J is a twofer because I couldn’t decide between two favorites, so. . . I didn’t.
First up is Joe Pug. This guy’s songwriting is out of this world. I can’t emphasize that enough. His sound is gorgeous, his voice is beautifully mournful, but his lyrics are the kind that make you want to do better. Whatever you do, you want to do it better because maybe someday you might be half as good at something as Joe Pug is at songwriting. He’s a storyteller and a hymn maker and I love it all.
I was on a deadline several years ago that was stressing me out in a big way. . . But also Joe Pug had a show in town. I agonized for a solid two days (decision-making isn’t my strong suit anyway – I mean, hell, I’m posting two J’s because of it) and at the very last minute, I gathered up my work things and went to the show. I found a table and I sat and worked through the entire concert. (I was working with just pen and paper those days, so it’s not nearly as attention-drawing as it sounds.) It was such a great way to spend an evening (AND meet a deadline!) Here’s the problem, though: no work day can ever top that. I’ve done it. I’ve peaked. Concert productivity? Game over.
