About ten or so years ago, I started writing and recording songs under the moniker EncoprEsis. Nothing fancy. Just me, a guitar, my voice, and some other minimal stuff committed to a cassette 4-track recorder. I never intended to pursue music in an even somewhat professional manner. For me, it was all about the release and the sense of satisfaction I got from completing a little ol' song. When you want to make movies that cost a lot of money and the world doesn't seem to want to help you make that happen, it's nice to have another outlet that can provide a sense of creative fulfillment. Music is an incredible source of nourishment in that regard. Ten or so years later, I continue to dabble with music, though my inspiration comes in bursts (for some reason, autumn always triggers ideas).

This is my most recent song, which I recorded in Maryland this past weekend at my parents' house, on a cold and rainy Friday night (it's tentatively titled "Quiet Rain," though that will change when I record it for real--I just felt like giving Aaron Katz and Brendan McFadden a totally nonsensical shout-out).

But fear not. That ditty is just the humble precursor to today's majestic main event. I've written about my cousin John Tully before. He's the hotshot whose demo so wowed David Berman that Mr. Berman handpicked John's musical outlet, JT Songs, to open two shows for the Silver Jews in New York City last March (unfortunately, I was at South by Southwest so I missed that inspiring spectacle). Anyway, John is on record as saying that my first dabblings with writing and recording music spurred him into taking musical action of his own (most specifically my epic tale of love and loss, "Broke Out of Jail"). If that's true, at least I can say I did something worthwhile with my life, because I have just heard the new JT Songs record, DISTRACTIONS OF AN AGE, and it is positively stuh-ling (to be said with the sincerity of Woody in THIS IS ENGLAND). If you don't believe me, listen for yourself right here.

In these four songs, JT covers some heartily impressive musical ground. "No Man's Land" is a bona fide radio hit; "Goodwood Blues" showcases JT's clever lyrical wordplay; "The Black Went Down" pays respect to classic wordsmiths like Bob and Townes; and, for my money, the boot-stomping anthem "You Just Let Me Go" might be the best of the bunch. As soon as the album is ready for purchase online, I'll let you know. But for now, take what you can get.

Music is nice. Have a good weekend...