I’m not sure what exactly possessed Rob Anderson of Day Laborers and Petty Intellectuals to meld a lightly mocking self-portrait of nostalgic hipster culture with an old folk song first recorded by Lead Belly, but it was an inspired move. Anderson and co. intersperse lyrics that will strike a little close to home for those of us who might be known to play old folk songs on acoustical instruments, subscribe to quarterly magazines, and be possessed of between three and seven tattoos with refrains from the classic song in what is either the ultimate in double-backflip self-conscious irony, or an earnest attempt at examining this strange cultural moment we find ourselves in via the tools at hand (self-mockery, nostalgia, and music). Whatever is going on here, I’m pretty sure it would make Indie Rooney‘s head explode.
Concept aside, the arrangement and production on this song are fantastic; the band gradually builds and swells, holding off on the big refrain for as long as possible, drawing back like a wave from the shore, and then lapping your toes again with Anderson’s final statement on the subject. This band has a lot going on, and will no doubt be a blast to see live tomorrow night at the Ball of Wax 34 release show.
I don’t get it.