Punk Rock Retrospective: Jay Munly's Jimmy Carter Syndrome

If there's one thing to say about punk rock, and I've said this again and again, is that it defies all boundaries. Surely when someone thinks about punk, they too often emphasize the punk image: long, greasy hair, bad teeth, probably a piercing or two... none of which is necessary.

Surely this premonition is defied on (the now notorious) Jay Munly's junior release Jimmy Carter Syndrome. Aside from the soft meaning I'm referring to (anybody who's seen Munly is quick to make judgements based on his emaciated frame), Munly is surely redefining the punk of today or, rather, what has come to be a bastardization of punk. With a clean scalp, pearly white teeth, and a cowboy hat, Munly provides an examination of the musical form itself.

On Jimmy Carter Syndrome, Munly proves that a much more minimalist approach should be taken towards songwriting. Although the production is remarkable, with various voices (including different Munly characters, yes, characters) and a plethora of instrumental backing, the rhythms and repetitions of the album are organic-- there's nothing over-the-top about the album. Rather, Munly lets his work speak for itself. Each song present on Jimmy Carter Syndrome is a variation of Munly's short stories, many of which can be found in his [now out of print] book "Ten Songs With No Music."

These lyrics, however, can be very frustrating. Not only are the words sometimes run together by delivery or mixing, but they are also sometimes quite opaque. Although this may be considered a shortcoming by some, the undeniable truth is that Munly himself is quite cryptic-- in a good way-- and whether or not every word can be deciphered doesn't really matter; Munly, and his words, will never be fully understood.

Regardless of the lyrics issue, there are a couple of real stand-out tracks on Jimmy Carter Syndrome that hold their own against Munly's more recent work, which is currently shifting the entire musical paradigm of Denver, Munly's current residence. One would have to be "Dar He Drone" which practically throbs on its own, it's got so much going on. A real favorite, however, would have to be "Denver Boot," a tale of American-gothic superstition mixed with religion, set against a rustic background.

It should also be mentioned that this album is definitely rustic-- listeners won't hear any grungy riffs that are typically quintessential to the punk sound. Jimmy Carter Syndrome is more of what people have called 'a thinking man's [country]' but it's definitely 100% punk at heart.

Jimmy Carter Syndrome will soon be re-released (and remastered!). It will be available through smoochrecords.com.

Regardless of the lyrics issue, there are a couple of real stand-out tracks on Jimmy Carter Syndrome that hold their own against Munly's more recent work, which is currently shifting the entire musical paradigm of Denver, Munly's current residence. One would have to be "Dar He Drone" which practically throbs on its own, it's got so much going on. A real favorite, however, would have to be "Denver Boot," a tale of American-gothic superstition mixed with religion, set against a rustic background.

It should also be mentioned that this album is definately rustic-- listeners won't hear any grungy riffs that are typically quintessential to the punk sound. Jimmy Carter Syndrome is more of what people have called 'a thinking man's [country]' but it's definately 100% punk at heart.

Jimmy Carter Syndrome will soon be re-released (and remastered!). It will be available through smoochrecords.com.