Love the 'Messenger'
Chicago’s Joe Pug takes the stage with just his songs and guitar — and that’s enough to electrify audiences
By Bliss 06/24/2010
When I arrived at the Echo for a show in early February, a line of clubgoers and familiar musicians was snaking up the block and around the corner; anticipation was palpable as people texted and high-fived in the winter night. Headliner Justin Townes Earle, whose profile had been steadily rising since the release of his 2009 album “Midnight at the Movies,” had garnered positive notices for his tour — and sure enough, he and his nattily attired band delivered a swinging set that justified their good reviews. Yet, when I headed home later, it was the revelatory opening set by Chicago indie artist Joe Pug that kept replaying in my mind.
It ain’t easy being the opener in a strange city where you’re unknown, particularly when you’re a solo act tasked with entertaining a room of jaded industry mavens. But Pug nearly bounced onstage with the charged-up brio of a prizefighter, picking out notes on his acoustic guitar while making appreciative wisecracks about the beauty of LA’s residents and calling up a pedal steel player from Orange County for occasional accompaniment. But that wasn’t what silenced the crowd. What won them over was Pug’s songs.
Word spread quickly about that show, and buzz about Pug has continued to mushroom as he’s toured the country. He returns to the Echo Friday as headliner.
Pug first attracted attention with his 2008 EP “Nation of Heat,” which he self-promoted by giving interested fans two-song samplers with thank-you notes. The free music expanded his fan base considerably, along with favorable word of mouth. He’s since opened for Steve Earle, Josh Ritter and M. Ward, and in February Lightning Rod released his sophomore album “Messenger,” one of 2010’s strongest releases so far.
The sometime carpenter has a gift for poetic turns of phrase grounded in relatable scenarios and imagery. “Bury Me Far (From My Uniform),” sung from the perspective of a weary soldier, has been a timely flashpoint of interest: “I fought their battles in this world/ But I’ll not fight for them in the next.” Another is the melodic “Not So Sure”: “I bummed expensive cigarettes, I wrote John Steinbeck’s book/ I undressed someone’s daughter then complained about her look/ Stealing was so easy then, I wish that it still were/ Now as I pick my own pocket I know these days I’m not so sure.”
Both songs are emotionally piercing highlights of “Messenger” and Pug’s live sets, thanks to his honesty and humor. It’s a don't-miss combination.
Joe Pug plays an early show at the Echo, 1822 Sunset Blvd., Echo Park, 7 p.m. Friday, June 25; $10 advance/$12 day of show. Jim Hanft and Sonny Pete are also on the bill. For more information, call (213) 413-8200. joepugmusic.com.
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