Loudon Wainwright, III Social Studies CD

Social and political commentary has always been a component of Loudon Wainwright's songwriting. The 15 songs that make up SOCIAL STUDIES were written during the course of the decade prior and first aired in shorter solo versions on National Public Radio. For the most part, Wainwright wrote these songs to order--he was given a topic and asked to frame a reaction to it in his biting and sarcastic lyrics.

From Jesse Helms to O.J. Simpson to Tanya Harding, Wainwright takes it all on with rapier-sharp wit. The album was produced by Joe Boy and is supported by topflight players, including longtime collaborator Chaim Tannenbaum and masterful bass player Greg Cohen (who in the same year played on Randy Newman's BAD LOVE and Elvis Costello's PAINTED FROM MEMORY). There are also appearances by the Roches, John Scofield, Peter Ecklund, and Lenny Pickett. This album functions as a nice contrasting companion piece to his previous LITTLE SHIP, on which he ruminates on his own life.

Principally recorded at Kampo Studios, New York, New York. Includes liner notes by Loudon Wainwright III.

Personnel: Loudon Wainwright III (vocals, guitar, background vocals); Chaim Tannenbaum (vocals, banjo, harmonica, background vocals); Jenni Muldaur, The Roches (vocals); David Mansfield (acoustic guitar, electric guitar, violin, harmonica); John Scofield (electric guitar); Lenny Pickett (clarinet, saxophone); Peter Ecklund (trumpet, cornet); Ken Pearson (piano, organ); Greg Cohen (piano); Richard Crooks (drums, percussion).

Liner Note Author: Loudon Wainwright III.

Recording information: Kampo studios, New York, NY.

Photographers: Ilana Pelzig Cellum; Hugh Brown.

Personnel: Loudon Wainwright III (vocals, guitar); David Mansfield (vocals, acoustic & electric guitars, dobro, mandolin, violin); Chaim Tannenbaum (vocals, banjo, harmonica); Jenni Muldaur, The Roches (vocals); John Scofield (electric guitar); Lenny Pickett (clarinet, saxophone); Peter Ecklund (trumpet, cornet); Ken Pearson (piano, organ); Greg Cohen (piano, bass); Richard Crooks (drums, percussion).

Rolling Stone (8/5/99, p.67) - 3 stars (out of 5) - "...this collection of the occasional songs [Loudon] occasionally composes for National Public Radio enjoys the advantage of his perpetual cleverness..."
Entertainment Weekly (7/16/99, p.70) - "...unmatched facility for the dagger-sharp rhyme and the revealing anecdote..." - Rating: B-
Q (8/99, p.115) - 4 stars (out of 5) - "...Make 'em laugh must have been the instruction. He does, but he's better when delving into his own foibles and failings."
CMJ (7/26/99, p.32) - "...SOCIAL STUDIES is your 'must have' of the week..."