10 Songs for the New Depression

2010 studio album by Loudon Wainwright III May 2020 10 Songs for the New Depression studio Loudon Wainwright III Loudon Wainwright III - 10 Songs for the New Depression.jpg On the left half of a black-and-white album cover, the text "10 Songs for the New Depression" along the top and "Loudon Wainwright III" along the bottom. On the right half, an image of a man with crossed legs sitting on a bench, holding a guitar and an American flag. Behind the man is a "Welcome" sign, a mounted fire extinguisher and a window with the "No Public Restrooms" sign. 2010 7 19 Folk pop rockhttp://www.allmusic.com/album/10-songs-for-the-new-depression-mw0002070645 10 Songs for the New Depression June 21, 2012 Allmusic Rovi Corporation https://web.archive.org/web/20120623181835/http://www.allmusic.com/album/10-songs-for-the-new-depression-mw0002070645 June 23, 2012 live 30 0 Proper High Wide & Handsome: The Charlie Poole Project 2009 Older Than My Old Man Now 2012 10 Songs for the New Depression is the twenty-first studio album by American singer-songwriter Loudon Wainwright III, released on July 19, 2010 in the United Kingdom and July 27, 2010 in the United States, through Proper Records.https://www.bbc.co.uk/music/reviews/8928 Loudon Wainwright III 10 Songs for the New Depression Review BBC Music Ninian Dunnett July 7, 2010 August 21, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110211100850/http://www.bbc.co.uk/music/reviews/8928 February 11, 2011 live Released forty years following his first studio album, 10 Songs is Wainwright's first album since his Grammy Award-winning tribute project High Wide & Handsome: The Charlie Poole Project (2009). The concept album was inspired by the 2008 financial crisis and the Great Recession, and features Wainwright backed by his own banjo, guitar and ukulele performances. Wainwright began writing songs for the album following the inauguration of Barack Obama in January 2009. The album features ten original songs and two cover versions of songs originally written and recorded during the Great Depression. Lyrical references throughout 10 Songs include economists Alan Greenspan, John Maynard Keynes and Paul Krugman, President Barack Obama, and the government program Car Allowance Rebate System (more commonly known as "cash for clunkers"). Overall, the critical reception of the album was positive. 10 Songs reached peak positions of number thirty-eight on the United Kingdom's Top Independent Albums chart and number twelve on the Top 40 Independent Albums Breakers chart. Development and promotion Wainwright began writing songs for the album following the January 2009 inauguration of Barack Obama.http://www.stltoday.com/entertainment/music/article_9cf41ffc-eec2-54c6-b260-d781027fbb83.html Daniel Durchholz Economy fuels topical CD by Loudon Wainwright III St. Louis Post-Dispatch St. Louis, Missouri November 18, 2010 August 21, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20120225205022/http://www.stltoday.com/entertainment/music/article_9cf41ffc-eec2-54c6-b260-d781027fbb83.html February 25, 2012 live In January 2010, Wainwright said of the album: As of this writing some folks are saying things are looking up recession wise and this particular hard time might be ending. Other experts are saying we're in for a "double-dip" and there's more feces heading toward the national and global fans. If that's the case I'd like to cash in. So buddy if you can spare a few bucks, please enjoy 10 Songs for the New Depression!http://www.rosebudus.com/wainwright/news.html February 2010: Loudon Wainwright III Releases 10 Songs for the New Depression and Featured in the New Yorker Online The Rosebud Agency August 21, 2011 February 2010 San Francisco, California https://web.archive.org/web/20110927160713/http://www.rosebudus.com/wainwright/news.html September 27, 2011 livehttp://www.lw3.com/songs.php Songs for the New Depression August 21, 2011 lw3.com https://web.archive.org/web/20110714005957/http://www.lw3.com/songs.php July 14, 2011 On February 22, The New Yorker featured a video of Wainwright performing "The Krugman Blues" and complimenting the publication's March 2010 article which profiled economist Paul Krugman.http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/tny/2010/02/the-krugman-blues.html The Krugman Blues February 22, 2010 August 21, 2011 The New Yorker 0028-792X https://web.archive.org/web/20110906071534/http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/tny/2010/02/the-krugman-blues.html September 6, 2011 live Part of "Cash for Clunkers" was featured in a segment of NPR's program Car Talk. Wainwright was able to promote the album by touring both before and after the album's release. The Loud and Rich Tour, which co-headlined Wainwright and long-time friend Richard Thompson, began in the fall of 2009 and continued into 2011.http://www.accessatlanta.com/atlanta-music/loudon-wainwright-iii-to-449505.html Loudon Wainwright III to bring Loud & Rich Tour to Atlanta Bob Townsend April 9, 2010 August 22, 2011 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution 1539-7459 Atlanta, Georgia https://web.archive.org/web/20120225205027/http://www.accessatlanta.com/atlanta-music/loudon-wainwright-iii-to-449505.html February 25, 2012 deadhttp://blog.timesunion.com/reviews/loudon-wainwright-iii-and-richard-thompson-the-egg-101809/1477/ Loudon Wainwright III and Richard Thompson @ The Egg, 10/18/09 Greg Haymes October 19, 2009 August 22, 2011 Times Union Albany, New York 8756-5927 https://web.archive.org/web/20120225205028/http://blog.timesunion.com/reviews/loudon-wainwright-iii-and-richard-thompson-the-egg-101809/1477/ February 25, 2012 livehttps://www.npr.org/2011/06/13/135733664/richard-thompson-and-loudon-wainwright-iii-on-world-cafe Richard Thompson And Loudon Wainwright III On World Cafe NPR June 13, 2011 August 22, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110830114818/http://www.npr.org/2011/06/13/135733664/richard-thompson-and-loudon-wainwright-iii-on-world-cafe August 30, 2011 live Composition 20em right I've been thinking for years now that nothing really bad would happen to me in what's left of my life time. I dodged the draft (Vietnam) and miraculously drifted into a fun and rewarding career. Divorce, guilt, and the death of a parent have been about as bad as it's gotten for me in 63 years. What luck! Even 9/11 and most certainly Darfur seem at a remove from my actual existence. It's strange then that towards the end of said existence there's been a kind of catastrophic feeling in the air. Rather exciting and certainly something to write and sing about. Loudon Wainwright III, liner notes for "Fear Itself" 10 Songs for the New Depression is a simple vocal and acoustic performance album composed of original songs as well as two cover versions of songs from the Great Depression. The album is approximately thirty minutes in length and contains lyrical references to economist Alan Greenspan, Nobel Prize-winning economist and The New York Times columnist Paul Krugman, and President Barack Obama.https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/album-loudon-wainwright-iii-10-songs-for-the-new-depression-proper-2029549.html Album: Loudon Wainwright III, 10 Songs for the New Depression (Proper) Simmy Richman July 18, 2010 August 21, 2011 The Independent Independent Print Limited London, United Kingdom 0951-9467 https://web.archive.org/web/20120225205030/http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/album-loudon-wainwright-iii-10-songs-for-the-new-depression-proper-2029549.html February 25, 2012 live While Wainwright's previous studio album High Wide & Handsome: The Charlie Poole Project (2009) contains more than twenty musicians and singers, The Guardian contributor Robin Denselow described 10 Songs as featuring a "pared-down, DIY set, in keeping with the mood of the new songs".https://www.theguardian.com/music/2010/jul/15/loudon-wainwright-iii-cd-review Loudon Wainwright III: 10 Songs for the New Depression July 15, 2010 Robin Denselow The Guardian London, United Kingdom August 21, 2011 0261-3077 https://web.archive.org/web/20140112133429/http://www.theguardian.com/music/2010/jul/15/loudon-wainwright-iii-cd-review January 12, 2014 live The opening track, "Times Is Hard", features "bleak" lyrics about "nihilism [being] used as a tool to remedy social ills" sung to upbeat melodies. Wainwright wrote the song following the inauguration of Barack Obama. "House" is about economics and relationships, and tells the story of a couple wanting to divorce but staying together because they cannot sell their house.http://www.metro.co.uk/music/reviews/835415-10-songs-for-the-new-depression-an-austerely-arranged-collection 10 Songs for the New Depression: An austerely arranged collection July 18, 2010 August 21, 2011 Metro Associated Newspapers London, United Kingdom Claire Allfree https://web.archive.org/web/20100924050644/http://www.metro.co.uk/music/reviews/835415-10-songs-for-the-new-depression-an-austerely-arranged-collection September 24, 2010 live In the liner notes, Wainwright admitted that at the time the album was released he "remained relatively unscathed by the New Depression" but owned a house in Southern California that he was unable to sell. "On to Victory, Mr. Roosevelt" and "The Panic Is On" were both originally written during the Great Depression. Circa 1933, Texas politician W. Lee O'Daniel wrote and recorded the former. Medicine show performer Hezekiah Jenkins originally wrote and recorded "The Panic Is On". "Fear Itself" is about being fired "from the job you always professed to hate" and contains a reference to John Maynard Keynes.https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/album-loudon-wainwright-iii-10-songs-for-the-new-depression-snowdonproper-2027508.html Album: Loudon Wainwright III, 10 Songs for the New Depression (Snowdon/Proper) Andy Gill July 16, 2010 August 21, 2011 The Independent Independent Print Limited London, United Kingdom 0951-9467 https://web.archive.org/web/20120225205033/http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/album-loudon-wainwright-iii-10-songs-for-the-new-depression-snowdonproper-2027508.html February 25, 2012 livehttp://www.popmatters.com/pm/review/126841-loudon-wainwright-10-songs-for-the-new-depression https://web.archive.org/web/20100729201500/http://www.popmatters.com/pm/review/126841-loudon-wainwright-10-songs-for-the-new-depression/ July 29, 2010 Loudon Wainwright: 10 Songs for the New Depression July 28, 2010 August 21, 2011 PopMatters Alex Ramon "The Krugman Blues" references the "gloomy mien of one's favourite economic pundit", Paul Krugman, whom Wainwright met on a train to Boston. Wainwright believed Krugman's sense of melancholy made for a "compelling and challenging character".http://www.observer.com/2010/daily-transom/loudon-wainwright-iii-has-krugman-blues Loudon Wainwright III has 'The Krugman Blues' February 22, 2010 August 21, 2011 The New York Observer 1052-2948 Molly Fischer https://web.archive.org/web/20110928050927/http://www.observer.com/2010/daily-transom/loudon-wainwright-iii-has-krugman-blues September 28, 2011 dead "Spooky" sound effects, suggested by Dick Connette, were added to the track "Halloween 2009". Wainwright wrote "Middle of the Night" a few years prior to the album's release in an attempt to "cheer [himself] up and also to purvey an optimistic point of view for a change". "Cash for Clunkers" refers to the Car Allowance Rebate System, a United States federal scrappage program active during summer 2009.http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/06/26/obama-signs-cash-for-clunkers-bill/ Obama Signs Cash-for-Clunkers Bill Richard S. Chang The New York Times June 26, 2009 August 21, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20120512064735/http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/06/26/obama-signs-cash-for-clunkers-bill/ May 12, 2012 livehttps://money.cnn.com/2009/10/28/autos/clunkers_analysis/index.htm Clunkers: Taxpayers paid $24,000 per car Peter Valdes-Dapena October 29, 2009 CNNMoney.com August 21, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110713012135/http://money.cnn.com/2009/10/28/autos/clunkers_analysis/index.htm July 13, 2011 "Got a Ukulele" features Wainwright performing the titular instrument, which he believes was popular during the 1920s–1930s due to its ability to improve "one's mood and general outlook". Reception The Daily Telegraph 3 5https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/cdreviews/7924755/Loudon-Wainwright-III-10-Songs-For-The-New-Depression-CD-review.html Loudon Wainwright III: 10 Songs For The New Depression, CD review August 3, 2010 Colin Irwin Colin Irwin (journalist) August 21, 2011 The Daily Telegraph London, United Kingdom 0307-1235 https://web.archive.org/web/20100920052814/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/cdreviews/7924755/Loudon-Wainwright-III-10-Songs-For-The-New-Depression-CD-review.html September 20, 2010 live The Guardian 4 5 The Independent 3 5 Metro 3 5 PopMatters 7 10 Critical reception of the album was positive overall. Robin Denselow of The Guardian awarded the album four of five stars and wrote that Wainwright's performance sounded as "easy-going and spontaneous" as it does at his live concerts. Denselow considered "House" to be the album's best track. The Daily Telegraph Colin Irwin described the album as "oddly uplifting" despite its "variants on the theme that we're all doomed" from the economic crisis. The Observer contributor Neil Spencer wrote that "while [Wainwright's] tone becomes shrill at times, his mix of nihilism and jauntiness (with ukulele) are finally uplifting."https://www.theguardian.com/music/2010/jul/18/wainwright-10-songs-album-review Loudon Wainwright III: 10 Songs for the New Depression July 18, 2010 August 21, 2011 The Observer Neil Spencer Guardian Media Group London, United Kingdom 0029-7712 https://web.archive.org/web/20151011221705/http://www.theguardian.com/music/2010/jul/18/wainwright-10-songs-album-review October 11, 2015 live Music journalist Andy Gill of The Independent recommended the tracks "House", "Fear Itself " and "The Panic Is On". Simmy Richman's review for The Independent complimented Wainwright's ability to address current issues "simply and effectively", claiming "Wainwright can make you laugh, nod in agreement, shake your fist in despair and want to sing along". Richman appreciated Wainwright's honesty and humor and wrote that he displayed "better lyrical form than he has been in for some time". The Independent included 10 Songs on their "Indy Choice: Best of the New Music" list for the week of July 16, 2010.https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/features/indy-choice-best-of-the-new-music-2028328.html?action=Gallery&ino=6 Indy Choice: Best of the new music July 16, 2010 August 22, 2011 The Independent London, United Kingdom Independent Print Limited 0951-9467 https://web.archive.org/web/20120225205040/http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/features/indy-choice-best-of-the-new-music-2028328.html?action=Gallery&ino=6 February 25, 2012 live PopMatterss Alex Ramon preferred Wainwright's album Social Studies (1999), but considered 10 Songs to be "an enjoyable effort nonetheless", complimenting it for its simple approach. Furthermore, Ramon wrote that the album "succeeds in getting you smiling rather than despairing at the mess we're in, and that's always been one of Wainwright's great gifts". Track listing All tracks written by Loudon Wainwright III, unless noted otherwise. "Times Is Hard" – 2:55 "House" – 4:19 "On to Victory, Mr. Roosevelt" (W. Lee O'Daniel) – 2:35 "Fear Itself" – 2:34 "The Panic Is On" (Hezekiah Jenkins) – 2:56 "The Krugman Blues" – 3:11 "Halloween 2009" – 2:40 "Middle of the Night" – 3:09 "Cash for Clunkers" – 3:02 "Got a Ukulele" – 2:39 Chart history 10 Songs for the New Depression debuted and reached its peak position at number thirty-eight on the United Kingdom's Top Independent Albums chart the week of July 31, 2010.https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/independent-albums-chart/20100725/131/ Top 40 Independent Albums Archive: 31st July 2010 August 21, 2011 The Official Charts Company That same week the album debuted at number twelve on the Top 40 Independent Albums Breakers chart.https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/independent-albums-breakers-chart/20100725/255/ Top 40 Independent Albums Breakers Archive: 31st July 2010 August 21, 2011 The Official Charts Company 10 Songs fell to number eighteen on the Top 40 Independent Albums Breakers chart the week of August 7, 2010.https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/independent-albums-breakers-chart/20100801/255/ Top 40 Independent Albums Breakers Archive: 7th August 2010 August 21, 2011 The Official Charts Company Charts +Chart performance for 10 Songs for the New Depression Chart (2010) PeakpositionUKIndependent 38 20100725 true November 27, 2024 Release history Region Date Label Format Catalog United Kingdom July 19, 2010 Proper Records Compact Disc PRPCD069 See also Music Causes of the Great Recession Occupy This Album, the 2012 compilation box set containing 99 songs inspired by the Occupy movement, including "The Panic Is On" Timeline of the Great Depression Wall Street crash of 1929 References External links 2024-06-11 10 Songs For The New Depression.ogg 10 Songs for the New Depression: Loudon Wainwright III at Record Collector Category:2010 albums Category:2010s concept albums Category:Loudon Wainwright III albums Category:Pop rock albums by American artists Category:Proper Records albums