OK, so my victimhood of changiness shorted you a Vedge yesterday, so here’s another double-stuff, from a fella who deserves a mega-stuff.
I know all of you probably golf a lot, so I don’t have to tell you about how there’s always some player tagged as the BPNTWAM — the Best Player Never To Win A Major (tournament, smart guy). There’s always someone who clearly has the talent and work ethic to beat the best, but it just hasn’t come together for some reason.
That’s the sort of thing you read about Jeffrey Lewis, who is a uniquely talented songwriter, OH AND ALSO DRAWS COMICS. (You think maybe he could hand out just one of those skills to us underprivileged people?)
He’s got the two major hallmarks of a “why isn’t this guy bigger” artist — glowing quotes from more-popular and less-talented artists, and a French documentary crew following him around. And yes, we love him because he put out an entire album of Crass songs.
His often-minimal, super-wordy style might not be for everybody, but he’s definitely got it going on, and who else is writing lengthy, illustrated songs about the complete history of Communism?
He’s out there humpin’ it for art’s sake, so give it up smooth.
Jeffrey Lewis & The Junkyard – If Life Exists? from ’Em Are I
Jeffrey & Jack Lewis – Williamsburg Will Oldham Horror (best song title ever?) from City & Eastern Songs
and for an audiovisual experience, listen to “Roll Bus Roll” from ’Em Are I …
… while reading the comic he drew for Time Out NY.
