3 New LB songs on Apatow soundtrack

[Matt Lucas]

Hello all---

A friend who's a newspaper music writer in a major US city told me about this release, and he received a copy of the soundtrack to review, so hopefully it will lead to a little more press for Lindsey.

I haven't heard the full songs yet, just the edits, but I'm enthusiastic about the fact that Lindsey worked with Jon Brion.

Jon is fantastically talented as a composer and musician---he's one of those prodigies who can literally play anything. But, unlike a lot of super-skilled musicians, he also has great restraint and fantastic pop sense. He knows a hook, not in the bubblegum sense of the word but in the classic pop sense. In other words, he's a student of The Beatles, The Kinks, Brian Wilson, and many other classic pop acts. Brion appears to be the musical director/producer for This is 40, and he has produced an unusual group of acts in the past: Aimee Mann, the Finn Brothers [ex Crowded House/Split Enz], Kanye West, Fiona Apple, Spoon, and more.

He also is also fiercely unpredictable. His regular shows at Largo in LA are legendary for their lack of a set list. I've not seen him personally, but I've heard recordings of them and read many reviews---you literally never know what you're going to hear at one of his shows. He does his own material [from his excellent album, Meaningless, and his soundtracks] as well as unreleased originals and cover tunes, and he often takes requests.

So, Jon and Lindsey have something in common---they are both outstanding musicians who are frustrated with parts of the music industry. But they differ in one important way---Brion enjoys playing without a net, while Lindsey clearly prefers to meticulously plan out his performances and recordings. Because of that important difference, I’m eager to hear more about how their collaboration took place.

Lindsey and the others mentioned that FM reunited recently for some recording sessions at Lindsey’s house, and I’m wondering now if perhaps Brion was involved in those sessions as well. I know things change, but a few years ago, didn’t Lindsey make a few comments about how, if the band did any more recording, they’d have to bring in an outside producer?

At the time, I hoped that they would work with Rick Rubin. I still think he’d be the best man for the job, and he has a knack for making established acts sound fresh and new again.

But if Rubin isn’t available or interested, Brion is a great back-up.

Regards,
matt