(December 2024) Episode 620 is JD McPHERSON. I first heard him through his song “Lucky Penny” from the excellent soundtrack to the stellar TV show Reservation Dogs (McPherson is from Oklahoma where the show is based). That song is fuzzier/grittier than most of the rest but was a good entry point. Overall, his stuff is in the rockabilly/country blues/roots space; a close analog is the Black Keys (of course, McPherson has collaborated with Dan Auerbach). It’s retro in temperament but not in imitation; the songs are fresh and original in their homage. For example, his Christmas album is all original songs, no covers. On paper I would not normally be drawn to this music but I’m glad I was.
Favorite album: Undivided Heart & Soul
Favorite song: Lucky Penny
Compared to expectations: ↑
Recommendation: His first album Signs and Signifiers is mostly rockabilly and will appeal to semioticians; each subsequent album broadens its scope a bit. All are enjoyable.
Opus Project 