thoughts" (track-by-track)|via=YouTube|author=Jack's Mannequin|year=2011b}}
• {{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uw71HiB8oRQ|title=Jack's Mannequin - Andrew on "Release Me" (track-by-track)|via=YouTube|author=Jack's Mannequin|year=2011c}}
• {{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2aHS_mWo_Wk|title=Jack's Mannequin - Andrew on "Television" (track-by-track)|via=YouTube|author=Jack's Mannequin|year=2011d}}
• {{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sRHkinMT6Lk|title=Jack's Mannequin - Andrew on "People Running" (track-by-track)|via=YouTube|author=Jack's Mannequin|year=2011e}}
• {{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMxg8Bxh5z4|title=Jack's Mannequin - Andrew on "Amelia Jean" (track-by-track)|via=YouTube|author=Jack's Mannequin|year=2011f}}
• {{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PtzlRGuV99k|title=Jack's Mannequin - Andrew on "Platform Fire" (track-by-track)|via=YouTube|author=Jack's Mannequin|year=2011g}}
• {{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQ9DkzUa0sU|title=Jack's Mannequin - Andrew on "Hostage" (track-by-track)|via=YouTube|author=Jack's Mannequin|year=2011h}}
• {{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAQRqQYvFS0|title=Jack's Mannequin - Andrew on "Restless Dream" (track-by-track)|via=YouTube|author=Jack's Mannequin|year=2011i}}
• {{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEIphLK-kxw|title=Jack's Mannequin - Andrew on "Casting Lines" (track-by-track)|via=YouTube|author=Jack's Mannequin|year=2011j}}
• {{cite podcast|last=Shea|first=Mike|title=AP Podcast: The Business Behind the Music – #30 Andrew McMahon|website=Alternative Press|year=2008|url=https://www.altpress.com/podcasts/ap_podcast_30-guest_andrew_mcmahon/}}
• {{cite magazine|last=Wood|first=Mikael|title=Reviews|magazine=Billboard|date=October 1, 2011|issue=35|volume=123|issn=0006-2510|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=jim-YANOn5AC&pg=RA4-PA40}}
• {{cite magazine|title=Jack's Back|magazine=Billboard|date=January 9, 2010|issue=1|volume=122|issn=0006-2510|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=EgHgDgiLzqMC&pg=PA57}}

{{refend}}

{{Jack's Mannequin}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:People and Things}}

Category:2011 albums

Category:Jack's Mannequin albums

Category:Sire Records albums

Category:Albums produced by Rob Cavallo

Category:Albums produced by Andrew McMahon

Category:Albums produced by Jim Scott (producer)