Jens Lekman
An Argument With Myself
(2011)
why you'll love it: One of the smartest, funniest, and relatable songwriters today
why you'll hate it: "Songs about girls", only the first two songs are significant
It's been way too long since we've heard anything from Jens Lekman. I discovered his music after his last release, Night Falls Over Kortedala (2007) and became an instant fan. I can imagine the wait being even more unbearable for those who already were fans. I absolutely love the way this guy writes songs. Straight out of the same school as Jonathan Richman, Dr. Frank, Parry Gripp, etc... Jens has a limitless talent for putting the most clever and relatable perspective on normal life, dull days, awkwardness, and all the things most songwriters overlook in favor of more fantastic escapes from reality. In most cases, these topics favor relationships and romanticism, but it's handled in the most charming way possible.
Being an EP is the release's greatest flaw. I want more. "An Argument With Myself" is one of my favorite songs of the year. The lyrics are sharp and the island rhythm is catchy as all hell. It sort of sounds like a Talking Heads song. "Waiting For Kirsten" is another great example of Jens' talent to do so many things at once with his songs. He tells a very detailed story about a very specific time, place, and person; but makes it all very easy to follow and relate to in our own lives; and still makes the effort to have a memorable chorus and unique instrumentation. He doesn't get caught up in having a singular focus.
Those are pretty much the high marks of this EP. It almost feels like this is a double single, and the other tracks are just b-sides. "A Promise" and "New Directions" sound great, but I just get that b-side vibe from them. I would get that from the closing track, "So This Guy At My Office" as well, but it reminds again of my personal songwriting heroes of the past by writing a song about… pretty much nothing, and romanticizing it.
Hopefully this EP is just a taste of things to come soon, and not just a random "hey guys, remember me? I'm not dead." release. Jens hasn't lost a step over this four year absence.
