Ball of Wax 42 Songs: Louis O’Callaghan – The Meaning of Life

Whether as the Graze or Sun Tunnels or even the long-lost Indie Rooney, Louis O’Callaghan has been one of my favorite Ball of Waxers over the years, an unheralded and often unmatched creative figure in a town stuffed to the gills with self-appointed creative types. What sets Louis apart, for me anyway, is the fact that his creative output is accomplished and wholly enjoyable – he’s a top-notch, not-just-local-good, gifted pop songwriter. His take on “The Meaning of Life” boasts a host of endearing indie rock and lo-fi pop touches: simply-arranged, down-stroked guitar parts, yearning double-tracked vocals, subtle synth and drum machine, all in service of a sad, dogged earworm of a melody. The lyrics are mumbled but poignant where discernible, like small musings on the inevitability of cosmic annihilation: “the star will break / there will come a day / someone leaves a mark / you won’t think at all.” You might think that I’m overdoing things, but you’re wrong. You’re just not listening to enough Louis O’Callaghan.