While resorting to Hasil Adkins comparisons here would be like attempting to hit the ground by throwing rocks at it. What sets Mr. Johnson apart—aside from the fact that he’s not a one-man band—is that his lyrics most often sound off the cuff, delivered stream of consciousness over a backing band (or a number of backing bands, often including people like Alex Chilton and an occasional R.E.M.-er) that seems content to stand back, hit a groove, and let him fly. His lyrics are often personal, often downright hilarious, and rarely uninteresting, as this retrospective illustrates. My recommendation is to plop on “Rockabilly Monkey-Faced Girl” to set the proper mood at your next cotillion.
–jimmy (Goner)