I've written about them before, but now that their new record has officially been released, it's time to write about them again. HAM1 is the brainchild of Athens, Georgia's Jim Willingham, a true gift to humanity. While I loved their first record, THE CAPTAIN'S TABLE finds the band reaching new heights, delivering a collection of songs that is wildly diverse yet somehow still cohesive. It's kind of freakish, actually, but that's what makes it so refreshing. Shades of surf rock, Pavement, The Pixies, Neutral Milk Hotel, country, all congeal into one distinctive musical vision. But what takes things to another level is Jim's lyrical content, which shares a strong kinship with DC Berman (in my humble estimation). This recent article in the Flagpole captures the HAM1 spirit better than I possibly could. I highly recommend that you read it before hopping over to the Orange Twin website to buy THE CAPTAIN'S TABLE.

Which brings us to the song/video clip of the day. HAM1 is usually joined on stage by another gifted Athens performer, Liz Durrett. They also happen to be her backing band most of the time. When I woke up this morning, I felt the arrival of my latest inexplicable funk. Is it seasonal? Astrological? Psychological? Stress-over-lack-of-fiscal? Who knows. Who cares. It'll pass. It always does. But not for a few days. So what do I do to bide my time when the voice in my head keeps listing the ways that I am a miserable failure? I listen to--and in this case, watch--sad, pretty songs. It's better than chicken noodle soup. It's better than alcohol. It's better than television. It's better than exercise. (Although all of those things are pretty good too.) But this song is better than a warm, cozy blanket to me right now.