Anti-folk singer and comic book artist Jeffrey Lewis joins us to share his new album "12 Crass Songs," a tribute to the late 70's anarcho-punk band Crass.
While I like some of the Dirty Projectors stuff I don't think their latest album is as strong or interesting interpretation as Mr. Lewis'
Both album came out at the same time so I don't think anyone is copying anyone.
What is the point of the Black Flag covers? Just to re-capture youth? What does it say about the original songs? What does it add? I think the album works if considered on it's own, but that's impossible as all the reviews and reaction are intricately linked to the idea of it as a cover album. Like that is it's only selling point.
The Crass covers work on their own as songs as well, but they also make sense as a covers album. There is a need to hear these songs anew. If anyone is lucky enough to see the actual CD art from 12 Crass songs you'll find a comic book that is a beautiful story about how the album came to life.
Jun. 24 2008 11:48 AM
Score: 0/0
David Hume
from Staten Island, NY
John Shaefer,
There are so cool things coming up. Where do we post request for future shows? Like that Lou Reed Berlin Movie is coming out, interview Lou.
Around every corner stands 1984! Yes ! It is such a great idea doing those Crass Covers. How is no one blown away by this?
Some of that Anti-folk stuff is great. I've seen Hamel on Trial a couple of times. Good Stuff.
Jun. 23 2008 08:25 PM
Score: 0/0
David Hume
from Staten Island, NY
Sound Check,
I heard this show today in my car, I don't know if you read these things after the show is over. I just wanted to say what a fantastic show it was.
The folk covers of Crass was so clever, and the lyrics really brought me back. I thought I would laugh at it, but the Crass Lyrics are just so great for what they are doing.
I remember as a kid loving crass but laughing at how extreme the lyrics were. Now that era is gone, I miss not having the 'Steve Ignorants" around. Where have they gone.
Nagasaki Nightmare is one of the most artistically punk songs ever. Soundcheck; great show.
Dave
SOUNDCHECK SAYS: We most definitely read these comments after the show. Thanks for yours!
Jun. 23 2008 08:17 PM
Score: 0/0
al oof
from brooklyn
michael-
ah, i see what you're saying.
Jun. 23 2008 03:43 PM
Score: 0/0
Michael
from Manhattan
Al Oof --
I guess that depends on what you think "it" is. I think it's earnestly recasting hardcore punk lyrics in indie-rock settings. The VU lounge thing was slacker-ironic.
-- Michael
Jun. 23 2008 02:58 PM
Score: 0/0
al oof
from brooklyn
micheal: the velvet underground cover band did it first!
though actually pat boone did it first.
Jun. 23 2008 02:55 PM
Score: 0/0
chris o
from New York City
i love the lyrics and the sound!
Jun. 23 2008 02:41 PM
Score: 0/0
Michael
from Manhattan
Don't forget, the Dirty Projectors did it first, with the sublime _Rise Above_ (2007), which recast Black Flag lyrics in brilliant, truly inventive musical settings.
Jun. 23 2008 02:39 PM
Score: 0/0
al oof
from brooklyn
how is the connection between music and comicbooks "unlikely"? i must know!
Jun. 23 2008 02:24 PM
Score: 0/0
al oof
from brooklyn
remember that band that sang all those velvet underground songs as lounge songs? this is like that. a novelty album. and well, crass, musically, can be irritating, but man if anti-folk isn't a difficult to listen to genre of music. it's iambic pentameter to it's torturous extreme. and everyone sounds the same. i mean, i know, that's what makes it a genre, but this record is so unnecessary, it's kind of masturbatory.
Jun. 23 2008 02:13 PM
Score: 0/0
Leave a Comment
Register for your own account so you can vote on comments, save your favorites, and more.
Learn more. Please stay on topic, be civil, and be brief.
Email addresses are never displayed, but they are required to confirm
your comments. Names are displayed with all comments. We reserve the
right to edit any comments posted on this site. Please read the
Comment Guidelines before
posting.
By leaving a comment, you agree to New York Public Radio's
Privacy Policy and
Terms Of Use.
Soundcheck®, hosted by John Schaefer, is WNYC’s daily talk show about music. Covering all musical genres, Soundcheck celebrates the musical passions of performers, composers, and critics as well as the public radio audience. Listeners enjoy intimate conversations with and live performances by leading artists from around New York and around the globe.
Comments [10]
While I like some of the Dirty Projectors stuff I don't think their latest album is as strong or interesting interpretation as Mr. Lewis'
Both album came out at the same time so I don't think anyone is copying anyone.
What is the point of the Black Flag covers?
Just to re-capture youth? What does it say about the original songs? What does it add?
I think the album works if considered on it's own, but that's impossible as all the reviews and reaction are intricately linked to the idea of it as a cover album. Like that is it's only selling point.
The Crass covers work on their own as songs as well, but they also make sense as a covers album. There is a need to hear these songs anew. If anyone is lucky enough to see the actual CD art from 12 Crass songs you'll find a comic book that is a beautiful story about how the album came to life.
John Shaefer,
There are so cool things coming up. Where do we post request for future shows? Like that Lou Reed Berlin Movie is coming out, interview Lou.
Around every corner stands 1984! Yes ! It is such a great idea doing those Crass Covers. How is no one blown away by this?
Some of that Anti-folk stuff is great. I've seen Hamel on Trial a couple of times. Good Stuff.
Sound Check,
I heard this show today in my car, I don't know if you read these things after the show is over.
I just wanted to say what a fantastic show it was.
The folk covers of Crass was so clever, and the lyrics really brought me back. I thought I would laugh at it, but the Crass Lyrics are just so great for what they are doing.
I remember as a kid loving crass but laughing at how extreme the lyrics were. Now that era is gone, I miss not having the 'Steve Ignorants" around. Where have they gone.
Nagasaki Nightmare is one of the most artistically punk songs ever. Soundcheck; great show.
Dave
SOUNDCHECK SAYS: We most definitely read these comments after the show. Thanks for yours!
michael-
ah, i see what you're saying.
Al Oof --
I guess that depends on what you think "it" is. I think it's earnestly recasting hardcore punk lyrics in indie-rock settings. The VU lounge thing was slacker-ironic.
-- Michael
micheal: the velvet underground cover band did it first!
though actually pat boone did it first.
i love the lyrics and the sound!
Don't forget, the Dirty Projectors did it first, with the sublime _Rise Above_ (2007), which recast Black Flag lyrics in brilliant, truly inventive musical settings.
how is the connection between music and comicbooks "unlikely"? i must know!
remember that band that sang all those velvet underground songs as lounge songs? this is like that. a novelty album. and well, crass, musically, can be irritating, but man if anti-folk isn't a difficult to listen to genre of music. it's iambic pentameter to it's torturous extreme. and everyone sounds the same. i mean, i know, that's what makes it a genre, but this record is so unnecessary, it's kind of masturbatory.
Leave a Comment
Register for your own account so you can vote on comments, save your favorites, and more. Learn more.
Please stay on topic, be civil, and be brief.
Email addresses are never displayed, but they are required to confirm your comments. Names are displayed with all comments. We reserve the right to edit any comments posted on this site. Please read the Comment Guidelines before posting. By leaving a comment, you agree to New York Public Radio's Privacy Policy and Terms Of Use.