I lied to you, dear listener, when I said I would not delve into the issues surrounding the indictment of a former president, because, you see, I couldn’t help myself. The lawyer in me got the better of me, so I took some time to share my thoughts on Ford pardoning Nixon, holding presidents accountable for their crimes (of course, the song I meant to refer to here is “Clampdown,” not “London Calling”), and the many, many examples from my home state of governors, legislators, and, yes, even a sitting supreme court justice, having cuffs slapped on them and being led off to jail. 

But, as David Letterman would say, that’s not why you called. So I also talk about Bruce Springsteen, the Clash, and the previously unknown assertion (unknown to me, that is) that The River was a response to London Calling and that Sandinista! was a response to The River. Who knew. And then, because I cannot let a certain congressperson’s defamation of New York go unchallenged, I delve into the Clash’s love affair with Gotham and my own fondness for it, too, before turning to a great, seriously underrated New York artist: Garland Jeffreys.

Garland Jeffreys is the definition of “great artist, good people.” He’s been Coney Island’s number one troubadour — to me, any way — since “Wild in the Streets” in the ’70s and Escape Artist in the early ’80s. I was fortunate enough to connect with him through social media when he made his comeback in 2011 with the fantastic album, The King of In Between, and that’s been one of the most rewarding experiences of the past decade. My wife and I have seen him play in Chicago many times, and we traveled to New York for his 2019 farewell concert that featured an all-star cast including Vernon Reid, Chuck Prophet, Laurie Anderson, and Ivan Julian, among others. 

Even better, we’ve had the opportunity to chat with and get to know Garland and his lovely wife, Claire, and they’re just great people. All I can tell you is this: If you don’t know his music, get to know it. You will not be disappointed.

And while we’re on the subject, Garland and Claire are producing a documentary on his life and music called, Garland Jeffreys: The King of In Between, which should be out soon. Please check out the film’s website and donate to the cause, because this is a story that must be told!

Anyway, please give this week’s show a listen and share your thoughts in the comments below. And remember, as Joe always said, “Without people, you’re nothing.”