Loudon Wainwright III

This very undistinguished-looking album, with its absence of liner notes and its
beatnik-flavored photos, is astonishing for a couple of reasons. To begin with, Loudon
Wainwright III writes very forcefully incisive songs and, better yet, brings them across
totally with his pleading, highpitched vocals and competent guitar work. This may not seem
like a hell of a lot -- but for those who recall the halcyon days of guys like Ander... More >

In which the whiz kid relaxes with a pleasant folk-rock band and admits that the chief use of epigrammatic wit is humor, thereby consenting to be funny right out. He also allows himself a few moments of genuine lyricism, sees fit to steal a song from Leiber & Stoller, and also appropriates a melody from "Sweet Little Sixteen." His reward? "Dead Skunk," a song redolent of the pop success he seeks. The misanthrope grows older. Very encouraging. (Grade: A-)