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Jeffrey Lewis - 12 Crass Songs |
 From out of the same New York Anti-Folk scene that brought us Regina Spektor, Jeffrey Lewis is perhaps one of the most interesting acts around. I first discovered him supporting The Cribs and his set was somewhere between music, art and comedy. The memories of his support slot, which earned an encore from what was previously an uninterested and cold crowd, through catchy lyrics, interesting songs and the use of a giant comic to visualise the lyrics, led to me purchasing this album, released in mid-2007.
The album is actually an album of covers of anarcho-punk band Crass, who managed to make Sex Pistols look like the biggest publicity stunt of the past century, being genuine members of the Libertarian left rather than just some musicians who felt like being a bit reckless and off the wall. But Jeffrey Lewis has put a completely different spin on these songs, taken away the anger and brought out the beauty in the song writing. The result is something close to Tilly and the Wall, Rouge Wave and the Shins. It’s a wonderful mix of political poignancy and musical potency that gives this record its charm.
However, I do find there’s something in Lewis’ New York drawl that would prevent me from being able to listen to it too much, but that isn’t enough to stop me recommending it to fans of the above mentioned bands. ‘Punk is Dead’ is probably the best track on the album, the arrangement is really well worked and it epitomises the album in every way with lines such as "Punk is dead, punk is dead; it’s just another cheap product for the consumers head. CBS promoted The Clash, but not for revolution, just for the cash."
Altogether, '12 Crass Songs' is worth a listen and definitely has something on other CDs that you might pick up. It’s certainly not one for Crass’ hardcore following but makes a nice addition to any record collection.
Joe Pearson |
| Coding: Darren Burrows