M.J Lenderman Is Just a Guy, And Wants You To Know It
Alison Kaiser
She/Her
Opinions Editor
9/19/24
In a promotional shoot for his new album, “Manning Fireworks”, MJ Lenderman can be seen looking relaxed in a tee shirt and blue jeans, with a mop of wavy brown hair. There are a few patchwork tattoos scattered across his arms, his mouth set in a straight line and his tired eyes fixated on the camera. Even before listening to his music, you can tell he’s in it for the right reasons. If he’s going to get famous, it’ll be on his terms.
MJ Lenderman is often compared to Neil Young, and one listen to “Joker Lips” makes it obvious why (that is, if you grew up listening to him). Beyond mere similarity in their voices, there’s a certain nostalgia elicited from the perfectly staggered phrasing and the twang of his guitar. If I close my eyes I can hear Young’s ‘Helpless’ woven throughout. Lenderman possesses the same ability to deliver clear but piercing lyrics, “You know I love my TV/ But all I really wanna see is see you need me”. Like Young, the Ashville, North Carolina native has an effortless cool both on and off the stage.
“She’s Leaving You” is a palette cleanser with a refreshing and necessary edge. It’s reminiscent of the 90s indie rock band Pavement, give or take a few more neurotic comparisons. This song has been a worm in my brain for weeks, the kind of song you force your loved ones to listen to because it means a lot to you and they deserve everything good in the world that you have the means to give them.
A track like “Rudolph” supports the hypothesis that Lenderman’s cool factor gives him license to say whatever he wants. One second you’re like what does this guy mean, I don’t even really think I care, it’s still good but as it fades into ‘Wristwatch’ you find yourself crying to a song about a smart watch and you know exactly why. Comparisons could be made here, but nothing comes close to the real thing. The first time I heard “I’ve got a…wristwatch that’s a pocket knife and a megaphone” I audibly said “ouch” as I added it to my liked songs. It’s an experience that’s as culturally relevant as it is catchy.
I am a huge enjoyer of the ten minute song, especially when it’s the very last on the album. I am also a fan of the subtle tribute to an artist’s inspirations. “Bark at the Moon,” a nod to the Ozzy Osborne track of the same name, is four minutes of sharp lyricism and catchy melody followed by six minutes of fuzzy guitar solo. The kind of send off to an album that puts you in a trance, allows you to unpack everything you’ve just heard, and lets you mourn the loss. I was driving during my first listen, but was wishing for a floor to lay down on and a ceiling to stare up at. Maybe you’ll be so lucky.
Favorite Tracks: “Wristwatch,” “You Don’t Know The Shape I’m In,” “She’s Leaving You.”
When to Listen: This album is for everyone at any time of day. Bonus points if you listen on a sunny day while drinking a PBR.