Jens Lekman, the patron saint of smooth awkwardness, has been (ugh) oh so silent these past years. Aside from popping up occasionally for a single about the apocalypse, Lekman hasn’t put out much new music since 2007’s Night Falls on Kortedala (TMT Review). The fellow has been fairly busy, though; according to an interview with the Walla Walla Washington Union Bulletin, he had been living in Melbourne for two years, DJing and playing DIY shows. And he’s evidently been working on a new LP! Excitement and neon lights and buzzers and excitement!
Okay, cut that out. Turns out the new record might still be a little ways off. But turn some of those buzzers back on: the album-making process has resulted in a new EP, full of songs Lekman deemed ill-fitting for the forthcoming LP’s mood. The release, titled An Argument with Myself, will be out September 20 through Secretly Canadian. In typical Lekman fashion, the record’s subject matter will cover seemingly everyday topics like convincing yourself of a life-altering decision, getting directions from Google Maps, and trying to meet Kirsten Dunst. If I know Jens (and I, personally, do not), he’ll make these seemingly everyday subjects into things of beauty and wonder.
Speaking of beauty and wonder and forced transitions, Lekman will be returning to these beautiful, wonderful United States for a fall tour. It’s not a particularly lengthy tour, but, hey, it’s probably more Jens Lekman than you’ve seen in a long time. Unless you don’t live on a coast or in Chicago. Then it’s probably the exact same amount of Jens Lekman that you’re used to seeing.
By the way, if you’d like to hear some new Jens Lekman songs (as well as his thoughts on sleep), check out his appearance on Professor Blastoff, the podcast hosted by Secretly Canadian labelmate Tig Notaro. You may also want to check it out in general because it’s quite good.
Jens Lekman US dates:
09.28.11 - Los Angeles, CA - Masonic Lodge at Hollywood Forever
09.29.11 - San Francisco, CA - California Academy of Sciences
10.01.11 - Seattle, WA - Columbia City Theater
10.03.11 - Chicago, IL - Lincoln Hall
10.05.11 - Washington, DC - 6th & I Historic Synagogue
10.06.11 - Philadelphia, PA - Philadelphia Ethical Society
10.07.11 - Brooklyn, NY - Music Hall of Williamsburg
10.08.11 - Boston, MA - Somerville Armory
10.09.11 - Brooklyn, NY - Music Hall of Williamsburg
• Jens Lekman: http://www.jenslekman.com
• Secretly Canadian: http://www.secretlycanadian.com
[Photo: Erica Kahr]
