Tools for this page
Print

Matinee

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version
    Not age appropriate for kids under 8, age appropriate for kids over 10; suggested age 10.

  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Popular ska-soul-pop artist will delight tweens.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 10 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Themes of unrequited and past love, self-actualization, and missing home

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    "Run for your life" talks about endless cycle of fighting/prejudice that goes on because of differences, but nothing violent: "It's bait to be hateful, but nasty and hateful/People aren't grateful/they sow the seed into their offspring/Costing kids to be fostering ideas that lead to/fighting, biting, run for your lives."
  • Sex:

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    Not an issue.
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Few innocent mentions: "Yo ho ho and a bottle of rum" and "Hops to make beer/that's all you need."

What Parents Need to Know

This review of Matinee was written by Jessica Dawson

Parents need to know that this ska-soul-pop artist has been in Teen Vogue, was cited in Rolling Stone as a "Breaking Artist" to look for, and he has played the as supporting act for the notorious Amy Winehouse. But there's nothing to worry about: Jack Penate's popularity comes from his unique, safe sound and quirky, noteworthy dancing when performing live.

Families Can Talk About

Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
  • Families can talk about the differences, if any, in American and British musicians. Is there something mysterious or romantic about artists hailing from overseas? Is their music style different? Does someone's ethnic background or nationality help shape the image that is, fairly or unfairly, given to them by the media and entertainment industry?
Did this review help you decide?

Add it to your kids’ playlist?

Have you heard it? Review It!

More on Matinee

What’s the Story?

MATINEE, Jack Penate's debut album, is a stylish, surprising blend of ska-soul indie pop that keeps you guessing with simple, clever lyrics and storytelling music. This British 23-year-old has his own sound, but is reminiscent of the late Jeff Buckley, whom he credits as an influence on his music.

Is It Any Good?

Penate is praised for his eccentric live-performance dancing, and judging from his music, his moves must be pretty creative to keep up. From catchy chords and music that is as lyrical as the words, Penate has quite an energy and style that is contagious on its own. He's British punk pop with a little soul. From the popular "Spit at Stars" to the upbeat "Have I Been a Fool," Penate manages to match the rhythm in his words to the quick-changing music. But just when you think you have his style pegged, he surprises and delights with a sweet, haunting melody like "My Yvonne," with a lovely lilting vocal accompaniment by the singer Adele. Jack Penate's youthful energy, cute falsetto, and punky beats on Matinee will have you coming back for more in the p.m. when the early show is over.

Music Details

Released on: 1/22/2008
Parental advisory: No, Edited version available: No

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Have you heard it? Review It!

What did you think about Matinee?

or

to post a review

Most Recent Reviews

    More Great Stuff for Your Kids

    • Now Playing

      Avatar

      Avatar

      Action-heavy epic has dazzling effects, familiar story.

    • Advice for Parents

      Tips for a Healthy Media Diet

      Tips for a Healthy Media Diet

      New gadget gifts? Get help setting limits.

    • Book of the Week

      Beautiful Creatures

      Beautiful Creatures

      Dreamy, lyrical supernatural Southern romance.

    • Issue Spotlight

      The 10 Most Violent Video Games (And 10 Alternatives)

      The 10 Most Violent Video Games (And 10 Alternatives)

      Our video game experts weigh in.

    • Game of the Week

      Simplz: Zoo

      Simplz: Zoo

      Family-friendly puzzler mixes in a bit of zoo simulation.

    Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
    • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
    • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
    • Post your own reviews and share them with friends

    This will never be displayed to others.
    Your email will never be displayed to others.
    Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
    A screen name protects your privacy
    To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!

    Set-up your account
    This will never be displayed to others.
    Your email will never be displayed to others.
    Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

    Choose a screen name
    It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
    A screen name protects your privacy

    Tell us your children's ages
    You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
    We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
    is
    until
    (optional)
    is
    until
    is
    until
    is
    until
    is
    until
    is
    until
    Add another child

    We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.

    Set-up your account
    This will never be displayed to others.
    Your email will never be displayed to others.
    Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

    Tell us your children's ages
    You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
    Why we ask for this
    We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
    is
    until
    is
    until
    is
    until
    is
    until
    is
    until
    is
    until
    Add another child

    Choose a screen name
    It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
    A screen name protects your privacy
    Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
    I'm already a Common Sense member.
    Kids under 13 must use a screen name