The Even More Freewheelin Jeffrey Lewis

Since the 2010s, New York singer/songwriter and comic artist Jeffrey Lewis has increasingly focused on more personal subject matter, particularly relationships and the joys and disappointments of growing older. After releasing some of his most rocking studio albums to date, Lewis remained active with home-recorded solo material, including songs addressing the COVID-19 pandemic and the presidential races. The EVEN MORE Freewheelin Jeffrey Lewis is his first conventionally released record since 2019, and at least for now, he seems to have retired the ongoing gag of making up a new band name for every album cycle. (The musicians from his touring band, credited as the Voltage last time around, are present on this one.) The title and cover art, of course, goof on Bob Dylans second album, as Lewis lives on the same street the iconic photo was taken in the early 60s. Opening number "Do What Comes Natural" is an elaborate expression of laziness and lack of inspiration, making it seem like Lewis is knowingly shrugging off his considerably above-average talents. On "Sometimes Life Hits You," the albums most VU-like full-band tune, Lewis addresses the inevitable moments when life gets so unbearably awful that the only logical response is to shout obscenities. During the bleary "Tylenol PM," Lewis humorously laments getting hooked on over-the-counter sleeping pills, and regrets doing what amounts to product placement for the medication. The short, snappy "Just Fun" questions the worth of putting oneself through the torturous burdens of life, only to sarcastically quip "well, its fun." Lewis looks on the bright side with "100 Good Things," an extremely lo-fi live recording in which he reminds himself of his achievements, as well as everything else that makes life worth living, from food and travel to the overwhelming amount of amazing music that exists. The albums few character studies still have personal significance, as "DCB & ARS" is a whimsical crime-romance fantasy based on the semi-fictionalized friendship between the late David Berman (who praised Lewis as "the best pure songwriter") and writer Amy Rose Spiegel. Lewis remains a vividly funny observer and masterful storyteller, and his work remains relatable and relevant. ~ Paul Simpson