Jeffrey Lewis - Em Are I

By: Bill Alexander

Jeffrey Lewis
'Em Are I

(Rough Trade)

SOUNDS LIKE: An engaging blend of musical styles and some hit-or-miss lyrics, all sadly overpowered by unsettling vocals that, to some, may be nothing more than nails on a chalkboard.

WHY/WHY NOT: Jeffrey Lewis is an accomplished cartoonist and purveyor of social commentary. On his latest, ‘Em Are I, said commentary is at the forefront, with lyrics so in-your-face it’s hard to pay attention to anything else. The first thing anyone new to Lewis’ music (like myself) will notice, which is accentuated in the opening track "Slogans", is how very much his voice stands out – a voice that is surely not going to resonate with every music fan within earshot. ‘Em Are I moves from genre to genre, feeling perhaps more like an poorly planned compilation than a complete album. Lewis’ lyrics, while often compelling, are very simple, often complete with rhymes that feel forced and juvenile. But the album does make a good impression in parts, and catchy tunes like "Roll Bus Roll", "Whistle Past" and "To Be Objectified" are memorable. While certainly not an album for the masses, ‘Em Are I may indeed be just the cup of tea you’ve been waiting for. 


Video: "Anxiety Attack" by Jeffrey Lewis