Having trodden the boards for years in a handful of bands (Outsmarting Simon, The Color Fred, Communipaw), in 2009 New Jersey-based PJ Bond decided to go it alone. Since then has become somewhat of the troubadour’s equivalent to the Littlest Hobo, his nomadic existence has consisted of spending the better part of the last 15 years in basements, tour vans, on floors, and in and out of a variety of situations that all seem to begin and end with making and playing music.
Taking things down a notch or two today’s exquisite country tinged track is P J’s ‘I’m in a Bad Way’ which has been like an earworm in my brain for the last week or two, its heartfelt self introspection isn’t as maudlin as it first seems sure the lyrics are filled with an at times brutal reflection upon a very bad time, of self destruction and relationship deterioration. But there’s an undercurrent of defiance throughout that he has and will prevail, reminding one of the work of Wilco and Eliot Smith but yet retaining a individualism. Whilst a cursory listen through his vast array previous material reveals a somewhat standardised love of Ryan Adams and some overly cringing emo-like lyrics, by contrast ‘I’m In A Bad Way’ is a magical life affirming strum augmented by lap steel note fragments flutter in the air but it’s P J’s keening word weary vocal performance that for my money makes this seriously affecting!
Here’s what P J says “On April 15, 2009 I started a project called the year of a thousand roommates, before which I gave up my home and most of my possessions, and took to the road in hopes of finding something exciting and important. I most definitely found both,and in doing so, made some of the greatest friends I could ever ask for,strengthened some old relationships, hurt a few, and saw the world, literally and figuratively. You can read about some of the adventures here. “ The adventure was only meant to last 1 year,but now 3 years later, he continues this journey.
PJ Bond was in the UK playing shows last week and is now touring Europe. His full length album ‘You Didn’t Know I Was Alphabetical’ (full band) out now.
3 track free download- Ten Degrees And The Floor
http://pjbondmusic.bandcamp.com/album/ten-degrees-and-the-floor
