Lonnie Eugene Methe

"'Hey Jack' Plus Six Other Songs" 7"

Unread Records

Genre: lo-fi ballads

Omaha, NE

March 2010

Lonnie Eugene Methe, an acoustic guitar, and a piano account for these seven heartfelt lo-fi ballads, which hit with an understated wistfulness that is distinctly reminiscent of early Bill Callahan work. This is particularly evident on the mopey, intensely Wild Love-esque piano track, “Calendar Work,” which comes replete with cryptic metaphorical lyrics. As an early-era Smog fan myself, you won't hear me complaining, and I'd be remiss if I didn't mention Methe's striking poetic talent, as well as his impressive mastery of bare-boned, downtrodden songwriting. Beautifully lovelorn “Auburn Dances” and “Katherine” exude a Chan Marshall-esque juxtaposition of simplicity and emotional introspection, making for perfect quiet evening listening. Meanwhile, title-track “Hey Jack” is a brilliant, distinctly Midwestern tale of regret and stagnancy, and no doubt this record's finest achievement. Methe doesn't have Callahan's unique voice, nor quite his level of melodic potency, but this record is nevertheless an admirable – and very recommendable – lo-fi treasure.

lonnie's myspace

Michael Tau

[Vitals: 7 tracks, distributed by the label, released 2009]