At this time yesterday, Clem Snide was just a name in my notes for this weekend’s shows but holy hell he is now so much more than that. This is exactly the kind of smart, witty, singer songwriter stuff that I could listen to for the rest of my days on a desert island and my only regret is that I did not listen to him sooner. The alter-ego persona of artist Eef Barzelay, Clem Snide is named for a recurring character in several William S. Burroughs works which is an appropriate homage to another wildly creative and intelligent storyteller.
Clem Snide’s most recent album, 2020’s Forever Just Beyond, was produced by Scott Avett and exhibits all of the polish and perfection you might expect from a collaboration with one half of the Avett Brothers. The album is arguably a pinnacle moment in his career but, also, one that suggests that the best is even yet to come. I cannot think of a better way to spend a Sunday evening and am looking forward to this one more than any show in recent memory.
Back in Town – Daddy’s Beemer @ The Radio Room, Saturday